Community-Led Reforestation at Killerton Estate

Supported by Defra’s Trees for Climate fund, this ambitious project is poised to deliver 93 hectares of woodland and wood pasture across three farms: Elbury Farm, Beare Farm, and Columbjohn Farm.

This initiative reflects the National Trust’s broader vision for land management that addresses the dual challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change while fostering connections between people and nature.

A Vision for Nature and Climate

The project is a cornerstone of the National Trust’s wider efforts to transform the Killerton Estate into a haven for wildlife and a model for sustainable land stewardship. By linking existing habitats across the estate, the new woodlands and wood pastures will create essential corridors for species to forage, nest, and move freely. This interconnected network of habitats will support a wide range of flora and fauna, enhancing biodiversity and improving ecosystem resilience in the region.

Innovative Planting Strategies

The planting approach on the estate combines ecological benefits with long-term timber production. Clusters of oak trees, a key feature of the project, have been planted using varied spacing techniques to create a naturalised aesthetic and optimise outcomes:

• Naturalistic Groupings: Irregularly spaced oak clusters create a wild and diverse woodland appearance, leaving pockets of unkempt grassland to maintain the character of the landscape and provide habitats for ground-nesting species.
• Timber Quality Clusters: Some oak trees have been planted in tight clusters to encourage upward growth. The tighter spacing limits lateral branching, resulting in straighter stems and higher-grade timber with fewer knots—ideal for future sustainable forestry.
• Diverse Oak Matrix: Scattered oaks with wider spacing are designed to develop broader crowns, creating structural diversity within the woodland that supports a variety of wildlife species and architectural appeal.

This innovative strategy ensures the new woodlands are not only visually striking but also economically viable, with timber quality factored into the design without compromising biodiversity.

Engaging Communities and Volunteers

At the heart of the project lies community involvement. Volunteers and local residents have played a key role in planting efforts, fostering a sense of ownership and connection to the land. Improved access and ongoing community engagement initiatives will encourage more people to explore and appreciate the natural world, creating a legacy of stewardship for generations to come.

Looking to the Future

The Killerton Estate reforestation project is an inspiring example of how local partnerships, ecological planning, and community participation can converge to address some of today’s most pressing environmental challenges. As the newly planted woodlands and wood pastures grow and thrive, they will stand as a testament to the power of collaboration in shaping a more sustainable and biodiverse future.

This project aligns perfectly with Euroforest Silviculture’s commitment to supporting innovative, sustainable forestry initiatives. By blending ecological restoration with practical forestry principles, it provides a blueprint for land management projects across the UK and beyond.

Stay tuned as we follow the progress of this exciting initiative and witness the transformative impact it will have on the landscape and the local community.