About the event

Devon Wildlife Trust will begin creating Atlantic rainforest at a new site called Bowden Pillars thanks to a long-term partnership with Aviva.

The 30-hectare (75 acre) site is located close to the market town of Totnes. Its position on the edges of the Dart river valley provides wonderful views of South Devon and Dartmoor. Devon Wildlife Trust has secured a 105-year lease which will allow it to plant two-thirds of the land with native species trees to create new rainforest.

Tree planting at Bowden Pillars Farm is the first project in the South West of England to receive support from the Aviva fund. Devon Wildlife Trust will create new rainforest close to existing examples of the ancient, wooded landscapes in the Dart Valley and on the southern edges of Dartmoor.

Devon Wildlife Trust will involve communities in and around Totnes in the rainforest recovery project, who will benefit from increased access to nature, volunteering, educational and employment opportunities.

This woodland creation work is part of a wider partnership centred on Bowden Pillars Farm. Other aspects to the project include establishing a regenerative farm. The reforested landscape will sit perfectly alongside these other features, creating a truly holistic community based on the principles of living in balance with the natural environment.

The walk will be lead by Claire Inglis, Reserves Officer (Monitoring) at Devon Wildlife Trust.

Photo credit: Strutt & Parker