Plans for new 135-hectare woodland in Torridge are announced

A new 135-hectare woodland is set to be created near Hatherleigh, Forestry England has announced.

The agency, which comes under the Forestry Commission umbrella, has revealed the plans as part of its work to plant more trees across England and create long-lasting benefits for wildlife, people, and the climate.

The new woodland will be called Fishleigh Wood and will be created on land recently bought by Forestry England.

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In the years ahead it plans to plant the 135-hectare site with a mix of tree species that will absorb carbon from the atmosphere, enhance the local landscape, and provide important habitat for wildlife.

Above: A gate onto fields that will become part of the new Fishleigh Wood near Hatherleigh. Credit: Forestry England 

In the future, Forestry England says it will also provide a range of other benefits, including improving water quality along the River Torridge and providing a future source of sustainable timber.

Fishleigh Wood will be the second new woodland Forestry England is creating in the area, following the recent announcement of Okement Wood, near Okehampton, just eight miles away.

Together, the two sites will form stepping-stone habitats for wildlife, making it easier for species including birds and mammals to move across the landscape.

As plans for the new woodland develop, it will be speaking to local communities and stakeholders, with opportunities for the public to share their views later this year.

Above: This mature tree will soon be joined by others when planting begins for the new Fishleigh Wood in Devon. Credit: Forestry England

Kevin Stannard, forest management director at Forestry England, said: “Creating this new woodland near Hatherleigh is a positive step forward for woodland habitat in this part of Devon.

“By planting new woodlands close to one another, as we’re doing here, we can help nature recover at a landscape scale, while delivering long-term benefits for future generations.

“We’re at an early stage of the planning process, but we’re excited about the role this new woodland can play for nature and the local community and will be sharing our plans for public feedback in due course.”

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This work is being funded by the government’s Nature for Climate Fund programme and is part of Forestry England’s wider work to create new woodlands across England.

People can find out more about the new Fishleigh Wood at https://www.forestryengland.uk/article/new-woodland-fishleigh-wood