A pioneering initiative led by the **Woodland Trust** has launched one of the largest **seed planting projects using drones** in southwest England.
Using advanced technology, **75,000 seeds** of native trees have been scattered in **Bodmin, Cornwall**, with the aim of transforming the **restoration of tropical forests** in the region.
Technology and project goals
The drones used in this trial weigh 110 kg and have the capacity to carry up to 58 kg of seeds each. These aircraft operate just a few meters above the ground, allowing access to areas where **manual planting is not viable** due to steep terrain or adverse conditions.
Woodland Trust, in collaboration with the **Southwest Tropical Forest Alliance**, aims to **triple the area** of temperate tropical forests in **Cornwall and Devon**, increasing their coverage from **8% to 24% by 2050**. In the past, **90% of these forests were destroyed**, leaving only fragments of what was once a biodiversity-rich ecosystem.
According to the project leader, these forests are **one of the most threatened ecosystems on the planet**, being home to over **2,000 species of lichens** and many other life forms that depend on their conservation.
Advantages and challenges of drone seeding
The use of drones offers significant **advantages over traditional methods**, including:
- **Faster and lower cost** compared to manual planting.
- **Access to remote or dangerous areas** where the terrain does not allow human presence.
- **Ability to sow large areas in a short time**, optimizing the restoration process.
In the recent trial, drones planted **11 hectares** in **eight hours**, dispersing seeds of native species such as **common oak, alder, wild cherry, silver birch, and hazel**.
However, there are significant challenges in the application of this technique, such as:
- **Weather conditions** that can affect seed distribution.
- **Low survival rates** due to soil problems, predation, or unsuitability of the environment.
To address these limitations, the project has established **control areas** at various test sites. Over the next **three years**, seed **germination** and the development of planted trees will be monitored, comparing the results with **natural forest regeneration**.
Expectations and future of forest restoration
Researchers hope to achieve a **seed-to-tree success rate** of at least 25% in this trial. If the results are positive, this technique could become a model for **future reforestation projects**, attracting investment and refining the use of **drones in forest restoration**.
The application of technology in **environmental conservation** not only facilitates work but can also make a difference in the fight against **climate crisis and biodiversity loss**. This innovative approach could transform the way temperate tropical forests are recovered, ensuring their **long-term preservation**.
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