ForestScene Winter 2013-14

ForestSceneWinter 2013/14

You can now find The National Forest onFacebook, and we tweet @NatForestCo www.nationalforest.org

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Take it Home!NF10K National Forest Way

Wood Fair Halo Thinning

Photographs courtesy of Christopher Beech, Helen Bralesford, Food and EnvironmentalResearch Agency, Jacqui Rock, RunnerPhotos, Beth Walsh, The Woodland Trust.

The National Forest – transforming 200 square miles of central England

HOLLAND & BARRETT, EUROPE’S LEADING RETAILER OF VITAMINS, MINERALS ANDHERBAL SUPPLEMENTS, IS THE LATEST COMPANY TO ANNOUNCE SUPPORT FORTHE NATIONAL FOREST. THEIR SPONSORSHIP IN THE FIRST YEAR WILL CREATENEW FOREST AT NANPANTAN, AND COMPLEMENT THEIR BUSINESS-WIDEENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT ‘PLAN-IT GREEN’.

The National Forest CompanyBath Yard, Moira, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE12 6BAT: 01283 551211 F: 01283 552844E: [email protected]: www.nationalforest.org

Large print version available Tel: 01283 551211

Burton upon Trent

Swadlincote

Ashby de la Zouch

Coalville

Derby

Birmingham Leicester

Nottingham

Their stores are a familiar sight inalmost every major city and townacross the United Kingdom andIreland, and throughout theirhistory Holland & Barrett havesupported the manufacture andsupply of products which helpprotect the world’s naturalresources and habitats. They arealso recognised as a key sponsorof the successful re-introductionof the blue butterfly in Britain. In

2010 they were the first nationalretailer to commit to having noplastic bags in store.

Lysa Hardy, Chief MarketingOfficer for NBTY Europe (Holland& Barrett’s parent company), said:“With our headquarters inNuneaton and distributioncentre in The National Forestat Burton upon Trent,thousands of our staffmembers have this wonderful

resource of The NationalForest on their doorstep. Forus as a national company, weare excited to be part of thevisionary work of the Forest,and the impact that it has onpeople and the environment.”

Sophie Churchill, Chief Executivefor the National Forest Company,said: “Holland & Barrett iscommitted to protecting theenvironment, through theirproduct ranges and their workingpractices. We are delighted thatsuch a well-known company,which reaches so many peoplewith an interest in health and theenvironment, has chosen tosupport our work in creating TheNational Forest: it is a naturalmatch and we are looking forwardto working together to improvethe quality of life for our localcommunities, visitors and wildlife.”

Pedal power!

Plant a Tree – the gift that keeps on giving

MEMBERS OF THE NFC TEAM MET IAN FROGATT OF THEWOODLAND TRUST RECENTLY, TO SEE HOW THE TRUST IS MANAGING MARTINSHAW WOOD. THE WOODLAND ISVISIBLE FROM THE M1 IN LEICESTERSHIRE, AND THE TRUSTIS USING THINNING TECHNIQUES AS PART OF RESTORING A PLANTATION ON ANCIENT WOODLAND SITES (PAWS).

PAWS restoration is designed tohelp reinstate ancient woodland,such as Martinshaw, whichtypically shows little evidence ofpre-1600 woodland (the definitionof ancient woodland), having beenplanted with fast-growing conifersbetween the 1930s and 1970s inorder to restock the nation’s timberreserves. Trees were needed toreplace the timber that had beenused to prop up the trenches, orfuel the steelmaking. But theresultant pines and cedars nowoften dominate the nativewoodland species, preventingsuccessful natural regeneration,and shading out many of thewildflowers that grow on the forestfloor and the shrubs that grow atthe woodland edge.

Discussing how the managementwas being carried out prompted aninteresting debate as to whetherany of the softwood trees would beretained. Some of us felt thatconifers are part of the traditionand landscape of this area now,and an important potential productin many woods.

The Trust is working with acontractor on a ‘feller select’ basis,to lightly thin where it is neededand to carry out what is termedhalo thinning. This means clearing

enough conifers around a singlebroadleaf tree to create a halo oflight, enabling that one tree tothrive and increase its canopy, andenough of the precious dappledshade, that we all associate withwoodland, to fall on the forest floor.

If too much light is let in throughexcessive thinning, bracken andbramble swarm in, smothering anypossibility of the desirable groundflora establishing itself.

Seeing piles of logs neatlyarranged beside the forest track,towering over our heads, we all feltproud that this timber came fromour Forest. The visit gave us insightinto what lies ahead in looking afterour woodlands. To shape theForest for quality, to make it awelcoming place to walk throughand to make it a sustainable forestfor our woodland owners, as wellas planting new stock, the red‘Tree cutting’ signs will be out andwe will hear the sound ofchainsaws.

