The National Forest

• All about the Forest

• The Growing Forest
• Summary of Achievements 2009
• Map showing National Forest woodland cover at 2009
• Map showing pre-National Forest woodland cover at 1991
• Headline Facts & Figures - March 2009

Headline Facts & Figures - March 2009

Planting Progress

• Nearly 8 million trees planted.
• Wooded cover increased from initial 6% to 18% . The aim is for around a third cover at the completion of planting, so we are over halfway to that aim!

Where, What & How is planting achieved?

• More than half of all new woodland planting was delivered via the National Forest Tender Scheme that operated between 1995 to 2006.
• 87% of tree planting has been broadleaf and 13% conifer.
• 14% (over 750 ha) of planting since 1995 has been on derelict and mineral worked land.

Public Participation, Education & Recreation

• c150,000 people have participated in Forest-related events over the 14 year period.
• Over 6,000 people have been involved in Plant a Tree events since 2001.
• c309,000 children have enjoyed environmental education sessions at Rosliston Forestry Centre since 1997 and Conkers from 2001.
• Over 40 new sport and recreation facilities have been created including fishing, mountain biking, orienteering, carriage driving, cross country horseriding and sledging.
• 86km of new cycleways have been created, including 60km of Sustrans routes.
  

Volunteering

• Over 20,000 workdays have been arranged in the Forest since 1997 by British Trust for Conservation Volunteers.

Heritage

• Major restoration has been undertaken at Moira Furnace and Grace Dieu Priory and 2km of the Ashby Canal has been re-watered.
• The three year, Heritage Lottery funded, LANDshapes project was successfully implemented between 2003 – 2006. Achievements included the publication of 'The National Forest: Heritage in the Making' book and the creation of six 'noon column' sculptures by internationally renowned sculptor David Nash.

Wildlife & Nature Conservation

• Since 1995, over 1,500ha of habitats have been created or brought back into management.
• 55 Miles (89km) of new hedgerows have been planted and 55 miles (89km) of existing hedgerows have been brought back into management.

Investment & Regeneration

• c£65m has been invested in woodland creation and other Forest-related projects since 1995.
• An award winning youth hostel was opened in the Forest in 2007, to high environmental specification.
• Over 20 new tourism attractions have opened, including the £16m Conkers which opened in 2001, attracting 200,000 – 250,000 visitors a year.
• Tourism contributed £267m to the local economy in 2007, supporting over 4,000 jobs.
• Over 250 jobs have been created/safeguarded through forestry, farm diversification to forest uses and woodland businesses since 1995.