The act of planting a tree is almost universally celebrated as being one of the most accessible and effective “green activities” we – or anyone – can participate in. However, as ecology is interconnected, our work should not simply stop there.
In partnership with the Westcountry Rivers Trust, we have committed to transform 30.11 acres of marginal, flood-prone land into a 20-metre-wide riparian buffer strip. Through its coordinated implementation (adjacent to the Rivers Ottery and Caudworthy), we aim to unlock a plethora of additional ecological advantages compared to tree planting per se, thanks to a profoundly positive impact on water quality.
They include:
- Improved connectivity between woodlands
- Increased wildlife habitat
- Reducing the level of pollutants in river
- Positively impacting soil quality
- Reduced rate of soil erosion
- Provision of shade for both wildlife and commercial cattle
- Overall improved water quality
The riparian buffer will provide a multi-dimensional “win-win” for both the surrounding fauna and flora, and the wider environment, owing to the projected improvement in habitat, water and air quality.
