Prince William: Bring back Britain's rainforests
When Prince William became the Duke of Cornwall, he inherited a vast land estate, including ⅓ of Dartmoor. Sadly, for hundreds of years this land has been mismanaged by humans for humans, leaving it damaged and lacking the rich biodiversity it could have. Much of Dartmoor falls within Britain’s ecologically significant ‘rainforest zone’. The lost potential of this land can be seen in the awe-inspiring fragments of temperate rainforest at Wistman’s Wood (above) and Black Tor Copse (areas festooned with lichens and soaked in mythology).
“But just as President John F. Kennedy had faith that humankind could put a man on the moon, I have the same faith today that we can repair and regenerate our planet in this critical decade.”
Prince William speaking at Earthshot 2022
Prince William speaking at Earthshot 2022
Prince William, who has been outspoken about environmental issues, is now in a unique position, he has the power to manage this land differently. He has an opportunity to lead and inspire other large landowners, including his dad, the King, by rewilding Dartmoor as an example.
The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. We urgently need to restore nature and tackle the climate crisis. Rewilding Dartmoor can do this. We have some of the best climatic conditions for temperate rainforests in Europe, as a result the UK has an international responsibility to manage these scarce areas of potential and to allow them to restore to their former glory.
We're simply urging Prince William to allow the fragments on Duchy of Cornwall land to regenerate and spread, allowing Dartmoor to be a great forest once more. By taking simple steps, like fencing off existing areas and allowing it to spread naturally without being grazed by domestic animals would be an undemanding first step.
Farmers, landowners and communities across Devon are already starting work to restore temperate rainforests and, around the country, millions of nature loving brits are doing their bit for wildlife in their own backyard. But with a backyard as big and as ecologically significant as Dartmoor, the benefits for nature and climate would be enormous.
So… Prince William, will you join them and help bring back Britain's rainforests?
The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. We urgently need to restore nature and tackle the climate crisis. Rewilding Dartmoor can do this. We have some of the best climatic conditions for temperate rainforests in Europe, as a result the UK has an international responsibility to manage these scarce areas of potential and to allow them to restore to their former glory.
We're simply urging Prince William to allow the fragments on Duchy of Cornwall land to regenerate and spread, allowing Dartmoor to be a great forest once more. By taking simple steps, like fencing off existing areas and allowing it to spread naturally without being grazed by domestic animals would be an undemanding first step.
Farmers, landowners and communities across Devon are already starting work to restore temperate rainforests and, around the country, millions of nature loving brits are doing their bit for wildlife in their own backyard. But with a backyard as big and as ecologically significant as Dartmoor, the benefits for nature and climate would be enormous.
So… Prince William, will you join them and help bring back Britain's rainforests?
