A Day of Team Building and Tree Planting - Bridestowe, Dartmoor

On Friday, March 14th, 2025, Tom, Hein, Rob, Craig and Sarah gathered for a memorable day of tree planting with Moor Trees in picturesque Dartmoor, specifically in the village of Bridestowe. Not only did we get the chance to bond and contribute to the environment, but we also had the perfect weather for a day outdoors – blue skies, sunshine, and no rain clouds in sight!

Meeting Our Guide: James and His Trusty Pup

When we arrived, we were welcomed by James, our guide for the day, who shared fascinating insights about the project. Alongside him was his adorable 4-month-old puppy, Frank, who was an instant hit with everyone and joined in at any opportunity. James explained that the field we were working in would one day transform into a thriving natural woodland in the next 15-20 years—a beautiful, long-term vision that made our efforts that much more meaningful.

The Tree Planting Process

James gave us a brief demonstration of the tree planting process, which was both simple and fulfilling:

1. Digging the Hole: First, we dug a hole the width and depth of a spade, carefully removing the top layer of turf. The soil needed to be broken up so that it would fill the hole around the roots of the young tree, giving it the best chance to grow.
2. Planting the Tree: We placed the young tree into the hole, making sure the roots were well-positioned. Afterward, we packed the soil back around the tree, stamping it down firmly to eliminate any air pockets.
3. Protecting the Tree: To keep wildlife away from the young tree, we attached a cane to each tree and wrapped it with a protective bio wrap.

Mulching for Growth: The final step was placing a mulch mat around the base of each tree to help retain moisture and protect the roots. We secured the mat with bamboo pegs to ensure it stayed in place.

In total, we planted 150 native trees of varying species, including Oak, Hawthorn, Hornbeam, Silver Birch, and Beech—species that are native to the Dartmoor area and will one day thrive in this new woodland.

A Delicious Break: Homemade Pizza and More

After several hours of planting, we were treated to a delicious homemade lunch by our hosts, Terry and Jane. Their kitchen offered a warm and welcoming atmosphere, where we enjoyed homemade pizzas, crispy chips, and an assortment of cakes and cheeses. The food was the perfect way to refuel after a productive morning of tree planting.

Reflecting on the Day

The experience was not just about planting trees—it was a chance for us to connect with nature, contribute to a sustainable future, and strengthen our bonds as a team. As we left Dartmoor that afternoon, we knew the trees we planted would grow alongside our team spirit, standing tall in the years to come.

This day of team building with Moor Trees was a reminder of how small actions can lead to big changes, and we're proud to have been a part of it.