Dartmoor Wet Woodland Project

Action for Wildlife Partnership (AFW) has recently launched the Dartmoor Wet Woodland Project, with the aims of raising awareness of this important habitat and encouraging favourable management. Initial target areas include the Tavy valley near Horndon and the Bovey valley near Manaton but we are happy to help anywhere within the national park.

Wet woodland is a priority habitat in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan because of losses in its extent.  Dartmoor has about 800 known areas of wet woodland but all of these together add up to only 1,150 acres, less than 5% of the woodland on Dartmoor. Most are tiny, some as little as a quarter of an acre in size.

Dartmoor’s wet woodlands support alder or willow species and are home to characteristic wildlife including otters, specialist invertebrates and plants including royal fern and declining birds such as willow tits. These woodlands are usually small and vulnerable to loss, so retaining existing areas and enhancing management is very worthwhile. Even a small extension of a quarter of an acre in a damp field, for example, may be extremely valuable, especially if it serves to link a wet woodland area to other valuable habitats nearby.

Wet woodland will often be part of a mosaic of valuable wildlife habitats found within a valley system, including rhôs pasture and ancient woodland. It is important not to create one valuable habitat at the expense of another.  AFW can help support all wetland habitats. AFW works closely with the Two Moors Threatened Butterfly Project (external website, opens new window) to ensure that new wet woodland does not negatively affect important areas for endangered butterflies, which often share the same valleys.

AFW can visit to explain more about wet woodland and what can be done to create, extend or link up areas to benefit wildlife. For land not in an agri-environment scheme, AFW may be able to provide or access funds for improvement works. For those landowners within an agri-environment scheme, Natural England advisors will also be able to visit and advise you on your management options for this habitat.

If you would like more information on the Dartmoor Wet Woodland Project please contact the Biodiversity Officer, AFW on 01626 831027 or email fcooper@dartmoor.gov.uk

Dartmoor Wet Woodland Leaflet (PDF Help 395kb)