Community Story: Moor Trees

For our latest editorial article profiling a recent awardee of a Community Matters Fund (Green Spaces 2026) grant from National Grid, we’re on Dartmoor in Devon to find out about a fantastic project from Moor Trees. Luke Upton chatted with Fundraising Manager Zoë Partridge about the charity’s work restoring native woodland, and how Local Trees for Dartmoor’s Communities will help local groups plant woodlands of their own.

Luke Upton (LU): Thanks for your time today, Zoë. To start, could you tell us a little about Moor Trees and the community you’re a part of?

Zoë Partridge (ZP): Moor Trees is a Devon-based charity that has been restoring native woodland in Dartmoor National Park since 2000. Our process is entirely local. We collect native tree seeds from local woodland, grow them in our community tree nurseries, and work closely with local farmers, landowners and the community to plant them on Dartmoor, creating thriving woodlands for future generations. To date, we have planted and supplied 219,000 native broadleaf trees.

Beyond the environmental impact, we also have a community of more than 285 dedicated volunteers each year, who join us from all walks of life to learn new skills, connect with nature and build friendships.

LU: What are you currently focusing on, and what are the main priorities for the organisation at the moment?

ZP: We are scaling up towards our vision for 2050: a wilder, more natural Dartmoor, with native woodland and scrub covering a third of the National Park. To drive meaningful nature recovery, we are increasing our woodland creation and tree supply year on year.

Alongside this ecological growth, we are expanding our year-round programme of volunteering and community participation. We want to inspire more people to get involved, so they gain a greater appreciation of the natural world and develop a stronger sense of care and commitment to protecting the environment.

LU: You’ve recently received funding through National Grid and Localgiving’s Community Matters Fund (Green Spaces) 2026. Could you tell us more about the project, what the funding will support and what you hope to achieve?

ZP: Our project, Local Trees for Dartmoor’s Communities, fits the fund’s theme of creating or expanding planting areas in green spaces. We will deliver up to six community-led tree planting projects across Dartmoor National Park and its fringes, giving local groups the chance to receive a bundle of up to 200 trees grown from local seed in our community tree nurseries.

The trees themselves are funded by the Utility Warehouse Foundation. Thanks to National Grid's Community Matters Fund and the Localgiving team for their support, the groups will also receive biodegradable tubes and wooden stakes to protect the young saplings during their first few years in their new woodland. Moor Trees will also offer advice on the mix of tree species to use and best practice in tree planting, to give the trees the best chance of surviving those early years.

LU: How important is grant funding like this to Moor Trees, and what difference does it make to the work you’re able to deliver in the community?

ZP: Grant funding like this from National Grid is essential, because this grant covers the full cost of the project. It makes a direct difference by allowing us to supply 1,000 biodegradable tree guards and stakes, along with our guidance, completely free of charge. This removes the financial barriers that often prevent smaller local groups from taking environmental action, and it means we can support four or more community groups and 60 to 80 local people in hands-on tree planting. So, a big thank you again to National Grid and Localgiving. 

LU: Brilliant. Beyond financial support, what do you think would make the biggest difference to your organisation and the communities you support?

ZP: The greatest difference comes from community participation and collaboration. Through this project, local people will be actively involved in planting the young trees and installing their protective guards. Giving people a hands-on role in improving their local environment builds environmental awareness, knowledge and green skills across the community. It brings people together to create and nurture green spaces and improve the local ecosystem.

LU: And finally, is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers, such as upcoming projects, events, achievements or other ways people can get involved?

ZP: There are many wonderful ways to get involved with our mission! We offer volunteering opportunities all year round at our tree nurseries, as well as seasonal activities on Dartmoor, including tree planting, monitoring and seed gathering. Anyone can sign up to take part, and no previous experience is needed. You can find out more on our website, where you can also help sustain our work for the future by making a donation.

LU: Great, thank you for the time today Zoë, keep up the great work. 

You may also be interested in: 

• Community Story: In the Mix Project
• Community Story: Camborne Cluster of Churches
• Are you ready for the Christmas fundraising rush?
• Community Story: Stonebridge City Farm 

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