Turning Exeter Green

A verdant hue is spreading across exeter...We have the devon wildlife trust’s emily stallworthy and her army of volunteers to thank, writes Fran Mcelhone.

- Fran Mcelhone

IN SIX YEARS, 3,640 trees and 22 orchards have been planted, and dozens of wildflower meadows sown, in the green nooks punctuating Exeter’s urban sprawl.

At the helm of this Devon Wildlife Trust project, is Terrestrial Conservation Officer, Emily Stallworthy.

“I’ve been asked a few times if what I do has anything to do with Star Trek or space!” she tells me. “I have to explain that my title just means that I work more on land-based projects!”

The 35-year-old has overseen the Trust’s Big Tree Plant initiative, part of Exeter Wild City, in partnership with Exeter City Council, and in collaboration with community groups and local schools, which has the objective of making Exeter more green.

“Whereas conservation used to be about protecting specific species, the Trusts work nationally to protect a mosaic of habitats and therefore the connectivity of species,” explains Emily. “In turn this creates a healthy landscape for people to live and work.