Mainly found growing in hedgerows, or occasionally on the edges of woodland, the main threat to the Devon whitebeam is the disappearance of the habitat it depends on.

Existing only in small, concentrated populations – apart from individual trees perhaps scattered by birds – means they are particularly vulnerable to any loss of hedgerows or wooded areas.

Consequently, a lack of awareness of the species (including their locations and habitat requirements) is also a risk, with the potential for accidental removal during woodland or hedgerow management by landowners.

We’ll be working to raise local awareness of the Devon whitebeam (DW), giving advice how to recognise them, their habitat requirements and why the species is so biologically important.

With help from volunteers and local communities, we’ll use seasonal woodland walks, citizen science surveys and other activities to help us determine if there are other examples within the National Landscape and better understand our local DW population.

Where trees are identified we’ll promote sensitive hedgerow and habitat management amongst landowners and managers.

We’ll also encourage and support the planting of Devon whitebeam in public places to raise public awareness and increase the population of the species.