This is an editedversion of an articlethat appeared on the NFC blog

‘Woodland Edge’. Read it atwww.nationalforest.org/newsroom/

Halo thinning at Martinshaw Wood

A car park for 50 cars and twocoaches has been created, andthis is soon to be followed by theconstruction of a surfaced all-ability track, enabling everyone toenjoy a circular walk from the carpark to the lake.The lake is now graced by a newtimber bird hide. Its construction is funded by the Arts Council, and it will be integrated into thelandscape with green willow wovenscreening and a turf roof. The hidewill double-up as an art gallery,displaying photography and othervisual art work produced by artistsand individuals or communitiesusing the site.A photographic project is beingdeveloped by artist PatriciaSwannell to capture the site from one specific viewpoint as itchanges and develops, using abrick plinth constructed near thelake. Families and other users willbe invited to take their ownpictures of themselves in thelandscape over time, to recordanother aspect of change at the site.

Across the lake, a 9haconservation area has beensecured, providing sanctuary forthe wildlife to escape thesometimes over-zealous gaze ofthe visiting public.

Sophie Churchill, Chief Executive,NFC, said: “We are very excitedto see how the Queen ElizabethDiamond Jubilee Wood isdeveloping. The National ForestCompany and otherlandowners worked with theWoodland Trust to enable theflagship wood to be locatedhere, and the sheer scale of

the site makes it a marvellousaddition to the woodlands andattractions we have in theForest already. The artwork andinterpretation, the conservationand the access workdovetailing together make this a really exciting project.There’s a lot of interest alreadyand local people are exploringthe site. It will be a wonderfulplace for a real ramble throughwoodland, big enough to get lost in!”

www.woodlandtrust.org.uk

100,000 visitors per year!As Hicks Lodge National Forest Cycle Centrecelebrates its second year of operation, the

latest figures show that the number of visitorsexceeds all expectations, with over 100,000

people using the centre over the last year. Localfamilies, teenagers and visitors to the Forest just love the trails and the facilities provided at this

friendly Forestry Commission centre.

If you haven’t visited already, you will find the centreon Willesley Lane between Ashby de la Zouch and

Moira. Enjoy nine miles of safe off-road trails,showers, cycle hire and a great café! See you there!

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/hickslodge

The Forest went to the seaside this summer!The spectacular 2020VISION exhibition was on the seafront at Brighton for theheight of the summer, taking its bold and inspirational messages about landscape,nature and our health and well-being, to a world of piers and promenades. It basked in the sunshine and went down a storm!

EventsNOVEMBER24-24 Dec Santa’s Grotto andNativity Scene with real animals.National Forest Adventure Farm01283 533933

30 Ashby de la Zouch Christmas Food & Drink Market 01530 416961

30-1 Dec Christmas Tudor Craft Day at Donington le HeathManor House 01530 831259

30-24 Dec Christmas WinterWonderland at CONKERS 01283 216633

DECEMBERSee above for National ForestAdventure Farm and CONKERSChristmas activities

7Winter Photography Workshopat the National MemorialArboretum 01283 792333

14 Christmas Fine Food Fair atCalke Abbey 01332 863822

15 Derby Bach Choir singHandel’s Messiah in the Riding School, Calke Abbey 01332 863822

20 CONKERS Annual ChristmasCarols concert with Ibstock brickBrass Band 01283 216633

24 ‘Twas the Night BeforeChristmas. Festive event at theNational Memorial Arboretum01283 792333

26-1 Jan Family Bauble Trail at the National Memorial Arboretum01283 792333

JANUARY19Winter Wonderland Walk at Rosliston Forestry Centre 01283 563483

APRIL19-18 May Bluebell Woods ofYoxall Lodge 01283 575237

MAY17-18 Moira Canal Festival 01530 515273

17-29 National Forest Walking Festivalwww.thenationalforestwalkingfestival.org.uk

As part of the 2014 National Forest & Beyond campaign the visitorguide will be re-launched in a magazine style format and will includereal life visitor stories, distinctive experiences and a more ‘stripped-down’ approach.

To help us with the transition from traditional Visitor Guide to the newmagazine style format, we have appointed Greentraveller, a respectedorganisation that specialises in promoting sustainable tourism.Greentraveller is working with us to include contributionsfrom renowned travel writers, who have visited theForest and will share their experiences.

What they’re tweeting already:

NATIONAL FOREST & BEYONDVISITOR CAMPAIGN

Forest, food, fun and friends: the NationalForest Company is supporting a uniquecommunity woodland project near Melbourne, Derbyshire.

Whistlewood Common Limited, a not-for-profit society, approached theNFC with a vision of community-ownedlow-input, high-yield woodland wherepeople could grow their own food,spend time outdoors, learn new skillsand celebrate with families and friends.

