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Creating Woodlands

The National Forest Company offers a range of unique funding schemes designed to encourage tree planting and the creation of wildlife habitats within the Forest's 200 square miles.


The Changing Landscapes Scheme (one hectare and above)

Changing Landscape Scheme graphic

If you have a site of over 1 hectare (2.5 acres) in The National Forest where you would consider creating woodland with other nature conservation areas, CLS will interest you.


Freewoods Scheme (0.25 – 1 hectare)

Freewoods graphic

If you have land that falls within the 200 square miles of The National Forest, and is less than one hectare (2.47 acres) in size, the Freewoods Scheme could help you design and create your own small woodland. Applications to Freewoods are accepted all year round.


Programme Development Fund (smaller projects)

Hedge Laying with branches

Owners and managers of key strategic sites, organisations, charities, local authorities, companies or individuals within the Forest area can apply for a range of funds for projects that directly benefit The National Forest. Funding is available for: site development; access and conservation (e.g orchards and hedgerows), heritage, communities, partnerships and management.

Parkland and Wood Pasture Scheme (0.25 – 5 hectares)

Cows Grazing

If you have land that you would like to plant less densely with trees then our new Parkland and Wood Pasture Scheme will interest you. Applications are accepted all year round.



Key to measurements:

  • 1 hectare = 2.47 acres
  • 1 acre = 0.4 hectares

Explore The National Forest

Read more: Interactive Map |

Statistics of Forest Cover April 2008 map

Read more: Growing Forest |


03 Jun 2013

Discounted advance National Forest Wood Fair tickets now available to purchase

Advance tickets are now on sale for the National Forest Wood Fair. With 20% discount on the gate prices, book in advance and get a fantastic family day out for just £20.

29 Apr 2013

The National Forest Company Has Appointed a New Tourism Officer

The National Forest Company (NFC) has recently welcomed Richard Drakeley to its team.

Find more articles: News



19 Jun 2013

Donington le Heath Manor House

Coalville, Leicestershire

See how people lived in Medieval, Tudor and Stuart times in this 13th Century house. Enjoy the 17th Century garden, tearoom and woodland walks. Events for all ages include re-enactment, hands-on activities and exhibitions on Leicestershire's history.

19 Jun 2013

Sharpe's Pottery Museum & Coffee Shop

Swadlincote, Derbyshire

In a restored pottery works, exhibits reveal South Derbyshire's internationally important pottery and the story of The National Forest.  Events and family friendly activities.

Find more: Events

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22 Mar 2013

Alice Oswald’s ‘Memorial’, war and the modernity of the rural

It's often implied, in our multi-riven country, that to live in a town or a city is 'modern' and to live elsewhere, isn't. Quite what's meant by this isn't always clear to me, but away from the urban, life is apparently traditional, a refuge from the hustle and bustle; it's not where innovation is expected to happen, that's for sure.

26 Feb 2013

My Journey into The National Forest

Just under two years ago my knowledge of The National Forest was a bit like my knowledge of today's technology ... I was aware of it but, whisper it, I wasn't that interested! Then, two things happened in a short space of time - we moved house and I was made redundant.

Find more: Blog