A new 17-hectare community woodland is set to be created above Bowcombe Creek, with more than 20,000 trees and shrubs planned for the site.

South Hams District Council has bought the land with support from Trees for Climate funding, enabled by the Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest.

The woodland, which will overlook Kingsbridge Estuary towards Malborough and Salcombe, forms part of the council's aim to plant a tree for every household in the South Hams.

Plans have been shaped by consultation with the local community, including requests to protect important viewpoints and create a circular walking route.

The site will include around 9,000 trees in oak-rich woodland, a further 1,000 trees in more open wooded areas and approximately 1,500 shrubs and occasional trees in scrub clusters.

More than 8,000 shrubs will also be planted to create new hedgerows and hedgebanks, alongside a small orchard featuring local varieties of fruit trees.

The mix of habitats is intended to support wildlife, including the Cirl Bunting, a rare Devon hedgerow bird, while improving connections between habitats and protecting the creekside tree line.

More than 13 hectares of the site will be open to the public, with access from an existing public right of way.

Circular walks, seating and information at viewpoints are also planned.

Councillor Dan Thomas, leader of South Hams District Council, said: “Bowcombe Creek Woods is part of the Council’s wider commitment to creating a greener, healthier South Hams for generations to come.

“By investing in nature, we are helping to tackle climate change, support wildlife and create welcoming outdoor spaces where communities can connect with their local environment.”

The Woodland Trust has offered a grant through its MOREwoods scheme to support the planting of 10,000 trees and shrubs, along with deer fencing.

Planting will be led by ParkLife South West, which previously worked with the council to deliver the 25,000-tree Hope Wood community woodland at South Brent.

Local residents, schools and community groups will be invited to take part in planting, wildflower sowing, maintenance and wildlife surveys.

Organisations including Force 4 Nature, Kingsbridge Natural History Group and Wild About Kingsbridge have also offered to help.

Work is expected to begin with the creation of a 750-metre hedgebank, followed by deer fencing and delivery of the trees.

Cllr John McKay, South Hams District Council’s Executive Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity, said: “This is an exciting opportunity to create an accessible new woodland that will benefit local communities, wildlife and the wider environment.

“The woodland has been designed to make the most of this special location, with a varied mix of trees, hedgerows, grassland and scrub, while retaining the views that people value.

“It is particularly encouraging that residents, schools and community groups will have opportunities to get involved in planting and caring for the site. Their involvement will help make Bowcombe Creek Woods a true community woodland that people can enjoy as it grows and develops.”

Planting is planned to run from the beginning of December until the end of March 2027, with a volunteer planting schedule to be announced by ParkLife South West.