The National Forest

The National Forest is a story of regeneration.

25 years ago, large swathes of the Midlands landscape had been left scarred by centuries of coal mining and other heavy industry. But a passionate group of people had a vision: a forest. The first forest to be created at scale in England for over 1000 years, it transformed and literally turned the landscape from black to green.

What is the National Forest?

The National Forest started as an idea that, like a tiny seed, was planted and nurtured until it grew into what it is today - 200 square miles of mixed habitat forest, huge green lungs that have breathed life into a landscape and transformed communities and lives. Farmers have become foresters and children have experienced forest schools. 9 million trees have been planted to date and today it is recognised as one of the most ambitious and imaginative regeneration projects in the country.

Where is the National Forest?

The National Forest is right in the heart of the country, embracing 200 square miles of the Midlands. It spans across parts of Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Staffordshire and aims to link the two ancient Forests of Charnwood and Needwood. With a history of coal mining and heavy industry, the landscape is now that of rolling farmland, ancient forests and new planted woodlands. Its main towns and villages include Burton upon Trent (famous for its brewing), Coalville and Swadlincote (formerly associated with the clay and coal mining industries) and the historic town of Ashby-de-la-Zouch.

The National Forest is a regeneration success story, a green-print for a better way of life. In planting trees and thereby restoring a rich wildlife habitat to the area, it has provided a more sustainable and positive future for the next generation. It has boosted the local economy by creating jobs in the woodland and tourism industries. And in these stressful, tech-heavy times, there’s scientific proof that being around woodlands reduces stress and improves well-being. Who wouldn’t prefer to hear birdsong to the constant ping of their phone? Best of all – everyone can benefit from it because 80% of the National Forest now has public access.