They offered community shares in thecompany, in order to purchase the landand get the project up and running.The share offer was matched by grantaid from the NFC.

Within two weeks of the launch they had raisedsufficient funds to put in an offer on 10 acres of land

on Melbourne Common, which was accepted subject to contract.“The friendly, efficient and productive support we

received from the National ForestCompany really helped us getWhistlewood off the ground,” said thegroup’s Chair Helen Bralesford. The project will provide a community-owned growing space where the best agro-forestry practice will flourish in partnership with perennialfood production.Alan Leather, for the NFC, said: “This isa truly inspiring project. It’s great to seewhat can be achieved by a passionate

community with good ideas.”For more information seewww.whistlewoodcommon.org

WHISTLEWOOD COMMON: A MODEL FOR THE FUTURE?

The Woodland Trust’s Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Wood is shaping up nicely! As reported earlier in Forest Scene, this large site near Normanton le Heath, just outsideAshby de la Zouch – the biggest under one ownership in The National Forest – was chosen last year as the flagship Diamond Jubilee Wood, part of the Woodland Trust’s campaign to plant 6 million trees in celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. And how these 460 acres of reclaimedopencast, arable fields and newly created lake have changed!

Nearly 200,000 native trees have been planted, many by local community groups, schoolchildren and sponsors, with another 100,000 to go, to be planted over the next two years.

>> Story continues from front page –

The Woodland Trust’s Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Wood

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“Anna the llama lady = my new personal hero. We LOVED this

http://www.nationalforestllamatreks”

“Spent last few days exploring @NatForestCo attractions on assignment

for @greentraveller. The kids loved dressing up @NTCalkeAbbey #travel”

Plant a Treeto remembera loved one.Many peoplefind comfort inplanting a treeto rememberand celebratethe life of aspecial person.

Plant a Tree is a wonderful wayto support The National Forestand treat someone to atreasured, sustainable gift.

When you buy Plant a Tree onlineyou create your own certificatefrom our designs and write yourown personal message to theperson receiving the gift. Attachby email, or print out thecertificate in your own home fordelivery by post, or by hand, rolledand tied with a ribbon!

Both you and the recipient arethen invited to join us for a specialplanting event, to plant the tiny‘whip’ (young tree) that youchoose on the day, usually an oak, birch, field maple, rowan or small-leaved lime.

You will be helping create newwoodland, on a site that willalways be open for you to visit.You can see the trees as they growand change with the seasons, andenjoy the birdsong as the localwildlife make it their home.

Buy it online atwww.nationalforest.org/sponsor/plantatree/

A perfect present for:

Christmas New Year

Mother’s Day Valentine’s Day >> Story continues on page 5

In the recent ‘Get Britain Cycling’debate in Parliament, AndrewBridgen, MP for North WestLeicestershire, highlighted theenormous range of cyclingopportunities in The National Forest.

He spoke of the massive transformationthat has happened in his constituency,“where redundant coal mines have beentransformed into part of the newNational Forest and are criss-crossedby numerous well-used and attractivecycle paths, particularly the HicksLodge National Forest Cycle Centre,which allows thousands of families tohave traffic-free cycling each year.”

Cycling Projects, which is responsiblefor the Wheels for All Centres, hasestablished three new Cycling Hubs inDerbyshire, one of which is at RoslistonForestry Centre, near Swadlincote in the Forest. The Hubs are fundedthrough a Derbyshire County CouncilAiming High grant, and the facility atRosliston will include a variety ofadapted cycles for hire.

Debbie Chesterman, Manager ofRosliston Forestry Centre, said: “The Hubs are designed to help youngpeople with disabilities and their familiesenjoy the countryside. We are delightedto be able to offer these extra facilitieshere at the Forestry Centre.”

See www.roslistonforestrycentre.co.uk

“So enjoyed ourbiking around

Hicks Lodge. Wishwe could make yrbike mushing event

coming up!”

Watch our film about Plant a Tree

in The NationalForest on

Hicks Lodge Pollinator PatchWE DID IT! THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO VOTED FOR THE HICKSLODGE VOLUNTEER GROUP AT THE NATIONAL FOREST CYCLECENTRE TO WIN THE CENTRAL & EASTERN CO-OPERATIVEPOLLINATOR PATCH AWARD.

Co-operative members were invitedto vote for a local patch of land toreceive a wildflower makeover aspart of the Co-op’s Plan Bee tohelp bees and other pollinators.Bees pollinate one third of the foodwe eat and the wildflowers they

love have been disappearing at analarming rate: the UK has lost 97%of its wildflower meadows since the 1930s.

Hicks Lodge was a runaway winnerin its region, and now the work hasstarted to create a wildflower havenfor bees and butterflies in a cornerof this popular ForestryCommission site in North WestLeicestershire.

