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We're pleased to announce we're now in the next phase of our Sustainable Tourism Accommodation Accelerator Programme and are offering developers, operators, investors, agents, designers, and manufacturers the opportunity to meet and talk to landowners who are actively looking to establish new tourist accommodation in the National Forest.
20 Aug 2024
Our Sustainable Tourism Accommodation Accelerator Programme aims to bring forward a new wave of investment in sustainable tourism development in the National Forest. In the first phase, we collaborated with local planning authorities to create a design guide and with landowners to identify potential sites and assist them in obtaining pre-application planning advice. This next phase will focus on connecting these landowners with operators to accelerate the development process.
Analysis indicates a shortage of non-serviced tourist accommodation here, with current occupancy rates exceeding the national average. This presents an opportunity for developers and operators to capitalise on the growing market demand for sustainable and accessible accommodation.
Over the past thirty years, the National Forest has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a post-industrial landscape scarred by the legacy of coal mines and clay pits, into a thriving destination enriched with more than 9.5 million trees planted in that period. This revitalisation has established the Forest as a haven for wildlife and a hub for eco-friendly tourism, attracting more than 8.2 million visitors annually.
These visitors significantly contribute to the local economy, generating approximately £576 million each year. This substantial influx of tourists underscores the Forest’s pivotal role in regional economic development. With visitors drawn to the extensive woodlands, scenic trails, and diverse outdoor activities, not to mention popular attractions including the National Memorial Arboretum and Calke Abbey.
The National Forest acts as a green lung for nearby cities Birmingham, Derby, Leicester and Nottingham. Being rooted in the heart of the country means that it’s also an easily accessible destination for many across the UK. More than 70% of the UK population are within a three-hour drive time and more than ten million people within an hour-and-a-half drive, making it a popular destination for mini breaks and staycations.
By partnering with us developers and investors are presented with a unique opportunity: a developing destination with the potential for further growth, a sympathetic planning system, a central location with untapped audiences on the doorstep, and a green offer within a maturing natural environment.
As part of the Accelerator programme, we have identified potential development sites across the Forest including sites owned by private land and woodland owners who are seeking collaboration partners. Additionally, we have earmarked our own land for potential sustainable tourist accommodation development, encouraging various forms of overnight stays including cabins, lodges, shepherds’ huts, tree houses, pods, tented camping, and other accommodation, all tailored to guests seeking a unique and immersive woodland escape.
Richard Drakeley, tourism development manager at the National Forest, said: “In less than 30 years, the National Forest has transformed a declining industrial landscape into a vibrant destination, driven by the simple belief that life is better with trees. It is already a success story for the Midlands, but our aspiration goes further. We want the National Forest to be enjoyed, recognised, and celebrated as a landmark sustainable tourism destination, responsive to the urgency of climate change and a flagship for the nation.
“More recently, the Forest has actively supported private land and woodland owners to bring forward exciting sustainable tourist accommodation development proposals, and has collaborated with local planning authorities, to publish a pioneering Sustainable Tourist Accommodation Design Guide outlining seven key principles for tourist accommodation development.”
If our vision for sustainable tourist accommodation resonates with you, we invite expressions of interest from organisations that share our values and would like to learn more about site opportunities in the National Forest. You can find out more by viewing our summary investment prospectus and booking an introductory call with our appointed agent, Adam Gough from Forward Land. Adam will guide you through the available opportunities and provide you with the full investment prospectus, which includes detailed information about the sites being promoted.
