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Community woodlands and volunteering

In order for the National Forest to thrive it needs to be cared for. We have many communities and voluntary groups in the National Forest that are passionate about trees and the benefits they bring for people, nature and the wider environment.

Why support community woodlands and volunteering?

Community woods come in all shapes and sizes. They are a place close to communities that people can use, enjoy, and most importantly care for. They are places where nature and people benefit each other through establishing new habitats, active management for wildlife, providing recreation and woodland enterprise opportunities. Volunteering and joining a community group can also have great health and wellbeing benefits.

Our Community Woods Network

The National Forest has helped establish a Community Woods Network (CWN) which provides support for community and voluntary groups that are creating or caring for local woodlands. Through the CWN, groups are able to access a range of advice, training, and funding to support their activities, and can receive mentoring from more experienced groups.

Available advice

Our team are always happy to provide support and advice on all aspects of community woods, from designing a new woodland, support to create or manage woodlands, or recruiting and up-skilling volunteers.

Have questions?

If you're not sure yet whether you can apply for our grants or are simply looking for some advice, then feel free to get in touch.

Get in touch

National Forest Small Grants

We believe we can cultivate change, one project at a time. Some projects may not easily fit into our existing grant schemes but are still bringing about positive change. We've created a small grants fund to help support inspiring projects and ideas that engage communities and visitors and help to grow sustainable businesses in the Forest.

View small grants

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Find out more about how we are engaging communities in the National Forest.

Engaging

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Let's transform this place

If you would like to speak to one of our expert advisors or arrange a call for them to visit you, then get in touch through our grant enquiry form.

Apply for a grant

More ways to help

Plant trees

If you're an individual who would like to plant trees, then why not join us at one of our tree planting events or dedicate a tree or grove.

Start planting

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Become a corporate partner

If you are a business outside the National Forest boundary but would still like to contribute to growing a greener future, then consider becoming a corporate partner.

Get started