15 Apr 2025

In March 2025, the Countryside Team launched a new volunteer initiative, the ‘Working Wednesday Group’, and it’s already making a big impact.

Since its launch, the group has supported a range of important projects, including preparing the new Clyst Meadows Country Park ahead of its opening later this year. Volunteers have also helped in the production of Wild East Devon charcoal.

Last week, the team took on the task of removing over 1,000 tree guards from a young woodland near Clyst Honiton. The effort was led by Nature Reserves Ranger Ben Morgan-Brown, in collaboration with Paul Osborne, Green Infrastructure Project Manager, and Simon Bates of the National Trust Killerton Estate, who helped plant the woodland six years ago.

Tree guard removal is a key part of long-term tree care. If left too long, the plastic guards can hinder tree growth, often splitting and adding unnecessary plastic waste into the environment.

The woodland, which was planted as part of the Clyst Great Trees project with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, features native species including birch, alder, willow, and oak, and is located at Mosshayne Farm within the Clyst Valley Regional Park.

Once removed Ben delivered the tree guards to DCW Polymers in Exeter, where they will be repurposed into durable outdoor furniture and dog agility equipment, giving the plastic a second life.

Want to get involved? Visit wildeastdevon.co.uk/volunteering to find out how you can join the Working Wednesday volunteer group.