First 'tiny forest' planted on Devon's major road network

A Devon service station has become the first site on England’s strategic road network to host a "Tiny Forest" in a bid to boost roadside biodiversity.

National Highways has teamed up with the environmental charity Earthwatch Europe to plant the miniature, fast-growing native woodland at the A30 Sourton Cross services, near Okehampton.

The project uses the Japanese "Miyawaki method," which involves dense planting to encourage trees to grow up to ten times faster than traditional plantations.

Project leaders say the 200-square-metre plot will act as a "vibrant habitat" for butterflies, birds, and bees while providing a green screen for motorists taking a break from the dual carriageway.

While National Highways is more commonly associated with tarmac and traffic cones, the agency said the project was part of a wider commitment to plant hundreds of thousands of trees by 2030.

Ben Hewlett, Senior Environmental Advisor at National Highways, said the trial would test new techniques to help trees establish themselves in difficult environments.

"Our work goes beyond operating, maintaining and improving roads," he said. "The Sourton project will bring significant benefits in terms of biodiversity... [and] enhance the experience for all visitors using our well-used service area."

A total of 375 trees and shrubs were planted by community volunteers from the Okehampton area. The selection includes native species known to thrive in the Devon climate, such as oak, birch, hawthorn, and hazel.

Tiny Forests are designed to be self-sustaining after three years. Proponents of the method claim the dense nature of the woodland helps to store carbon more effectively and mitigate localised flooding and heat stress.

Earthwatch Europe, which has overseen the planting of more than 300 similar plots across the UK since 2020, will monitor the development of the Sourton site.

Grace Gale, Project Manager at Earthwatch, said the initiative was about more than just ecology.

"It’s vital that we give people the knowledge and skills to protect our natural world and inspire them to take positive action from a young age," she said.

The project was funded through National Highways’ Innovation and Research designated fund, with trees provided via a partnership with The Tree Council and Greenwood Plants.