Forests re-shaped to improve the view

FERNWORTHY'S forests are to be blended into the Dartmoor landscape.

The Forestry Commission, following discussions with Dartmoor National Park Authority, has embarked on the first five year plan as part of a major long-term project to re-shape the woods near Chagford.

Around 148 acres of the Sitka spruce trees — which have been a key landmark — will be removed in work including the opening up of streamsides and the creation of deer glades and moorland corridors.

Commision district officer, Oliver Lucas, who created the forest design plan, said: 'People will really notice the difference once the project is complete.

'The forest edges will be re-shaped to fit more naturally into the moorland hills and valleys and it will improve the views for hundreds of thousands of motorists and hillwalkers.'

Mr Lucas said the project would also create a wide range of new wildlife habitats and would benefit aquatic life as trees were cleared away from the stream banks, as it would let in more light and help increase the quantity of underwater plants and insects.

Rupert Lane, DNPA head of trees and woodlands, said re-shaping the forest would also allow the commission to continue to clear areas around important archaeological sites.

'Bronze and Iron Age huts and stone rows are among the area's most fascinating features,' Mr Lane said.

'This is our biggest partnership to date and looks set to be a great success,' added Mr Lane.