National Forest celebrates Champions leading the way in a greener future for tourism

This new framework sets out a practical and collaborative approach to shaping a more regenerative future for tourism across the Forest, ensuring that nature, communities and enterprise all thrive together.

Lady Victoria Borwick, Chair of VisitEngland, joined us to celebrate the inaugural Champions, presenting each with a handcrafted wooden plaque made from sustainably sourced National Forest timber. The Champions were recognised for already putting the framework’s five pathways into action - growing a greener economy, promoting low‑carbon travel, creating a welcoming and accessible Forest, improving wellbeing, and restoring and protecting nature.

Among those celebrated were organisations championing sustainable travel, inclusive outdoor experiences, woodland crafts, community wellbeing, and large‑scale habitat restoration. Their work reflects the creativity and commitment driving positive change across the visitor economy and demonstrates how tourism can actively support the Forest’s long‑term transformation.

The launch comes during a landmark year for the National Forest, as we celebrate the planting of our 10 millionth tree and more than three decades of environmental regeneration. Today, over 8.5 million people visit the Forest each year, drawn to its woodlands, walking routes, attractions and nature‑rich experiences - contributing nearly £620 million to the local economy and supporting thousands of jobs.

Under the pathway to grow a greener economy, we recognised Greenwood Days, Hastings Retreat, Hoar Cross Hall and Tollgate Brewery, each demonstrating how local skills, sustainable practices and thoughtful investment can strengthen the Forest’s visitor economy.

To promote low‑carbon travel, National Forest E‑Bike Holidays and the National Memorial Arboretum were celebrated for encouraging sustainable exploration and improving low‑carbon access across the area.

Champions helping to create a welcoming, accessible Forest included Bradgate Park Trust, Forestry England in the National Forest, National Trust Calke Abbey, Rosliston Forestry Centre and YHA National Forest, all working to widen access to nature, heritage and outdoor recreation.

Those improving visitor and community wellbeing were Fire & Stars Woodland Camping, Whistlewood Common, Wild Minds and Woodland Survival Crafts, whose nature‑based activities support confidence, connection and mental health.

And under the pathway to restore and protect nature, we recognised Broadleaves Luxury Glamping, Cattows Farm, The Bee Farmer, The Deer Park and Wigwam Holidays Charnwood Forest, where woodland creation, pollinator habitats and large‑scale restoration are central to the visitor experience.

The Transformative Tourism Framework invites more businesses and organisations to join this growing movement. Rather than focusing on compliance, it encourages shared ownership, practical steps and collaboration, ensuring tourism continues to play a positive role in a thriving, resilient landscape for generations to come.