Visit The National Forest & Beyond
From exciting discovery centres to stately homes, woodland crafts to wildlife watching, cycling to skiing and loads of wet weather options too, The National Forest really does have something for everyone.
With more than 700 miles of paths to explore, the gentle undulating landscape is perfect for walking, cycling and horse-riding. And through the creation of new habitats, it is an ideal location for bird and wildlife watching.
In this ever-changing landscape as the Forest grows and the seasons come and go, one thing is guaranteed, there is always something new to see.
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Plant Trees in The National Forest: New Scheme Launched
The National Forest Company has launched its new Changing Landscapes Scheme (CLS). This funding scheme is unique to The National Forest and is designed to encourage tree planting and the creation of wildlife habitats within the Forest's 200 square miles.
The scheme applies to land covering one hectare and above. There is no upper limit. Incorporating grant aid from the Forestry Commission through the England Woodland Grants Scheme, CLS is one of the most generous woodland planting schemes in the country, covering all the costs involved in creating new landscapes that include woodland, encourage wildlife and create areas for people to walk and enjoy.
Applications will be judged on a competitive basis, by the National Forest Company Board. Landscape features, nature conservation, public access and the scale and quality of each design will be important factors in successful schemes.
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Support for Consultation on The National Forest to 2014 and Beyond
As the National Forest Company launches a consultation on The National Forest to 2014 and beyond, it has received strong support from the Forest's funders and partners. The consultation will result in a new implementation plan to support its 2004 - 2014 strategy.
Dinah Nichols, Chair of the National Forest Company, said: 'This planned review presents an opportunity to focus together on how all the communities and organisations committed to The National Forest can contribute to the next five years of achievement. Together, we have made excellent progress since 2004 and have a reputation to build on of which I am very proud.'
David Coleman, from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Government Department which sponsors the National Forest Company, said: 'The National Forest has proved it possible to achieve a transformed landscape, with regeneration and social benefit, using forestry as its main mechanism. In its scale and ambition it has led the way. I urge all organisations and individuals with an interest in The National Forest to grasp this opportunity and actively participate to help us shape its future development.'
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National Forest Company priorities 2008
Priorities this year include more community involvement in creating the Forest, including the Forest’s urban centres. There are opportunities for small scale woods and we have small grants for Forest related projects. Our woodland business support continues, so do contact us if you want advice.
This year we are also looking to the future, planting exciting new sites in the Heart of the Forest and working hard on how best the Forest can be created in the future.
The National Forest Company always welcomes ideas of sites that it might plant and opportunities to collaborate with others.
Read more about our current opportunities in our landfile newsletter
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Plant a Tree!
Creating The National Forest is a huge task but it's being made all the easier by your kind support. Celebrate any occasion with these great gift ideas:
- Plant a Tree - a life affirming gift and a contribution to the biggest, boldest environmental initiative in the country!
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Summer Fun in the Forest
Families searching for new ideas on where to take the children during the long summer break should head to The National Forest at the heart of the English midlands. This 'forest in the making' is bursting with things to see and do, ensuring young ones and their older companions alike are kept entertained - whatever the summer weather brings!
Every Saturday and Sunday throughout June, July and August visitors to Conkers at the Heart of The National Forest can take part in ranger-led activities including Mysterious Masks, guided walks and nature trails, minibeast hunts, willow sculptures, summer collages and other craft activities. And children will love Nick Spellman's live animal experience show every Tuesday and Thursday from 22 July through to 28 August. Based upon life in a British woodland and with more than one hundred indoor and outdoor activities themed around Forest life and the environment, families will enjoy hours of fun at this lively discovery centre.
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