Trees in East Devon
Trees are of vital importance to the East Devon landscape and make a positive contribution to the character of the countryside and our towns and villages. By enriching our surroundings and creating a more aesthetic living environment, trees are instrumental in enhancing quality of life. Apart from their visual amenity value, trees provide shade, help to absorb noise and provide a habitat for wildlife. The more general environmental benefits of trees include the filtering of air borne pollutants and the net production of oxygen.
The District of East Devon is well blessed in terms of its rural and urban tree cover. The majority of Devon hedgerows and banks contain large, prominent specimens which have either been permitted to mature unhindered or have been subject to the ancient practice of pollarding in order to provide timber and fodder. There are some notable ancient trees within the District which are of particular importance in terms of their ecological, aesthetic and cultural value.
There are also a great many woodlands and forests dispersed throughout the district. Some are relatively newly created, having been planted purely for the production of timber, whilst others are classified as ancient woodland, providing a specialised habitat that supports a diverse range of wildlife.
People come to East Devon largely for its beautiful wooded environment. You could be one of the more fortunate people to own one or more important trees.
Click here for information and guidance about the possible consequences of living with trees that are protected by a tree preservation order (TPO) or are in a Conservation Area.
