New life lines Dartmoor field as thousands of hedgerow plants go in

A historic landscape is being stitched back together with thousands of new plants, as a community-driven project aims to turn the tide on decades of environmental decline.

A new hedgerow has been planted at Jubilee Field in Princetown, Dartmoor, with the aim of boosting biodiversity and supporting long-term nature recovery. The initiative brought together the Duchy of Cornwall, environmental charity Moor Trees, local volunteers and young people from the 1st Plympton Scout Group.

Around 2,400 hedging plants have been established along an existing 500-metre hedge bank forming two sides of the field. The work took place over three volunteer days and was completed on Friday, March 21.

Jubilee Field is widely used for recreation and had already begun reverting to lowland meadow habitat, with species such as black knapweed, ox-eye daisy and orchids present. Lowland meadow has declined by more than 97% over the past 100 years, while around half of the UK’s hedgerow has been lost in the last 75 years. The project aims to help reverse that decline locally by enhancing habitats and improving meadow management.

The scheme was supported by more than £10,000 in funding from the Duchy of Cornwall. A mix of traditional and native hedgerow species has been planted, including hawthorn, blackthorn, alder buckthorn, spindle and crab apple, chosen to provide pollen, shelter and food sources throughout the year.

The planting was carried out using biodegradable guards, stakes and ties instead of plastic materials, allowing them to break down naturally over time and reduce environmental impact.

Emma Magee, head of communities and nature for Dartmoor at the Duchy of Cornwall, said: “The Duchy is committed to supporting nature recovery across its communities.

“We are delighted to have partnered with Moor Trees and local volunteers to get trees in the ground at Jubilee Field.

“By restoring hedgerows we are supporting biodiversity, helping people connect with nature, and creating habitat that will benefit both people and wildlife for years to come.”

Dave Lewis, operations manager for Moor Trees, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to the 1st Plympton Scouts, their families and our other volunteers for their time and energy planting trees with Moor Trees and the Duchy of Cornwall.

“The Jubilee Field hedgerow will benefit both the local community and help to restore nature on Dartmoor.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for the Scouts to learn about our native tree species and new skills in creating a healthy hedgerow.

“The enthusiasm and action of these young people strengthens the community both living and spending time on the moors and helps us to breathe more life back into Dartmoor by planting native trees grown in our Community Tree Nurseries.”

Rebecca Smith, member of parliament for South West Devon, said: “I was really pleased to join members of the 1st Plympton Scout Group as they planted 500 trees to mark the 50th anniversary of their Plympton base, Cottles Lodge.

“The group was invited by the Duchy of Cornwall to join in the initiative on Dartmoor and it was fun to pop along to help.

“Projects like this show the difference a community can make when we work together, and it was great to be part of such a hands-on celebration of both our Scouts and the beautiful countryside we’re lucky to call home.”

Steve Edwards, 1st Plympton Scouts leader, said: “1st Plympton Scouts are celebrating 50 years of the building of our Scout hut.

“The chance to take our young people out on to the moors, help the environment and hopefully leave a legacy that will last another 500 years was too good to turn down.

“The Scouts thoroughly enjoy the time outside and adding to a landscape we use regularly is so rewarding and it is great to be able to give them these unique experiences.”