The largest woodland conservation charity in the UK is turning to technology to help in the planting of thousands of trees. In a pioneering effort in south-west England, the Woodland Trust is utilizing drones to scatter 75,000 seeds across the Bodmin landscape in Cornwall, marking one of the largest initiatives of its kind using native tree seeds.
These high-tech drones, weighing 110kg each and capable of carrying up to 58kg of seeds, hover just a few meters above the ground to access areas where manual tree planting is not feasible. The project has the potential to revolutionize rainforest restoration efforts, as it provides a more efficient and effective way of expanding woodland cover in inaccessible or unsafe terrains.
By partnering with the South West Rainforest Alliance, the Woodland Trust is aiming to triple the land area of temperate rainforest across Cornwall and Devon from 8% to 24% by 2050 through drone seeding techniques. Once covered by rainforest, three-quarters of Devon and Cornwall have seen a 90% loss, making them among the most threatened ecosystems on Earth. Restoring and expanding these temperate rainforests could play a crucial role in addressing climate and biodiversity crises, offering habitats to over 2,000 species of lichen and contributing to global conservation efforts.
The use of drones for seeding presents numerous benefits over traditional methods, including speed, cost-effectiveness, and access to previously inaccessible areas. According to Sam Manning, project officer for south-west rainforests at the Woodland Trust, the implementation of this technology will help reach sites that are too dangerous or remote for human tree planters, as well as areas with thin soils that make traditional planting challenging. By harnessing the power of drones, conservation efforts can be significantly enhanced to create a more sustainable and biodiverse environment for future generations
Read the full article on Positive News here: Read More
