Over 100,000 trees take root at National Trust’s Killerton Estate, as second phase of Community Forest Project gets underway

The National Trust’s Killerton Estate in Devon will see 37,000 new trees planted this winter, as the second phase of its Community Forest Project gets underway, with help from local farmers, schools, volunteers and residents.

Following the success of last winter’s Phase 1, when 70,000 trees were planted with more than 10% carried out by community volunteers and the creation of 6.9km new and enhanced permissive paths, this next stage will extend woodland and wood pasture across the estate enriching the landscape for wildlife, people and farming.

The Community Forest project is delivered in partnership with the Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest [1], with support from Defra’s Trees for Climate programme, and contributes to the National Trust’s ambition to become carbon net zero by 2030. By the end of the decade, over one million trees will have been established at Killerton.

Tim Dafforn, National Trust Countryside Manager at Killerton said:

“This next phase is another big step for Killerton, bringing local people together to create woodlands and wood pasture that support wildlife, store carbon and provide shade for livestock. Just as importantly, we’re improving access so more communities can explore these new spaces as they grow. When people can enjoy and feel connected to the landscape, farming, nature and community all benefit.”

The Killerton Community Forest Project is as much about people as it is about trees. As part of this investment, 12 km of new and improved permissive paths will create better access to nature for communities in Cranbrook, West Clyst, Cullompton and Exeter.

During Phase 1, groups from Cranbrook Education Campus, Exeter College, and Age UK Devon joined National Trust rangers and tenant farmers to plant trees, nurture young saplings, and monitor their growth. 

Hannah Wickens, Assistant Head Teacher at Cranbrook Education Campus said:

“Our ongoing partnership with the National Trust has given our children an extraordinary opportunity to shape a landscape. The children were proudly the first planters of Phase 2 of Elbury’s future woodland — a moment that connected them to the project in a truly meaningful way. These experiences build confidence, spark imagination and nurture a lifelong sense of stewardship for the natural world.”

That community spirit continues this winter with a series of new planting days over the next few months including:

Saturday 10 January 2026  – community tree planting day (open to all)

Saturday 17 January 2026 – community tree planting day (open to all)

Saturday 18 February 2026 – community tree planting day (open to all)

The new wood pastures on farmland will continue to be grazed by livestock, providing natural shade and shelter for animals while improving soil health and carbon storage. All planting is being carried out in collaboration with tenant farmers, or on land that has returned to Trust management, ensuring the project supports a healthy balance between productive farming and thriving nature.

At sites including Ashclyst, Budlake and Elbury Farms, the tree planting will help connect existing habitats such as ancient woodland and wetlands, while improving water quality, reducing flood risk and creating wildlife corridors for bats, birds and pollinators.