A criminal investigation is underway after a collection of young willow trees were poisoned on Prince William’s Dartmoor estate, which were deliberately poisoned with a powerful herbicide.
The trees were planted on Duchy of Cornwall land, as part of project to stop peat erosion, store carbon, and reduce the risk of flooding.
A Natural England spokesman confirmed an investigation into the tree poisoning is underway, but had no further comment.
Guy Shrubsole, the author of The Lost Rainforests of Britain, told The Guardian: “This is an outrageous act of sabotage, one which points a dagger at the heart of efforts to restore nature in this part of the country.
A criminal investigation has been launched after willow tress on Prince William;s Duchy of Cornwall estate have been poisoned
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“Dartmoor’s commons are virtually treeless already – a result of centuries of overgrazing by sheep.
“To see even these tentative efforts at restoring trees subjected to deliberate vandalism is deeply disturbing, as is the failure so far to uncover the culprit.
“Such wanton criminal damage must be publicly condemned by all common graziers, farmers and conservationists. Dartmoor stands at a critical juncture: do we choose to breathe life back into this landscape, or let it die?”
Peatland is an important habitat for carbon storage and is classed as land that has been degraded because of drainage and burning.
The planting of willow trees can help prevent the land from being eroded and washed away, due to the complex root systems that help to anchor the soil.
The Duchy of Cornwall have reacted with shock to the news. Emma Magge, head of communications, said: “We are committed to working with our partners to secure a better future for Dartmoor, and this recent action does not represent the collective commitment of Dartmoor’s community to achieve this.
The trees were planted to stop erosion of the peatland
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“Woodland expansion alongside peatland restoration is central to a restored landscape across Dartmoor.
A spokesman for the South West Peatland Partnership, who helped to fund the planting of the trees, said: “Any use of herbicide on the common land and legally protected habitats of Dartmoor is an attack on those that live, work, enjoy and rely on these landscapes.
“An attack on everyone working year-round together using public money to restore our peatlands, rebuild vanished habitats, and support nature recovery alongside sustainable farming practices.
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“Planting trees on Dartmoor is key to wetland function and is backed by scientific and historical evidence. We will replant the vandalised areas as soon as possible.”
The Prince and Princess of Wales spoke out to offer their support for the flooding in Wales.In a message from Kensington
Palace sent to Paul Matthews, chief executive of Monmouthshire County Council, William said: "Catherine and I were shocked to see the devastating floods that hit the region and wanted to offer our support to the communities of North Monmouthshire as you work to repair and rebuild your homes and livelihoods.
A Duchy of Cornwall Spokesman has revealed they will replant tress as soon as possible
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"From the business owners of Monmouth to the resolute residents of Skenfrith and the farmers of Abergavenny, these remarkably resilient communities will come together, as before, to support one another as you get back on your feet.
"We must also thank the emergency responders who acted with speed and the professionalism needed to keep everyone safe when the water overwhelmed.
"The long process of recovery will be hard and fraught with worry each time the weather turns, but please know you are all very much in our thoughts at this time."
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