New Woodland Project Near Hatherleigh to Support Biodiversity

What’s happening at Fishleigh Wood

Forestry England has announced the Fishleigh Wood project, a new 135-hectare woodland to be created near Hatherleigh in Devon. The site will be planted with a diverse mix of tree species, designed to enhance biodiversity, capture carbon, and improve the surrounding landscape.

A key objective of the project is to improve water quality in the nearby River Torridge by reducing runoff and increasing natural filtration through woodland soils. Over time, Fishleigh Wood will also contribute to a sustainable domestic timber supply, supporting the UK’s longer-term need for responsibly sourced materials.

The woodland will connect with the nearby Okement Wood, helping to create wildlife corridors that allow species to move more freely across the landscape.

Why this matters for UK businesses ESG Reporting

For UK businesses, woodland creation projects like Fishleigh Wood demonstrate how environmental investment can support both ecological outcomes and economic resilience. A reliable, sustainable timber supply is increasingly important as businesses seek to reduce reliance on high-risk or carbon-intensive imports.

Beyond materials, biodiversity and water stewardship are becoming more prominent in corporate reporting, procurement decisions, and stakeholder expectations. Supporting or aligning with nature-based projects can help businesses mitigate environmental risks, strengthen ESG credentials, and prepare for more robust disclosure requirements around nature and climate.

For organisations with land, supply-chain exposure, or net-zero ambitions, these projects also highlight opportunities to engage with high-integrity carbon and biodiversity initiatives rooted in the UK.

Key facts at a glance

• A 135-hectare woodland is planned near Hatherleigh, Devon.

• The site will include mixed tree species to enhance biodiversity and absorb carbon.

• The project will improve water quality along the River Torridge.

• Long-term outcomes include a sustainable supply of timber.

• Fishleigh Wood will connect with nearby Okement Wood to support wildlife movement.

• The project is funded through the government’s Nature for Climate Fund.

SBS insight

Projects like Fishleigh Wood reflect a growing shift toward sustainable land use that delivers multiple benefits carbon reduction, biodiversity enhancement, water resilience, and local economic value. For businesses, engaging with nature-based solutions is increasingly about credibility and long-term risk management, not just carbon offsetting.

At SBS, we support organisations in understanding how initiatives like woodland creation fit into wider net-zero, nature, and ESG strategies helping ensure actions are robust, measurable, and aligned with recognised standards.

Further reading

• Nature for Climate Fund – Government funding: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/nature-for-climate-fund