Euroforest is proud to lead the reforestation and restoration of Dubbers Dam, a former china clay quarry near St Austell, Cornwall. Known locally as the “Cornish Alps” for its rugged, reshaped topography, the site is a dramatic example of how disused industrial land can be revitalised through thoughtful woodland design and expert land management.
The project covers a gross area of 90 hectares, with 50 hectares now successfully planted. This initiative is transforming a legacy mining site into a diverse and resilient mosaic of woodland and heathland habitats. It stands as one of the most ambitious woodland restoration efforts in the South West, showcasing the potential of forestry to address environmental challenges while creating long-term value for both people and nature.
The primary objective at Dubbers Dam is to reclaim a heavily modified and ecologically barren site and convert it into a productive, biodiverse woodland landscape. This transformation supports both ecological recovery and sustainable land use. A significant portion—30 hectares—has been planted with conifer species, intended for future timber production and contributing to the UK's long-term supply of homegrown wood. In addition, 20 hectares have been established with native broadleaf species to promote biodiversity, enhance natural regeneration, and support a wider ecological network.
A key innovation in this project is the use of engineered soils, created by blending recycled waste materials and compost. These soils provide the foundation for successful tree growth and long-term forest health, illustrating how circular economy principles can be integrated into practical land restoration.
Working within a disused quarry presented a range of unique technical and safety-related challenges. The site’s industrial past required strict compliance with health and safety regulations, particularly when operating in and around deep excavation zones and uneven terrain. Despite these limitations, Euroforest’s silviculture team worked closely with the site operator and other stakeholders to design and deliver a tailored woodland plan.
The terrain itself was complex—undulating, steep in places, and composed of engineered soils with variable structure and moisture retention. Our teams adapted to this by modifying planting techniques, selecting tree species appropriate for different soil profiles, and ensuring that each area of the site was planted in a way that maximised establishment success while maintaining future accessibility for management and harvesting.
With the initial planting now complete across the 50-hectare net area, the focus has shifted to active management and maintenance. This includes ongoing monitoring of young tree establishment, controlling invasive species to protect native regeneration, and managing adjacent heathland areas which are crucial for supporting regional biodiversity.
The long-term vision is to create a self-sustaining, multifunctional landscape that balances commercial forestry with conservation goals. This includes maintaining habitat mosaics and ensuring that the site remains ecologically dynamic and resilient to future climate pressures.
Dubbers Dam exemplifies the potential for forestry to deliver real environmental, economic, and social benefits. By transforming post-industrial land into a functioning woodland, this project contributes to national goals around carbon sequestration, timber security, and biodiversity restoration. It also provides a model for future land reclamation efforts, showing what can be achieved through collaboration, innovation, and expert woodland planning.
Learn more about our silviculture and woodland creation services at https://www.euroforest.co.uk/silviculture
