Woodland Restoration Project Donation

For nearly 200 years, Tresco's shelterbelt has protected the Abbey Garden from the full force of the Atlantic weather. 

Planted in the 1830s, it grew into a rich, living landscape of Monterey cypress, Monterey pine, Cornish elm and countless other species.

Then, in January 2026, Storm Goretti struck the island with devastating force, felling hundreds of trees across the island. In just a few hours, trees that had stood for generations were lost, paths were blocked, habitats were damaged, and parts of this historic shelterbelt were changed beyond recognition.

The damage left behind is significant. Initial clearance and recovery work suggests the cost of restoring our woodlands will exceed £250,000.  This kind of storm damage is uninsurable, and the work ahead is not simply about replacing what has been lost, but about carefully restoring access, strengthening biodiversity, and replanting for a changing climate.

For many, these woods are woven into treasured Tresco memories: childhood adventures, family holidays, quiet walks, celebrations and moments of reflection.

Since the storm, we have been deeply moved by the kindness, concern and support shown by all those who care about Tresco.  Many have asked how they can help us replant for the future. In response, we have created a restoration project for anyone who wishes to contribute.

With thoughtful replanting and long-term stewardship, we hope to turn recovery into renewal, restoring Tresco’s woodlands for generations to come.

In the days following the storm, we were deeply moved by the outpouring of support - calls, letters and messages from across the country. So many of you asked not only how we were doing, but also how you could help.

The loss of so many trees gives us the chance to think boldly: to replant with care, to plan for sustainability, to create the shelterbelts of the future with the environment firmly in mind. This is an opportunity to regenerate – not just for today, but for generations to come - and we'd love you to be involved...

Your donation will help us:

• Clear and make safe the affected areas
• Restore access across the island
• Replant and regenerate our woodlands
• Build resilience for future generations

Ours may have been the first part of England touched by Storm Goretti. With your support, we can ensure we are also the first to turn recovery into renewal.

Click below to support the Project with an online contribution.
 

If you'd rather, contributions can also be made by BACS payment to:

Tresco Island Woodland Restoration | Bank: C Hoare & Co | Account Number: 00357260 | Sort Code: 15-99-00

(Please note: these are different to our usual bank details. If making a donation by BACS, please email contactus@tresco.co.uk so we can acknowledge your donation)

Many kind supporters have asked whether it might be possible to place commemorative plaques on newly planted trees. We fully appreciate this wish to create a lasting, personal connection with the woodland.

However, after careful consideration, we have decided not to place individual plaques on trees. We hope you understand our reasons.

Our foremost responsibility is to care for the island landscape sensitively. Attaching plaques to large numbers of trees would, over time, change the natural character of these special places and could affect the health and growth of the young woodland we are working so carefully to restore.

There is also a practical consideration. Trees planted today will take many years – a decade or more – before they are mature enough to bear a plaque. We would like to recognise your generosity far sooner than that.

Instead, we are exploring a way to honour all those who support the Woodland Restoration Project together, in a form that is lasting, meaningful, and in keeping with the spirit of the island. While we do not yet know exactly what this will be, we want to reassure you that every gift will be recognised in a public and meaningful way.

Thank you for helping us restore and regenerate these precious woodlands for generations to come.