Storm Goretti

In the early evening of January 8th 2026 Storm Goretti tore a path through Cornwall from Scilly to Falmouth Bay with hurricane force winds devastating woodlands in its path.

Fierce, icy downdrafts swept across the northwest facing slope of Meudon Woods, uprooting and decapitating dozens of trees. The Monterey pines in the new plantation came off worst; other species were affected including five ancient oaks knocked down from the old Cornish hedges that criss-cross the woods.

Within 2 weeks volunteer supported by professional chainsaw operators employed by Friends of Meudon Woods (made possible by generous Benefactors) re-opened all the permissive paths.

Cornwall Council have cleared the large hung-up oak from the public ('bottom') footpath which is now passable with care. After Cornwall's wettest-ever January it is very boggy and slippery in places.

Friends of Meudon Woods will use this an an opportunity to plant a new generation of native trees including oaks grown from local acorns.