Mandy Ewings: New community woodland is growing a legacy for future generations

As the Leader of West Devon Borough Council, Cllr Mandy Ewings is passionate about championing the borough’s communities, supporting sustainable growth and ensuring West Devon remains a thriving place to live, work and visit. In this month’s column, Mandy reflects on the new community woodland project off Crowndale Road, in Tavistock.

There are some projects that come along that feel genuinely special, and our plan to create Tavistock’s first community woodland is certainly one of them.

I am absolutely delighted that West Devon Borough Council has been able to secure more than seven hectares of land near Crowndale for the woodland. This is an exciting opportunity not only for people living in Tavistock today, but for future generations who will be able to enjoy this beautiful space for decades to come.

I visited the site in September on a sunny evening, and it’s stunning. Bordered by Tavistock Canal, with views towards Shillamill Viaduct and the moors, it’s within walking distance of the town, giving many people the opportunity to enjoy woodland close to home. Simply put, it’s the perfect setting for a community woodland that will become a cherished part of our town.

I love that this project is about so much more than planting trees. It’s about creating a place where people can walk, take time out from their busy lives, enjoy nature and build a stronger connection with the beautiful landscape surrounding our town.

What makes the project even more remarkable is that nature has already made a start.

Following a break from grazing and hay cutting, and after an exceptional year for acorn production, young oak tree saplings are already springing up across the site. Rather than having to rely on large-scale tree planting, we can work with nature and allow much of the woodland to develop through natural regeneration.

It’s an inspiring approach. Trees that grow naturally are often better adapted to local conditions, helping to create a resilient environment adaptive to the changing climate and challenges we increasingly face, including drier, hotter summers. Sometimes, the best thing we can do is to let nature lead the way.

The benefits of the project will be far-reaching. The woodland will support biodiversity, strengthen wildlife habitats and contribute to nature recovery here in West Devon. At the same time, it creates new opportunities for recreation and wellbeing.

Our vision for the woodland includes a circular walking route, seating areas and interpretation panels that tell the story of the landscape. The historic stone-faced hedge bank that are part of the area’s rich heritage will also be restored, feeding into our area’s rural character.

The woodland will not appear overnight. Like all the best things in nature, it will grow slowly and steadily over time. But that’s why it’s so exciting – we are planting the seeds, literally, for a legacy that our children and grandchildren will inherit and enjoy.

I’m eager to watch the woodland flourish in the years to come, and I am incredibly proud that the council has taken this important step towards creating something truly special for the people of Tavistock and West Devon.