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Storm Goretti leaves widespread tree loss in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
Summary
Storm Goretti struck on 8 January and flattened thousands of trees across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly; estates and conservation bodies report hundreds of losses at individual sites and are planning recovery and replanting.
Content
Storm Goretti hit south‑west England on 8 January and flattened thousands of trees across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The damage affected estates, gardens and conservation charities and was described by Cornwall Council as one of the most severe in living memory. Individual sites reported large losses, including about 119 trees at St Michael's Mount and roughly 500 across St Aubyn Estates. Land managers and conservation bodies are now organising recovery and considering how to make landscapes more resilient to stronger storms.
Known details:
- The storm is reported to have flattened thousands of trees across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly on 8 January.
- St Michael's Mount sustained about 119 trees lost or damaged, and St Aubyn Estates reported around 500 trees lost across its property.
- The National Trust and other land managers said high winds may have weakened root plates and left some trees vulnerable to further storms.
- Immediate priorities named by organisations include clearing fallen trees, restoring paths and access, and planning restoration and targeted replanting with expert advice.
Summary:
The damage removed long‑standing trees from a number of notable landscapes and prompted assessment of which species and locations are more resilient. Recovery work is underway to clear and assess damage, and organisations have said they will combine natural regeneration with targeted replanting while taking expert advice on species choice and landscape character. It is expected to be a gradual process as sites are evaluated and restoration plans are developed.
