More than 5,000 acorns picked at ancient woodland

More than 5,000 acorns have been picked up by volunteers at an ancient woodland on Dartmoor.

Twenty-seven people joined Moor Trees and The Duchy of Cornwall to carry out the work at Wistman's Wood on Sunday.

Earlier this year the Duchy of Cornwall announced plans to double the size of the woods by 2040.

The collection of acorns was the initial step in bolstering the existing woodland, helping to protect the genetic diversity found within.

The expansion plan, which has been in the making for more than two years, works with natural processes to enhance the surrounding areas.

The acorns, along with rowan seeds gathered last month from the site, have been taken to Moor Trees' Dartington Community Tree Nursery to be processed for germination.

They will stay at the nursery for two years before being brought back to the site and planted on the periphery of the woodland and the valley opposite.

Helen Aldis, Chief Executive at Moor Trees, said: "It was an incredible turn-out on Sunday and we were fully booked with local people from the community wanting to be part of this special project.

"Everyone had different reasons for why they wanted to volunteer and also shared stories and memories of special times in the ancient woodland."

Geraint Richards, Head Forester at The Duchy of Cornwall and to HM The King, said: "Wistman's Wood is a rare survivor of the type of woodland that would have once been commonplace on Dartmoor.

"We are excited to see this positive action taking place to expand this special habitat and look forward to seeing the gathered acorns germinate, grow and eventually be planted out to expand Wistman's Wood."

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