The challenges our woodlands are facing are mounting - and so is the need for action  

• Invasive tree diseases,
• Destructive wildfires and extreme storms,
• Pressures from building development
• The unpredictability of a changing climate disturbing the dependability of nature’s seasons, bringing long droughts and early ‘false’ autumns.

To help these special places withstand the shocks and pressures of tree diseases, fire, storms, building development and a changing climate, we urgently need to invest in their care. 

Dormice: Devon’s woodland nature reserves remain a stronghold for this charming mouse which is struggling to find a home elsewhere. Trees provide them with snug nest holes to spend their sleepy winters in, while tree buds, fruits and nuts give dormice a life-sustaining supply of fattening food. 

Pied flycatchers: this beautiful little bird travels all the way from tropical Africa to spend each spring and summer with us. We have installed hundreds of nest boxes at our woodland nature reserves to help them raise their chicks. 

Brown Hairstreak: A truly lovely butterfly that has been significantly affected by the loss of Ash trees (due to Ash Dieback disease), as their chosen tree to breed and reside in. They then lay their eggs on young fresh Blackthorn hedgerows and bushes. An increasingly rare butterfly to see but one that we are working hard to preserve across our woodland reserves. 

(image Dave Gregory)