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Big transformations are built through consistent action. Every volunteer thanked, partnership strengthened and woodland created 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.
06 Oct 2026
Celebrating the volunteers behind the vision
Transformation is driven by people, and this month we celebrated the volunteers helping to shape the future of the Heart of the National Forest.
Volunteers and volunteer leaders from across the Forest came together at Waterside for a special event recognising their contribution to biodiversity projects, habitat management, wildlife recording, access improvements and community engagement.
The event provided an opportunity to thank those supporting delivery of the Vision, celebrate the impact of their work and strengthen connections between groups working across the landscape.
By bringing people together and sharing successes, we're helping volunteers see how their efforts contribute to a much bigger story of landscape-scale transformation.
Creating a living legacy at Chitterman Wood
A new woodland is taking root in the heart of Charnwood, giving people the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy while helping grow the National Forest.
At Chitterman Wood near Ulverscroft, around 15,000 trees were planted across a 28-hectare site during winter 2025/26, creating a diverse new woodland designed to support wildlife, strengthen resilience to climate change and reflect the character of the surrounding landscape.
People can now dedicate individual woodland groves to celebrate loved ones, mark milestones or commemorate special occasions. Each grove becomes part of a larger woodland that will continue to mature and benefit future generations, helping to shape the future of the landscape while creating a meaningful personal connection to the Forest.
With just seven groves remaining, the opportunity offers a unique way for individuals to play a direct role in the National Forest's ongoing transformation.
Communities come together for Outdoor Learning
Transformation is driven by people, and this month Geopark volunteers and local families came together to improve outdoor learning spaces at Outwoods Edge Primary School in Loughborough.
Together they installed raised beds, added water butts for sustainable watering and transformed the pond area into a welcoming space for outdoor learning and wildlife discovery. What began as a one-day community challenge grew into a larger effort, with volunteers returning to complete the work despite the summer heat.
Supported through National Lottery Heritage Fund funding, through Charnwood Forest Geopark, the project demonstrates the positive impact communities can have when working together to improve local spaces and create opportunities for children to connect with nature.
Supporting nature's recovery at Albert Village Lake
Using funding from the Big Give Earth Raise campaign, we improved two ponds at Albert Village Lake that are home to great crested newts.
After several hot summers caused the ponds to dry out completely, specialist advice from the Derbyshire Amphibian and Reptile Group (DARG) helped guide work to create deeper areas that reach the water table.
While much of the ponds remain dry, even into October, the newly created sections are already holding water, helping provide vital breeding habitat for great crested newts in future dry periods.
The improvements have been welcomed by DARG, who highlighted the growing challenge that hotter, drier summers pose for amphibians and praised the work as an important step in helping local wildlife adapt to changing conditions.
Strengthening regional partnerships
This month we welcomed Mayor Claire Ward, Leader of the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), to explore how the National Forest's 30-year transformation and future investment ambitions can support regional priorities.
Led by Chief Executive John Everitt, the visit highlighted the landscape-scale change taking place across the Heart of the National Forest, including Feanedock Woodlands, plans for a new Forest Enterprise Hub, investment opportunities at Conkers and discussions around the restoration of passenger services on the Ivanhoe Line.
The visit also showcased the Woodcroft housing development in Moira, demonstrating how innovative planning policies can deliver new homes alongside woodland creation and access to green space. It was a valuable opportunity to strengthen relationships and highlight the National Forest's role in supporting green growth, biodiversity and the visitor economy.
Looking ahead
Transformation in the National Forest happens through the combined efforts of people, partners and communities.
September highlighted the importance of celebrating volunteers, building influential partnerships and creating new opportunities for people to contribute to the Forest's future. Together, these actions are helping deliver lasting change for nature, communities and the economy.
If you'd like to be part of the National Forest's transformation, whether as a volunteer, supporter, business partner or landowner, we'd love to hear from you.
