Opening Soon

A new woodland that will grow to show much of The National Forest in one site, opens this summer near Melbourne in South Derbyshire.

Generous funding from Lafarge Aggregates Limited through the Landfill Communities Fund, the Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership and East Midlands Tourism, has enabled the National Forest Company to transform 66 acres of arable land into what will become an exemplar woodland within the Forest.

A mixture of surfaced and grassy trails will take the visitor through a similar variety of different woodland types to be found on a large scale throughout the 200 square miles of the Forest. Interpretation boards will explain which tree species are being grown on six ‘demonstration’ plots and how woodlands can be managed for different products: from quality veneers such as walnut to willow grown for cricket bats.

Forming the northern gateway to the Forest, the site’s wide ranging views over South Derbyshire will be preserved as the trees grow, with broad grassy glades meandering through attractive woodlands. Cherry and larch will add splashes of colour to the site, while there will be a taste of the Mediterranean thanks to the occasional olive tree, bringing a hint of glamour to Melbourne’s new Riviera!

The 2km of surfaced trail will offer all visitors the best way to explore the site, whether on foot, in a buggy, on a bike or simply searching out a picnic spot. Those on horseback will enjoy a picturesque ride along the bridleway at the edge of the wood, beside a stream edged with cricket bat willow and sweet chestnut.