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IMC134: Restoring Native Woodlands with Moor Trees

In this episode, Ben discusses his recent charity walk on Dartmoor with Helen Aldis, the Chief Executive of Moor Trees. They delve into the mission and activities of Moor Trees, a Devon-based charity focused on restoring native woodlands in the UK. Helen shares insights about the charity’s origins, ongoing projects, and the importance of tree planting for environmental conservation.

Notes

Introduction to the Charity Walk

  • Ben’s walk in May with a friend to support Moor Trees.

About Moor Trees

  • Helen Aldis introduces herself and Moor Trees.
  • The charity’s 25-year history and focus on restoring native woodlands.
  • Inspiration from Trees for Life in Scotland.

Current Projects and Initiatives

  • Natural regeneration of ancient woodlands with minimal human intervention.
  • Challenges of working within a farmed landscape like Dartmoor.
  • Importance of local provenance trees and responsible seed gathering.
  • Collaboration with volunteers and landowners for seed gathering and tree planting.

Seed Gathering and Tree Nurseries

  • Detailed process of gathering seeds and growing trees.
  • Importance of biodiversity and resilience in tree planting.
  • Role of community tree nurseries and volunteer involvement.

Strategic Woodland Creation

  • Moor Trees’ approach to working with various landowners.
  • Focus on river valleys and temperate rainforests for strategic planting.
  • Integration of natural flood management into tree planting projects.

Climate Change and Species Diversity

  • Adapting tree planting strategies to a changing climate.
  • Balancing native species with potential new introductions for resilience.
  • Importance of genetic diversity in tree populations.

Details of the Charity Walk

  • Ben’s motivation for the walk and the challenges faced.
  • Personal anecdotes from the week-long walk in Dartmoor.
  • Observations about the landscape, historical paths, and natural beauty of Dartmoor.

Carbon Offsetting and Its Effectiveness

  • Ben’s involvement with carbon offsetting through Small99 and his interest in more direct impact initiatives.
  • Discussion on the value and impact of carbon offset programs, emphasizing the importance of supporting local and well-planned tree planting efforts.

Engaging Local Businesses and Community in Conservation

  • Moor Trees’ initiatives to involve local businesses and volunteers in tree planting and conservation activities.
  • Wild Work Days: opportunities for employees to volunteer and participate in planting events on Dartmoor.

Biodiversity and Long-Term Impact

  • Importance of planting the right trees in the right places to build thriving ecosystems.
  • Success stories and emotional connections of volunteers who see the tangible impact of their efforts over the years.

Woodland Carbon Code

  • Discussion on Woodland Carbon Code as a framework for measuring carbon sequestration by woodlands in the UK.
  • Moor Trees’ interest in participating in carbon credit schemes, allowing businesses to offset their carbon emissions and support reforestation.

Future Plans and Community Engagement

  • Upcoming announcement of a new partnership in August.
  • Annual General Meeting (AGM) and celebration of More Trees’ 25-year anniversary with a visit to the site of their first tree planting.

Helpful Links

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