As part of an initiative to promote the growth of native species of flora and fauna, hazel, hawthorn, oak, silver birch, mountain ash and honeysuckle trees have all been planted in a site close to Okehampton, in Devon.

This represents the first phase in a multi-phase project, which will see more trees and shrubs being planted over the course of the year.

The Dartmoor Line, which goes from Crediton to Okehampton, was reopened by Network Rail in 2021 and hourly through services between Exeter and Okehampton were introduced in 2022, operated by Great Western Railway.

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Prior to 2021, only heritage services and summer special Great Western Railway services ran along the Dartmoor Line, following the earlier withdrawal of passenger services in 1972.

As part of the re-introduction of regular national rail services on the line, Network Rail is working with Natural England to protect the environment in the area.

This latest environmental work will give a habitat to species such as the hazel dormice.

The site will continue to be managed carefully, so that the ecology work benefits local wildlife long into the future.

We take care to look after the environment around the railway and this is an important milestone in Okehampton.

Reopening the Dartmoor Line was a great achievement and this ecology work will bring even more benefits to the area.

Phil Spruce, Network Rail project manager