Our Power, Our Planet: Cranbrook Celebrates Major Green Milestone

On Earth Day 2026, Cranbrook Town Council is proud to announce the successful completion of its "Roots for the Future" initiative. With a final total of 5,670 trees now firmly rooted across the Cranbrook Country Park, this project stands as a testament to the theme of 'Our Power, Our Planet', delivering a resilient, carbon-capturing legacy that will protect and power our local ecosystem for generations to come.

Building on the initiatives launched in Winter 2024, both projects have now reached their full planting target, marking a significant milestone in the town’s commitment to sustainability, biodiversity, and community wellbeing. The newly established woodland includes 20 native broadleaf species, such as oak, alder and willow, carefully selected to enhance the natural environment, mitigate flooding and support local wildlife.

Funded through the Forestry Commission’s England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO) and the Devon County Council Local Authority Treescapes Fund (LATF), the programme reflects Cranbrook Town Council’s long-term vision of creating a greener, more resilient town. The benefits of the initiative are far-reaching aligning with the wider goals of the Clyst Vallet Regional Park. It improves air quality, enriches soil health, supports biodiversity and helps mitigating flooding. It also creates a more enjoyable natural space for residents and visitors alike.

Councillor Vikki Wright, Chair of Cranbrook Town Council, said: "Reaching the milestone of 5,670 trees planted is a fantastic achievement for Cranbrook. These projects demonstrate what can be accomplished when a community comes together with a shared vision. The trees will create a legacy for our environment, wildlife, and future generations. We are incredibly grateful to the Ranger and everyone involved in making this possible."

Andrew Chapman-New, Cranbrook Ranger, said "It has been a pleasure to lead these projects and see many volunteers and community groups played a part in the tree planting activities, whether for a single session or all, braving the elements in all weather conditions. A big thank you to everyone who joined in and stopped for a chat along the way. These trees will continue to grow and provide lasting benefits for our biodiversity  and the Cranbrook community for years to come."

The success of the programme has been made possible through strong community collaboration across Cranbrook, Exeter and wider Devon. Led by the Cranbrook Ranger, the initiative has brought together volunteers from local groups including Brownies, Cubs, Beavers and students from St Martin’s Primary and Nursery School. Support has also come from organisations across Devon, including Devon Loves Dogs, Exeter College, Home Ed communities, LiveWest, and Churchill Services. Key contributions have been provided by environmental partners such as ParkLife SW and the North Devon Biosphere’s Devon Woods Project.

Cranbrook Country Park continues to be a valued green space at the heart of the community. Following its Green Flag Award in 2024 and 2025 and recognition from Devon Wildlife Trust with the Saving Devon’s Treescapes Award, these achievements further highlight the town’s dedication to environmental stewardship.

Looking ahead, Cranbrook Town Council will continue to build on this success through ongoing maintenance, community engagement, and future environmental initiatives to ensure the long-term health and growth of the newly planted woodland.