The National Forest

Where is The National Forest?

The National Forest covers 200 square miles of the English Midlands spanning parts of Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Staffordshire and incorporates the towns of Burton upon Trent, Coalville, Ashby de la Zouch and Swadlincote.

What is The National Forest?

The National Forest is one of the most ambitious and imaginative environmental projects of today. The Forest is encouraging alternative land use by farmers and landowners, and is stimulating business, leisure, tourism and educational activity throughout the area.

• Read more about 'what is The National Forest'

Why do we need The National Forest?

The National Forest is transforming, ecologically and economically, an area badly scarred by past mineral workings which was also one of the least wooded areas in the country.

How big is The National Forest?

The boundary for The National Forest is fixed and covers 200 square miles. At the outset of the project, woodland covered only 6% of the area. The ultimate aim is that woodland will cover approximately a third of the area, a third will remain in agriculture with the remainder comprising the towns and villages.

How do I get to The National Forest?

The National Forest is easily accessible from the M1, M42/A42 and the A38. It is approximately 30 minutes from Birmingham, Leicester, Derby and Nottingham. There are regular bus and rail services from nearby towns and cities.

Who owns The National Forest and pays for the planting?

Land in the Forest remains in the ownership of the private and public sector landowners. The National Forest Company itself owns very little land. The Company does give grants towards land conversion to forestry but the landowner retains ownership.