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.

Many people already enjoy improving their health through walking in the Forest, and the Festival will provide fantastic opportunities for others to take up walking to get fit, or for those currently stepping out to do more through trying longer or new walks.

Amanda Drakeley, Festival Co-ordinator, South Derbyshire District Council, said: "We are delighted to put together this packed programme of walks across the Forest & Beyond area to encourage more people to get out and enjoy countryside. May is the perfect time to get out on a good walk, with longer days and wildflowers starting to blossom."

The National Forest, now more than ten years old, has more than 400 new and ancient woodlands within it. Around 90% of the woodlands have public access, welcoming visitors to wander through the woods, explore and enjoy the peace and quiet.

Penny Wilkinson, Tourism & Promotions Officer, National Forest Company, said: "The National Forest is a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life where people can come to relax, unwind and listen to the breeze rustling through the treetops and the birds singing.

"Although the gently undulating landscape makes it perfect for walking, it is also a fun place to run, ride, cycle or play among the trees and makes an excellent outdoor classroom to learn more about the environment. And through the creation of new habitats, The National Forest is an ideal location for bird and wildlife watching."

Walk in the Woods Month is co-ordinated by environmental charity, The Tree Council, to encourage people to visit woodlands and increase their appreciation of trees. For more details on Walk in the Woods events log on to the Tree Council's website www.treecouncil.org.uk.

The National Forest spans more than 200 square miles across parts of Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire and is one of the UK’s most ambitious environmental projects – to create a new Forest for the nation. Already over seven million trees have been planted in The National Forest.

Download the leaflets below or log on to the website www.thenationalforestwalkingfestival.org.uk.

- ends -

Media contacts

For further information contact Carol Rowntree Jones, Media Relations Officer, or Penny Wilkinson, Tourism & Promotions Officer, at the National Forest Company on 01283 551211.

Digital images available, contact:

NOTES TO EDITORS

The National Forest area covers 200 square miles of the counties of Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire. Its objective is to increase woodland cover within its boundaries from an initial six per cent to about a third. No multi-purpose forest on this scale has been created in the UK for one thousand years. To date the proportion of woodland cover for the Forest has already more than doubled to 17 per cent and 7 million trees have been planted.
Year by year, The National Forest has been steadily turning what was once one of the least wooded areas of England into a multi-purpose, sustainable forest. The National Forest provides environmental and economic benefits, including landscape enhancement, creation of new wildlife habitats and major new access and leisure opportunities. It is an excellent example of sustainable development – with environmental improvement providing a stimulus to economic regeneration.
To achieve its objectives, the National Forest Company works in partnership with landowners, local authorities and private business and has strong support from Government, politicians and the public. The Company, which celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2005, receives grant in aid from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
The Tree Council: Tel: 020 7407 9992, Email: info@treecouncil.org, www.treecouncil.org.uk.

The Tree Council was founded in 1974, with government backing, as the umbrella body for UK organisations involved in tree planting, care and conservation. The Tree Council became a registered charity in 1978.