The National Forest

• People & Projects
• Grow a tree from seed
• Garden Tree Give Away!
• Grants for Community Tree Planting
• Communities and their Woodlands
• Volunteering
• Health in the Forest
• Education
• Arts in the Forest
• LANDshapes

Communities and their woodlands

The National Forest is encouraging people to take part in helping to look after woodlands, helping to develop a sense of shared ownership within the Forest and ensuring that woodlands are cared for.

Friends of Holly Hayes Wood is one group working well to manage their local wood and make a fantastic contribution to The National Forest.

Friends of Holly Hayes Wood is a community group, comprising of local residents, who aim to set-up a social enterprise business to maintain and improve Holly Hayes Wood, Coalville Meadows and Forest Rock Wood. The group wants the local community to enjoy the meadowland & woodlands, be able to show their children the bluebells in the spring and walk their dogs safely in the woods for many years to come.

Over time, it is proposed that the wood will become a forest school and a traditional woodland both intertwining, with the forest school aiming to teach young and old about woodlands and, in the longer-term, provide jobs in the local area which support the objectives of a social enterprise business.

"It may sound a tall order, but it has been done before and we believe if we all work together we can do it here in Whitwick as well".

To find out more or support the group visit the Friends of Holly Hayes Wood website.

The Kingfisher Project is a resident led environmental project to regenerate an area of neglect into one of natural beauty creating a habitat for flora and fauna with the input of local residents and schools. Creation of community allotments are improving health and wellbeing.

The Kingfisher Management Group was formed in March 2006 and is made up of residents from the area, the Resident Involvement Officer from Trent & Dove Housing who facilitates the group, parish councilors, local authority park ranger and a representative from Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. The group sees the aims of the project as having three major priorities; efficient water flow, impact on the environment and strong community participation.

Levels of fly tipping, littering and low level anti social behaviour have noticeably diminished and a sense of community and pride amongst tenants is emerging in the rejuvenated area. An art trail has been developed which includes plaques and sculptures and links with other local issues. Schools contribute to designs that are displayed as art work in the community garden. The management group has commissioned the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust to work with local schools on wildlife surveys.

To find out more or support the group visit The Kingfisher Project website.