Sharpham Trust in partnership with Ambios Ltd celebrate planting 3,000 trees

This winter marked a major milestone for The Sharpham Trust and Ambios as nearly 3,000 trees were planted as part of the Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest project across 10 hectares of land, supported by the energy and dedication of hundreds of volunteers, trainees, and local community members.

This was the first full winter planting season for the initiative, which aims to capture carbon by restoring and rewilding land into thriving wood pasture habitat. This tree planting scheme is supported by the Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest project through the ‘Trees for Climate’ fund as part of the Department for Environment, Food, & Rural Affairs (Defra) ‘Nature for Climate’ fund. Months of groundwork—including mapping, equipment preparation, hedge bank
construction, and old fence removal—laid the foundation for what became a season of remarkable collaboration and ecological action

“The enthusiasm and commitment from everyone involved has been extraordinary,” said Jack Skuse, Director of Nature Recovery specialist organisation Ambios. “We’ve had such a wide range of people join us—from school groups and local families, to environmental youth leaders from Plymouth and national organisations such as St Ethelburga’s Centre. Each person has contributed something meaningful to the land and the legacy of this project.”

The trees, grown locally by Moor Trees and Tamar Trees nurseries, were planted during their dormant season to reduce transplant shock and encourage healthy establishment. The planting design focused on enhancing biodiversity and natural connectivity, including standalone in-field trees, dense woodland edge zones, and traditional Devon-style hedgerows built onto raised earth banks. These corridors will serve as valuable habitats and seed banks, supporting a wide range of wildlife and helping to connect fragmented ecosystems.

In total, 27 species of tree were planted across the site, enriching the landscape with a mix of habitats that reflect natural succession and encourage species diversity. As the winter planting season winds down, Ambios continues its work through training programmes and a vibrant volunteer group, ensuring that momentum for the project remains strong.

“There’s another year to go, and another 2,600 trees to plant,” said Izzy Bloomfield, Tree Planting and Logistics Officer on the project. “We’re incredibly grateful to all who’ve joined us so far, and we’re always looking for more people to get involved in practical, hands-on nature recovery.”

To learn more about the Sharpham Trust and Ambios Community Forest project or to volunteer, please visit https://www.ambios.net/community-forest/