Thousands of trees planted at Plymouth Defence Munitions site in collaborative scheme

Thousands of trees are being planted at the Defence Munitions site in Plymouth as part of a unique collaboration between the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the Ministry of Justice (MoJ). Defence Minister Luke Pollard MP marked the start of the initiative by planting one of the first saplings, with a target of 30,000 trees set to be planted in the near future. The project represents a significant step towards both environmental sustainability and prisoner rehabilitation, benefiting both the community and the nation.
The trees, grown across four UK prisons as part of the MoJ’s rehabilitation programme, were supplied to the MOD at cost value, saving taxpayers money. The programme not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also offers prisoners the chance to develop valuable skills and qualifications, supporting their successful reintegration into society.
The Defence Munitions site, which plays a key role in ensuring the Royal Navy’s ships are adequately supplied with ammunition, now also serves as a location for this environmental initiative.
Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard MP, said: “I am delighted to see the MOD and MoJ working together to support the rehabilitation of prisoners and improve the biodiversity in Plymouth while keeping our nation safe. National security is the foundation of this government’s missions, and we will continue to ensure we are safe at home – delivering on our Plan for Change.”
Lord Timpson, Minister for Prisons, Probation, and Reducing Reoffending, spoke of the benefits for the prisoners involved, saying: "This exciting collaboration is giving prisoners the opportunity to gain new skills, making them more employable while also contributing to the fight against climate change. Knowing that their hard work is making a tangible difference is incredibly empowering and motivating, fostering a sense of purpose and self-worth. This is vital for their successful reintegration into society and to help reduce reoffending.”
The saplings planted as part of the initiative include a variety of native broadleaves, conifers, Western Red Cedar, and Coastal Redwood. Prisoners at HMP North Sea Camp, HMP Haverigg, HMP Huntercombe, and HMP Wymott have been responsible for nurturing the trees, regularly watering, weeding, and feeding them throughout their growth.
Lucy de Vial, DE&S Net Zero Carbon Project Manager, commented: “We are immensely proud to be working with the Ministry of Justice in our mission to address growing climate change concerns. We are the first, and so far only, Government department to purchase MoJ saplings on this scale, supporting the continuation of this scheme that has already had a very positive effect on those participating.”
The project has also received support from the Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest (PSDCF), a partnership between local councils, the National Trust, and the Woodland Trust. The PSDCF awarded DE&S a grant of up to £300,000 from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) Nature for Climate fund to assist with the tree planting and its maintenance over the next 10 years.
Mel Downer, MoJ OGD Senior National Lead Manager, explained the broader impact of the initiative: “We work closely with businesses to ensure the in-demand skills developed through this scheme match their needs, which increases prisoners’ employment opportunities on release and reduces the likelihood of reoffending. Growing and caring for seeds and saplings has also supported their mental health through spending time outside, learning about and investing in nature, which is hugely beneficial.”
DE&S’ long-term goal is to plant over 600,000 trees across the wider MOD estate, helping to protect sites from climate change while enhancing environmental resilience. The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) Technical Services Forestry Team has developed a woodland creation design for the project, with Vivo and its subcontractor, Pryor & Rickett Silviculture, now leading the planting efforts. Over the coming months, the focus will shift to the installation of mulch mats, followed by mowing, weeding, and ongoing maintenance to ensure the trees thrive.