The historic map used as the foundation of the project covers a hidden landscape in the Colyton and Shute area, which has remained virtually unchanged for centuries.

For over 800 years, ‘King Johns Oak’ has grown in the medieval deer park at Shute, whilst the world has changed around it. The ancient Oak is now a magnificent tree and key focus for the project. Naturally twisting over time to give an unusual appearance, the tree provides a great resource for people to learn about the importance of veteran trees, their longevity, the unique biodiversity that they support and their future in the landscape.

Other ancient trees survive locally and it is known the area was once covered in orchards, however little further information is known about the area’s history. By working together with people from local groups and communities, involving them in activities to help us investigate old maps, historical documents and books – as well as gather oral histories – we can piece together the landscape’s remarkable history.

Most of the wildlife in the project area is also under-recorded. Practical conservation sessions improve the landscape and help us discover how much wildlife still thrives and identify opportunities to improve it.