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Five ways we turned ambition into action this month. Big transformations are built through consistent action. Every woodland created, partnership strengthened, habitat explored and conversation shared helps shape a bigger vision for the National Forest. Transformation in Action is our monthly snapshot of progress, showing how long-term ambition becomes real change for landscapes, lives and livelihoods.
31 Jul 2026
Forestry leaders explored the Forest’s future
The National Forest continues to help shape the future of forestry, with leaders from across the Midlands visiting to explore how our approach is supporting woodland creation, management and resilient landscapes. Members of the Forestry and Woodlands Advisory Committee spent two days in the Forest for their East and West Midlands meeting including an afternoon walk led by our Chief Executive, John Everitt. The visit showcased how we support landowners to create and manage resilient woodlands, from developing thriving landscapes to tackling tree pests and diseases. It also demonstrated how the Forest continues to evolve and how our experience can support wider woodland ambitions across the Midlands.
Unity Wood shortlisted for a national sustainability award
We were delighted to be shortlisted for Partnership of the Year in the National Sustainability Awards for our Unity Wood project, a powerful example of what happens when organisations unite behind a shared purpose. Working with Jaguar Land Rover and more than 17 freight partners, Unity Wood has created an eight-hectare native woodland in the heart of the Forest, planting around 13,000 trees and shaping new habitats, accessible green space and a lasting legacy for future generations. It’s partnership that’s collaborative, inspiring and rooted in long term change. If your organisation is exploring meaningful ways to support nature recovery, we’d love to start a conversation.
People connected with nature at a sunset bat walk
Feanedock came alive at dusk as 15 people joined a guided bat walk led by Peter Proudlove of the Leicestershire & Rutland Bat Group. With bat detectors in hand, attendees heard and saw species including Common and Soprano Pipistrelles, Noctule and the rarely recorded Brown Long‑eared Bat. It was a gentle, immersive reminder of how wildlife thrives in restored woodland, and how transformative it can be when people are invited to slow down and listen.
Under the Canopy – Pedal Slow
More people discovered the Forest at their own pace through the Pedal Slow workshops this month. Beginning with a fully booked session for Muslim women from Burton Unity, many new to cycling, the six workshops were designed for adults and shaped by a neurodiversity-informed approach, encouraging people to move at their own pace - cycling, walking or pausing as needed. Participants explored woodland landscapes through drawing, mark making and natural materials, creating artworks inspired by colour, texture and light. These will be combined into a collective piece capturing the shared experience of slow, creative engagement with the Forest.
Western Forest colleagues visited for shared learning
Knowledge and experience from the National Forest is helping shape England’s national forests, as we welcomed colleagues from the Western Forest for a focused day of shared learning. Morning sessions covered year one progress, strategic planning, mapping, woodland creation and management, alongside monitoring, evaluation and programme development.
In the afternoon, the group visited Hanging Hill Farm for a landscape scale walk and talk, followed by a tour of the Peveril housing development to explore how woodland creation and placemaking work in practice. The visit strengthened collaboration across England’s emerging national forest network.
Looking ahead
Transformation in the National Forest does not happen all at once. It is built month by month through practical action, strong partnerships and a shared belief that landscapes can be renewed for the benefit of nature, communities and enterprise.
From supporting landowners and celebrating greener tourism to helping wildlife return and sharing our experience nationally, July showed what is possible when long-term vision is matched by action on the ground.
If you'd like to be part of the National Forest's transformation, whether as a supporter, business partner or landowner, we'd love to hear from you. Together, we can continue growing a greener, more resilient future.
