Caring for our woodlands: How we are conserving Plymouth’s lungs

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Join the Plymouth Natural Grid Project to discover how we are conserving our woodlands around the home of the Community Forest

Join the Plymouth Natural Grid Project to discover how we are conserving our woodlands around the home of the Community Forest. Explore Derriford Community Park’s nature reserves and gain insight into different woodland habitats from ancient woodlands to wet woodlands.

Along the way, you’ll gain insight into the conservation techniques we’re using to support biodiversity and long-term woodland health, including:

Habitat and biodiversity management
Hedgerow restoration and mixed scrub development
Conservation grazing
Woodland thinning and coppicing
Veteran Tree management
Creating deadwood habitats and caring for veteran trees
Riparian improvements with leaky woody structures and dams
Pond and wetland restoration
Carbon sequestration

Whether you're a nature enthusiast or just curious about how local woodlands are being cared for, this is a great chance to learn, explore, and connect with the landscape.

Photo credit: Chris Parkes

Sessions: There are two sessions: 10:30am to 12:30pm and 2:00pm to 4:00pm - select which session you prefer on the Eventbrite ticket page, link below.

Important Information:

Kids: We require a minimum ratio of 1 adult for every 3 children to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Meeting point: Poole Farm, Leigham, Plymouth PL6 8NF.

What 3 Words: tins.length.bucket

Parking: Free parking in the Rydal Close, PL6 8NF parking area. Find here.

What to Bring: Suitable footwear (walking boots or wellies), outdoor wear (we recommend layers and waterproof clothing if needed), a water bottle, and any snacks you might want to stay energized during the walk.

Toilets: There are toilets on site

Weather Considerations: Please be prepared for an outdoor adventure! We’ll be outside for most of the session, exploring the beaver's habitat and seeing firsthand how they’ve shaped their surroundings.

How to get here: Take the 50/51 bus to Keswick Crescent and it is a five minute walk down to the farm entrance. The 27 bus goes to Childrey gardens and it is a ten minute walk down to the farm. We have a bike shed so you can cycle in but remember to bring your own lock. If you live locally you can walk in through any of the three surrounding nature reserves. Have a look at our new map on the website here: Poole Farm | PLYMOUTH.GOV.UK