A Technological Twist on Tree Planting
In a remarkable fusion of technology and conservation, the Woodland Trust has launched a pioneering initiative to rejuvenate the temperate rainforests of southwest England. Utilising 110kg drones capable of carrying up to 58kg of seeds, the project has dispersed 75,000 native tree seeds—including oak, alder, wild cherry, downy birch, and hazel—across 11 hectares of the Bodmin landscape in Cornwall.
Reaching the Unreachable
These drones hover just meters above the ground, accessing terrains that are too steep, remote, or hazardous for traditional planting methods. This technique not only accelerates the reforestation process but also reduces costs and enhances safety for conservation workers.
Restoring a Lost Ecosystem
Historically, up to 75% of Devon and Cornwall were covered in temperate rainforest, but deforestation has reduced this to a mere 8%. The Woodland Trust, in collaboration with the South West Rainforest Alliance, aims to restore this figure to 24% by 2050. These rainforests are biodiversity hotspots, home to over 2,000 species of lichen and countless other flora and fauna.
Proving the Potential
To assess the effectiveness of drone seeding, the project has established control areas to compare drone-assisted growth with natural regeneration. The team anticipates a seed-to-tree success rate of at least 25%, which could revolutionise reforestation efforts if achieved.
A Personal Connection to the Land
Author Merlin Hanbury-Tenison, whose land in the Cabilla Valley is part of the project, emphasised the significance of this work:
“If we’re to reverse this destruction, then we will need to leverage innovative technology-enabled solutions wherever possible. I cannot think of a better example of this than the drone seeding project that the Woodland Trust has embarked on in the Cabilla Valley.”
A Blueprint for Global Rewilding
Funded by the Woodland Trust’s Rainforest Recovery Project through DEFRA’s Species Survival Fund, this initiative exemplifies how modern technology can aid in the restoration of vital ecosystems. As the project progresses, it offers a hopeful blueprint for rewilding efforts worldwide.
