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South West partnership aims to boost Temperate Rainforest by 130 acres

View from the North East corner of Haddon Hill, Somerset. Image: SERC

Somerset Wildlife Trust, Exmoor National Park Authority and Aviva have teamed up to transform a site on Exmoor into nature-rich, native woodland.

Somerset Wildlife Trust and Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA), with the support of Aviva, the UK’s leading diversified insurer, have purchased 130 acres of land in Exmoor National Park to create more Temperate Rainforest.  

This transformative project will see a new 50 hectares woodland comprised of oak, hazel, lime and alder. It will connect smaller isolated clumps, copses and hedges to larger ancient woodland to create an extensive and dynamic wildlife rich landscape – a new temperate rainforest supporting a distinctive woodland ecology. 

Not only is this a huge opportunity for wildlife, but once matured, it is also predicted that the site will generate a carbon return of 16,884 (tCO2e). That’s the equivalent CO2 emissions as 3,670 petrol-powered passenger vehicles driven continuously for a full year.  

This ambitious native woodland-expansion project is inspired by nature, designed and developed by ENPA and created by skilled local contractors, will also need help from volunteers as it takes form. 

View from the Western corner of Haddon Hill, Somerset

View from the Western corner of Haddon Hill, Somerset. Image: SERC

Typical Temperate Rainforest Species

Typical Temperate Rainforest Species. Image: Bowden Pillars Volunteers, Caitlin Kennedy.

Typical Temperate Rainforest Species.

Typical Temperate Rainforest Species. Image: Caitlin Kennedy.

View from the North East corner of Haddon Hill, Somerset

View from the North East corner of Haddon Hill, Somerset. Image: SERC

James Grischeff, Director of Nature Recovery at Somerset Wildlife Trust said: “Rainforests are one of the most biodiverse habitats in the UK. Creating and restoring Temperate Rainforest, will improve ecosystem connectivity, enabling species to move more freely, access resources, and adapt to environmental change.” 

Clare Reid, Head of Climate, Nature and Communities at Exmoor National Park Authority said: “Exmoor has an exceptional woodland heritage, and it’s fantastic to be working in partnership with Somerset Wildlife Trust to create new Temperate Rainforest for future generations. This will help to kick-start delivery of the ambitious plans in the Exmoor National Park Management Plan to increase tree canopy and woodland cover by 3% (2,080 ha) by 2030.” 

Claudine Blamey, Chief Sustainability Officer at Aviva said: “Exmoor has an exceptional woodland heritage, and it’s fantastic to be working in partnership with Somerset Wildlife Trust to create new Temperate Rainforest for future generations. This will help to kick-start delivery of the ambitious plans in the Exmoor National Park Management Plan to increase tree canopy and woodland cover by 3 percent (2,080 hectares) by 2030.”

Press Office

SWT Press Office: Victoria Beard | victoria.beard@somersetwildlife.org | 07547 409 934 

ENPA Press Office: Caroline Cook | CCook@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk | 01398 322244 

About Somerset Wildlife Trust

About Somerset Wildlife Trust: 

Somerset Wildlife Trust is a nature conservation charity. Its purpose is to restore and protect the populations of species across the county and the habitats they call home. Climate change is one of the greatest threats to nature, natural habitats and the ecosystems that support our life on earth.  Our aims are to help address both the ecological and climate crises and put nature back into people’s lives. 

Nature reserves and protected sites on their own are not enough. In order to reverse the decline in species’ diversity and abundance, and create resilient landscapes and habitats for wildlife and for people that can adapt to climate change, we need to:  

  • Encourage and support landowners to manage their land positively for nature; create more space for nature
  • Connect wildlife-rich spaces across the wider landscape to create a robust Nature Recovery Network for Somerset
  • Create a movement of people – at least 1 in 4 – that take action for nature’s recovery across Somerset as part of Team Wilder 

Nationally, the Wildlife Trusts are calling for at least 30% of land to be managed positively for nature by 2030. What we do in Somerset must contribute to that national ambition. You can read our full strategy here.

 

 

About Exmoor National Park Authority

First designated in 1954, Exmoor National Park has an amazing variety of landscapes within its 267 square miles – stunning coast, moorland, woodland, valleys and farmland and more than 800 miles of rights of way to enjoy. It is one of 15 National Parks in the United Kingdom and in 2011 was designated Europe’s first International Dark Sky Reserve. Exmoor National Park Authority works in partnership with the community, local councils, businesses and other organisations to look after the National Park and promote its conservation and enjoyment. Donations to CareMoor for Exmoor are gratefully received towards the upkeep of the National Park and its special qualities. 

About Aviva

Aviva is the UK's leading diversified insurer, operating in the UK, Ireland and Canada. They also have international investments in India and China. They help their 25.3 million customers make the most out of life, plan for the future, and have the confidence that if things go wrong, they'll be there to put it right. They have been taking care of people for more than 325 years, in line with their purpose of being 'with you today, for a better tomorrow'. In 2024, they paid £31.9 billion in claims and benefits to their customers. For more details, visit www.aviva.com/about-us.  In September 2026, Aviva launched the Rainforest Explorers Photography Competition, which invites children to visit and photograph one of the UK’s temperate rainforests. For full details and how to enter, visit: www.aviva.com/rainforest-explorers.  

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