9th February 2026

• The Duchy of Cornwall is working with Madley Primary School to replant woodland in Herefordshire following storm damage
• Over 3000 new trees are being planted at Brampton Hill Wood as part of a broader Duchy tree planting programme which has seen over 17,000 trees restocked across Herefordshire this year
• Pupils are joining Duchy foresters on site to help plant trees and learn about woodland stewardship

Over 3000 trees are being replanted at Brampton Hill Wood in Herefordshire as part of a joint initiative to restore woodland damaged by storms in December 2024.

The replanting, which forms part of a wider programme that has seen 17,000 trees being restocked across the county this year, is being delivered by the Duchy of Cornwall, in partnership with Madley Primary School. As part of the work, pupils from the school are taking part in planting through their Forest School curriculum, alongside the Duchy’s forestry team, learning how trees are planted and how woodland is restored and managed following storm events.

The site, previously planted with Norway spruce, is being restocked with Douglas fir to improve long-term resilience. Douglas fir is more wind-firm and productive, helping to strengthen the woodland against future storm events, while also reducing vulnerability to pests and disease that increasingly affect spruce species.

Oak trees that survived the storm have been retained, and a small number of additional trees were felled to create a more wind-firm woodland edge. Trees damaged by the storm were harvested in early 2025, with the woodland then mulched and prepared over the summer months ahead of replanting during the current planting season.

The work is being funded by the Duchy of Cornwall as part of its ongoing woodland management and restocking programme.

“Our woodland is a precious part of the Duchy’s estate, playing an important role in supporting biodiversity, capturing carbon and contributing to our long-term net zero ambitions. Restoring areas affected by storm damage is a core part of how we manage resilient and productive woodlands, and we are continually learning from these events and trialling approaches to help strengthen woodlands against future storms.

As part of the Duchy’s commitment to providing communities with good access to nature, we have been delighted to work with Madley Primary School on this project and their wider Forest School programme. Involving pupils directly in woodland restoration helps build a lasting understanding of how these landscapes are cared for, and why long-term stewardship is so important.”

"Our relationship with the Duchy is a very important part of our school and curriculum. Our children have learnt so much from working alongside the foresters and it links with our environmental, business and Science curriculum. A lasting legacy for all of the children."

The Duchy and Madley Primary School have worked together through the Forest School initiative for 15 years, with the Duchy providing access to woodland at Brampton Hill Wood, a Forest School site used regularly by pupils. Children travel to the site as part of their learning, and the partnership has evolved over time as the school has grown.

Forest School is a regular part of the curriculum at Madley Primary School, with all pupils attending sessions at least once a week. Supported by five trained Forest School leaders, pupils use both the Duchy woodland and on-site outdoor learning spaces to explore ecology, develop creative and practical skills, and learn to use tools and natural materials safely.