Willow trees on Prince William’s land in Devon poisoned with herbicide
Exclusive: Unknown culprit suspected of spraying glyphosate on protected trees hoped to stop peat erosion and flooding
Trees planted as part of a nature restoration project on Prince William’s land in Dartmoor national park have been deliberately poisoned with herbicide, sparking outrage and a hunt for the culprit.
The willow trees, on Duchy of Cornwall land, were planted as part of a project to stop peat erosion, store carbon and reduce the risk of flooding.
The area where they are planted is protected as a site of special scientific interest (SSSI), and they were located within fenced exclosures to protect them from livestock grazing on the surrounding common, known as the Forest of Dartmoor.
However, someone has killed the trees, apparently by spraying them with a potent herbicide, which experts believe is glyphosate.
A Natural England spokesperson confirmed that an investigation into the tree poisoning was under way, but said no further comment could be provided.
Peatland, which is an important habitat and carbon storage source, is degraded across the UK because of drainage and burning. The planting of willow trees can help prevent it from being eroded and washed away, because they have complex root systems that anchor the soil.
Guy Shrubsole, the author of The Lost Rainforests of Britain, said: “This is an outrageous act of sabotage, one which points a dagger at the heart of efforts to restore nature in this part of the country.
“Dartmoor’s commons are virtually treeless already – a result of centuries of overgrazing by sheep. To see even these tentative efforts at restoring trees subjected to deliberate vandalism is deeply disturbing, as is the failure so far to uncover the culprit.
“Such wanton criminal damage must be publicly condemned by all common graziers, farmers and conservationists. Dartmoor stands at a critical juncture: do we choose to breathe life back into this landscape, or let it die?”
The Duchy of Cornwall has reacted with dismay to the news. Emma Magee, its head of communities and nature, said: “We are committed to working with our partners to secure a better future for Dartmoor, and this recent action does not represent the collective commitment of Dartmoor’s community to achieve this. Woodland expansion alongside peatland restoration is central to a restored landscape across Dartmoor.”
A spokesperson for the South West Peatland Partnership, which funded the tree planting, said: “Any use of herbicide on the common land and legally protected habitats of Dartmoor is an attack on those that live, work, enjoy and rely on these landscapes. An attack on everyone working year-round together using public money to restore our peatlands, rebuild vanished habitats, and support nature recovery alongside sustainable farming practices.
“Planting trees on Dartmoor is key to wetland function and is backed by scientific and historical evidence. We will replant the vandalised areas as soon as possible.”