Burrator Forest, managed by South West Lakes Trust, is implementing new approaches to protect its trees from damage caused by domestic livestock, deer, and grey squirrels. The forest, which spans 353 hectares in Devon, experienced an estimated loss of £5,500 worth of conifer trees due to livestock grazing between 2024 and 2025.
In response, South West Lakes Trust has begun installing self-closing mechanisms on existing gates and plans to continue this approach. South West Water is also trialling Nofence collars, a virtual fencing technology, to manage cattle movement. Fifty collars were fitted in 2024, with an additional 50 purchased in 2025, and data from these collars is currently being analysed to understand cattle behaviour.
For wildlife management, the Trust partners with Artemis Land Management Services for deer and grey squirrel control, including surveys, additional fencing, and selective culling. Grey squirrel management strategies are still under development to reduce damage from bark stripping. The Trust will also trial sheep's fleece mulch mats around individual trees to deter deer and other mammals.
Nicola Morris, Head of Environment at South West Lakes Trust, noted that Eurasian beavers at other sites managed by the Trust have been beneficial for woodland management, controlling willow growth and improving conditions for recreational activities.