New hedgerow planted on Dartmoor to boost wildlife and community involvement

A major hedgerow planting project has been completed on Dartmoor, with 2,400 plants established at Jubilee Field in Princetown as part of efforts to support nature recovery.
The initiative, led by the Duchy of Cornwall in partnership with Moor Trees, brought together local volunteers, including members of the 1st Plympton Scout Group, over three days of planting which concluded on March 21.
The new hedgerow stretches along a 500-metre historic hedge bank, forming two sides of the popular community field. The Duchy contributed more than £10,000 towards the project, funding plastic-free planting methods, volunteer days and wider habitat restoration work.
Jubilee Field is widely used for recreation and has already shown signs of developing into lowland meadow habitat, with species such as black knapweed, ox-eye daisy and orchids present. Conservationists note that lowland meadow has declined by more than 97 per cent over the past century, while around half of the UK’s hedgerows have been lost in the last 75 years.
The project aims to reverse some of that loss locally by strengthening habitats for wildlife. A mix of native species has been planted, including hawthorn, blackthorn, alder buckthorn, spindle and crab apple, chosen to provide year-round food and shelter for birds, insects and other wildlife.
All planting was carried out using biodegradable guards, stakes and ties, avoiding the use of plastic and reducing long-term 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, added: “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, also joined volunteers during the planting.
“I was really pleased to join member 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, leader of the 1st Plympton Scouts, said the project had been a fitting way to mark the group’s milestone anniversary.
“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.”
Organisers hope the new hedgerow will flourish in the coming years, enhancing biodiversity while providing a lasting environmental and community legacy on Dartmoor.