Trees outside woodland

Given the huge value of trees, momentum is building nationally and across Devon to increase tree cover, including trees outside woodland. Although this is largely driven by climate change, there is growing awareness and appreciation of the many other benefits trees provide. Community groups, local authorities and other organisations across Devon are actively looking for opportunities to increase tree cover and ensure that trees that do need to be felled are replaced. This interest provides a huge opportunity to plant more trees. However it is important to ensure that new tree planting complements and supports other existing wildlife-rich habitats and species. See Where to focus action below for more information.

There are significant opportunities to improve how trees (and other wildlife habitats) are retained, protected and established via the design and construction of new developments and infrastructure projects. This must be done to make the most of their many benefits, such as reducing noise and air pollution, flood control, providing shade and contact with nature. 

There are proven financial and environmental benefits from having more trees on farms. In fields and hedges they help to stabilise land, retain water and provide shade and shelter. When they’re planted in more structured patterns on grazed land (known as silvopastureA system that combines trees with grazing land. More) or arable land (known as silvoarable) fruit and timber trees can be an integral part of a productive farming, bringing financial gain while supporting nature recovery.

In urban areas many of the largest trees date back to the Victorian era, when space for large species such as plane, chestnut and oak was easier to find. New trees must be established to ensure the continuity and resilience of this tree cover.   

The Woodland Trust, in partnership with American Forests and the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare, have mapped urban areas which have significantly low tree numbers (considered to have low tree equity for both wildlife and people) and there are opportunities to increase trees in these areas. See Find out more for more information.

Many trees outside woodlands, especially in towns and villages, are managed to some extent, for example to maintain safety and visibility or reduce nuisance, damage and subsidence. Done well, management can enhance the health, longevity and appearance of trees and ensure the continuity of tree populations. However, when done badly it can worsen safety and nuisance issues and shorten the life of the tree. Widespread adoption of best practice tree management will support nature recovery and be cost effective.

It’s vital that tree management is carried out at the right time of year, both for the health of the tree and to minimise impacts on wildlife (including meeting legislative requirements). For example, wherever possible nesting birds and roosting bats should not be disturbed.

Native trees and other wildlife have evolved together and retaining, replacing and increasing native trees must be a priority. However there are opportunities to grow a wide range of non-native and ornamental species that support wildlife and are better able to cope with changing conditions as a result of climate change. In urban areas a wide range of tree species can lower temperatures, control pollution and reduce water flow. In farmed landscapes tree species can be chosen for the fruit, fodderFood, such as hay or silage, for cattle and other farm animals. More and shade they provide. 

Funding is available from DEFRA, the Forestry Commission and organisations such as the Woodland Trust to support planting trees outside woodland. Local partnerships such as Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest and North Devon Biosphere are helping to facilitate the establishment of trees.