A Riot of Colour Bursting Across The National Forest

The National Forest is predicting a riot of colour across the landscape this summer with wildflowers bursting into bloom from June onwards.

One of the most stunning wildflower meadows definitely worth a visit is at Billa Barra in Leicestershire. The wildflower meadow was created in 2003 in partnership with Landlife, the national wildflower charity and Barlows, commercial interior design specialists. Visitors to the site, which is owned by Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council, can enjoy lovely views over Leicestershire's rolling landscape amid the wildflowers.

There are many beautiful sites within the ancient Charnwood Forest area of The National Forest including the Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust's Lea Meadows Nature Reserve. In June many hundreds of common and heath-spotted orchids flower near to the stream at Lea Meadows. These are just 2 of the 240 species of plants that have been recorded at this Reserve, which is one of the best places in the East Midlands for wildflowers. As well as the rare plants, kingfishers are often spotted here skimming over the water and rare white clawed crayfish can be found in the stream.

Willesley Wood near Ashby de la Zouch also sees a rich colourful display of wildflowers every year.

From Saturday 14th June to Sunday 29th June 2008, Yoxall Lodge opens its gates for the public to enjoy its stunning summer wildflowers. Set in beautiful rolling parkland at Newchurch, Yoxall Lodge was once a forest lodge situated in the heart of the ancient Needwood Forest. The woodland walks reveal wonderful wild roses, fabulous foxgloves and magnificent martagon lilies. Even the humble bramble is smothered in blossom.

Wildflowers attract insects and other invertebrates, making wildflower meadows a rich wildlife haven.

Sence Valley Forest Park is home to a wonderful array of butterflies including Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Speckled Wood, Small Skipper, Green Veined White, Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell. These are attracted to the wide variety of habitats created there including its wildflower meadow. Managed by the Forestry Commission, Sence Valley Forest Park is a wonderful example of how a disused opencast colliery can be transformed into a diverse wildlife haven.

The National Forest has produced a leaflet showing where to see wildlife across The Forest including wildflowers. To get a copy of this or for The National Forest and Beyond visitor guides, which contain ideas on where to go, what to see and places to stay in and around The National Forest, contact the National Forest Company on tel: 01283 551211, email: .

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The National Forest Company offers regular press trips to The National Forest. Please contact Carol Rowntree Jones on 01283 551211 to discuss your individual requirements, and experience for yourself this Forest in the making.

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 17.5 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.
Yoxall Lodge has five walks for visitors to enjoy summer flowers, all clearly waymarked and with benches en route. As it is a private woodland, there is a small charge for entry. Adults £2.50, Children (5-16 yrs old) £1.00 and Under 5's FREE.

Yoxall Lodge nestles in some of Staffordshire's prettiest and most unspoilt countryside in the heart of the ancient Needwood Forest. The old house is no longer standing, having fallen into a state of disrepair in the early part of the 20th Century. In its heyday William Wilberforce, who was instrumental in the abolition of the slave trade, was a frequent visitor to Yoxall Lodge.
The coppiced hazel, magnificent beech, elegant silver birch and ancient oak are just some of the species of trees which form the woodland at Yoxall Lodge and provide the richest of habitats for wildlife, plants and birds.

And as well as the wildflowers, visitors can savour the delicious cakes and cream teas in Yoxall Lodge's marquee and garden between 10.30am and 5pm.

Contacts: Richard & Sue Featherstone
Tel: 01283 575237 / 07891 930483

www.bluebellwoodsofyoxalllodge.com
Sence Valley Forest Park Community Ranger, Chris Mansell
Tel: 01889 586 593, Website: www.forestry.gov.uk

An active volunteer group is based at Sence Valley providing a ranger service, fundraising and undertaking varied conservation projects. New members to this group are always welcome. The Forestry Commission's website www.forestry.gov.uk has dates of up coming tasks and volunteer days.
The Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust is working for the protection and enhancement of Leicestershire and Rutland's wildlife and wild places. It is dedicated to securing a better future for wildlife and improving people's understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of wildlife. It cares for 36 nature reserves covering more than 900 hectares

Contact: Neil Pilcher Tel: 0116 272 0444