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. But the story doesn’t stop here. This is Our National Forest. It belongs to us all. The benefits must be felt by you and everyone to be truly sustainable.

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. 8.9 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.

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, Coalville and Swadlincote and the historic town of Ashby-de-la-Zouch.

Opening Times:

See the National Forest website for more details