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Big transformations are built through consistent action. Every tree planted, habitat restored, partnership formed and person inspired helps shape a bigger vision for the National Forest.
Transformation in Action is our monthly snapshot of progress, showing how long-term ambition is becoming real change for landscapes, lives and livelihoods.
01 Jul 2026
Supporting the return of hazel dormice to the Forest
One of this month's highlights was the release of another 40 hazel dormice at Bradgate Park, as part of an ongoing programme to help restore one of Britain's most threatened native mammals. With populations declining by more than 70% since 2000, every release is an important step towards securing the species' future in the National Forest.
Led by the People's Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) and Bradgate Park Trust, the release was made possible through collaboration with the Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust, the Leicestershire & Rutland Mammal Group, Twycross Zoo and our work to create and connect woodland habitats across the Forest. Together, we’re creating the connected woodland habitats that give species like the hazel dormouse the best chance to recover and thrive.
Celebrating tourism businesses leading the way
Tourism in the National Forest is taking another step towards becoming a force for nature, communities and enterprise with the launch of our new Transformative Tourism Framework at Hoar Cross Hall. As part of the event, we recognised the first Transformative Tourism Champions – businesses already bringing the model to life. Hosted at Hoar Cross Hall, a venue powered by 100% biomass energy, the launch reflected the principles at the heart of the framework.
From improving accessibility and reducing environmental impact to creating experiences that connect people with the landscape, our Champions are showing how tourism can leave a positive legacy. Together, they're helping shape a visitor economy that gives back to the National Forest.
Helping shape the future of England’s new national forests
The National Forest model is now helping shape the future of woodland creation across England.
This month, applications opened for the new national forest in the North or Midlands, while progress continued on the emerging forests in the Oxford Cambridge Growth Corridor and the Western Forest. By sharing what we've learned over three decades, we're helping inspire and support even greater landscape-scale transformation across the country.
Bringing businesses together in the Heart of the Forest
New partnerships are helping grow the Forest, bringing businesses together to invest in and discuss positive action for nature, communities and enterprise. We welcomed businesses from across the Midlands to Conkers Waterside Centre for a morning of networking, net-walking and fresh thinking. Delivered in partnership with the Federation of Small Businesses, the event combined meaningful business conversations with a guided walk through the Forest, demonstrating how nature can inspire new ideas, stronger connections and lasting partnerships.
The event also highlighted opportunities for organisations to become National Forest corporate partners, supporting woodland creation, nature recovery and community projects while contributing to their own environmental ambitions. By bringing businesses together and growing our network of partners, we're growing the National Forest for generations to come.
Launching a more flexible tree planting grant for landowners
More landowners will be able to create woodlands and restore habitats thanks to the launch of our refreshed tree planning grant. With flexible support for projects of all sizes (from new woodlands and agroforestry to meadows, wetlands, hedgerows and parkland trees) the grant makes it easier to create landscapes that deliver for nature, climate and farm resilience.
Through this refreshed grant, we'll invest more than £1.5 million every year in forest creation over the next three years. By supporting a wider range of planting and habitat creation projects, we're helping more landowners create resilient, productive landscapes while growing the National Forest for generations to come.
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, June 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.
