Minorca Woods: a story of inspirational change

Minorca Woods is a great example within the Forest of demonstrating the opportunities for positive change, along with the resulting environmental, societal and economic benefits that trees can bring.

The area was chosen in the early 90s due to it being one of the least wooded areas in the country. With a history of coal mining and clay extraction, and following a closure of the pits, what was left was a scarred and derelict landscape in need of regeneration with communities in need of revitalization.

Today, with the help of passionate landowners, communities and partners, we have transformed the landscape taking forest cover from 6% to 22%.

With the urgency of the climate crisis, this visionary approach to plant trees and create a multi-purpose forest near to where people live and work is more important than ever, and we’re showing that it is possible. Trees are transformational, bringing many benefits for people, nature, and our economy.

We need more landowners to come forward and help grow a greener future, so if you own a farm or land in the National Forest, our grants can help you to create and manage woodlands, maintain habitats such as meadows, wetlands, ponds, parkland and hedges, and diversify your land and business into the future. We can offer free and impartial advice on large and small sites, application is straightforward and up to 100% of costs can be covered. To find out more about our grants and if you’re eligible you can email grants@nationalforest.org.

So far, we have planted 9 million trees in the National Forest. If you want to part of growing a greener future but don’t own land, you can still support this work by making a donation or helping us create more woodlands by dedicating a tree.