Since 2023, Devon Wildlife Trust has wanted to create a new temperate rainforest on a former 30 hectares of sheep-grazed land at Bowden Pillars.

The charity has just finished planting 17,000 native species trees and shrubs in an initiative between Aviva and The Wildlife Trusts to create temperate rainforests across the UK.

The charity explains, "temperate rainforests are unique ecosystems characterised by their damp and humid conditions. In turn, these can support a rich and unique range of wildlife."

Today, just 1% of temperate rainforests remain, whereas in centuries pat, these landscapes accounted for 20% of Britain's landscapes.

Claire Inglis, Devon Wildlife Trust nature reserve officer comments:

"I’m so proud of what we and local people have created here at Bowden Pillars. The weather hasn’t always been the kindest to us. This past winter has been one of the wettest on record and yet our volunteers have still turned up regularly, while the community planting days we organised also attracted good numbers of local people."

Creating new temperate rainforest is a long-term project, which in years to come, the new nature reserve will provide a haven for animals.