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Welcome to The National Forest Website

The National Forest is a forest in the making, transforming 200 square miles of central England. It is a bold project, blending new and maturing woodland within a wide variety of landscapes, presenting opportunities for many to take part in its development.

Latest Additions: Forest Scene Winter 2007 | Forest Creation and Climate Change | Landfile Newsletter

over 6 million trees planted so far

Visit The National Forest & Beyond

Trees in the National Forest

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.

National Award for The National Forest Company

The SDUK Annual Award Trophy

An inaugural award for best practice in sustainable development was presented to the National Forest Company and some of its key partners in London on March 6th.

The SDUK Annual Award has been established by the magazine SDUK and its publisher Govnet, to recognise excellence among public bodies not just in providing services today but in preserving the environment and meeting social needs into the future. The presentation was made by Minister of State for Energy Malcolm Wicks during the prestigious SDUK national conference.

Even More Reason to Walk in the Woods in The National Forest

Rambling in The National Forest. pic: Louise Galdes

Walk in the Woods month is just around the corner and there is even more reason to dust off the walking boots and head for the Forest, as the first ever National Forest Walking Festival takes place from 17-26 May.

May is the most spectacular month in terms of Forest flora with the trees wearing their lush coat of fresh new leaves and the annual carpet of bluebells rolled out across the Forest floor.

There are around 40 individual walks taking place in and around The National Forest during the Festival. The guided walks of varying length will reveal fascinating facts on the flora and fauna or the heritage and history of the land.

National Forest Company priorities 2008

Sign at the edge of Willesley Wood within The National Forest

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. This includes developing a new scheme to follow the Tender Scheme. This is currently being approved.

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

Plant a Tree!

The National Forest - 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 - celebrate Mother's Day with a life affirming gift and a contribution to the biggest, boldest environmental initiative in the country!

New Exhibitors at The National Forest Wood Fair

Wood being cut at The National Forest Wood Fair

Vinegar-soaked oak will add a distinctive new flavour to the National Forest Wood Fair on August Bank Holiday Monday.

Chair maker Gordon Monk uses the blackened wood produced by this innovative technique to create stunning pieces of furniture and he will be bringing a range of his work to display at the Wood Fair, just one of the many new exhibitors who will be at this year's event.

Over 7 million trees planted so far!

To find out more visit The Growing Forest section of this website.

Forest Creation and Climate Change
The National Forest Company’s position on climate change and tree planting

The National Forest to 2014
The National Forest Company and Defra prepare for consultation this summer.

Interactive Map
The National Forest Interactive Map is a one stop shop for information on things to do, woodlands to explore and other places to visit....

National Forest Food Guide
You'll love our quality local food and drink. Whether you are looking for a traditional tea shop, elegant restaurant or fantastic pub, there is a huge choice. And being a rural destination, much of the produce is grown locally.

Woodland Services and Products
The National Forest has a large number of woodland based businesses that offer a wide range of products and services...

Business Benefits
Let's get down to Business!
The National Forest offers businesses unique and innovative opportunities to demonstrate their respect for the environment and more.

Gift Shop
Creating The National Forest is a huge task but it's being made all the easier by your kind support. These gift ideas are just a few ways in which you can help...

Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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