If you would like to visit the site, find out more atwww.forestry.gov.uk/hickslodge

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Sophie’s column Wonderful Wood Fair

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Leave a legacy to The National Forest and create a greenand living memory. See www.nationalforest.org/sponsor/legacy/

THE NINTH NATIONAL FOREST WOOD FAIR WAS A BRIGHTAND BUSY DAY! THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE ENJOYED THESUNSHINE, AND MANY MADE THE MOST OF THE LONGEROPENING HOURS BY ARRIVING AT THE GATES BEFORE 9O’CLOCK IN THE MORNING.

White Rose Heavy Horses gavea fascinating display of theintricate skills of the horselogger, Phil Gregsondemonstrated the smoky,steamy work of the wheelwrightand the marquee was packedwith visitors buying gifts andbrowsing the stalls, watching thewoodturners, willow weavers

and whittlers. Many ice creams,pints of local beer and welcomecups of tea were consumed!

Come and join us nextyear with our valuedpartners LeicestershireCounty Council for amarvellous tenthanniversary Wood Fair!

What to think about thestate of the so-called‘natural’ world? Herewe are feeling personalsadness at the arrival of Ash Dieback in TheNational Forest (seemore on page 4) and asI write, a recent reportsays that climatechange is irrevocable,caused by humans and unpredictable in its consequences, nodoubt affecting thepoor before the rest ofus who have caused it.I suspect human beings are last minute merchants, veering awayfrom final disaster at the eleventh hour. All the more reason tosalute the originators of The National Forest, with their rare long-term vision for something which would transform lives, make thelandscape more beautiful, give wildlife a chance and providelivelihoods for many.

Here in the team we inherit and build on that foresight day byday. We are busy shaping up one of the biggest woodlandmanagement programmes in the country which will run for thenext decade at least. This matters so much, as it will create thestructure and character of the woods for future generations,encourage wildlife and provide local woodfuel. Win, win, win! Weare also thinking ahead and adapting the species we plant,bearing in mind tree diseases and climate change. I’m personallyso thrilled that the National Forest Way is becoming real, havinghad an amazing time walking the route over the last year.

Thanks to all the support and practical help we continue toreceive, from business, volunteers, residents and partners, TheNational Forest is coming of age and there is much to enjoy, inuncertain times. Here’s to the seasons of fungi, golden leafmedallions on the forest floor, sloe-picking and frosty fields.

Sophie Churchill, OBE FICFoChief Executive, National Forest Company.

WALKERS ARE WELCOME

Rather than being a regularwalking group, they areconcerned with maintaining,repairing and promoting thelocal footpath network around Melbourne.

They spend their timelooking after all the practicalniceties that make thewalker’s life a happy one:they clear paths, repair

stiles, erect signs and waymark paths. They deserve a medal!

Members are encouraged to walk a small number of paths twice a year to check on their condition, and join working parties to carry out the maintenance work: they are always on the lookout for extra pairs of hands.

Sophie Churchill, Chief Executive, NFC, said: “This is a great exampleof local people looking after facilities that will help others enjoytheir bit of the Forest and we salute them for it!”

See melbournefootpathsgroup.wordpress.com/

A VOLUNTEER GROUP FROM MELBOURNE IN DERBYSHIRE, ON

THE EDGE OF THE NATIONAL FOREST, HAS BEEN AWARDED

WALKERS ARE WELCOME STATUS FOR THE TOWN. IT IS THE FIRST

AWARD OF THIS TYPE IN DERBYSHIRE.

The National ForestCompany (NFC) welcomesCharles Robinson,Woodland ManagementOfficer, and CarolineScothern, CommunityEngagement Officer for theHeritage Lottery-fundedBlack to Green project.Both new posts, they reflect thedeveloping work of the NFC as TheNational Forest exceeds 19.5%woodland cover throughout its 200square miles. There are many moretrees still to plant, but developingthe Forest’s economy and identity,and looking after the woodlands,are essential to the ongoing creationof the Forest. Charles and Caroline’swork will both take this forward.

Charles trained in CountrysideManagement at Harper AdamsUniversity College and comes toThe National Forest from previousposts with Natural England and theCotswolds Area of OutstandingNatural Beauty. As WoodlandManagement Officer he will be

working with landowners to helpthem make the most of theirwoodlands in terms ofmanagement, and developingmarkets for the timber.

As Community Engagement Officer, Caroline will be working on the development stage of Black to Green. Along with partners throughout the Heart of the Forest, the NFC has established this inspiring project to connect people with the rapidchanges to the landscape aroundAshby Woulds, Donisthorpe andMoira. Caroline joins the Forest from a teaching and social workbackground, and brings a passionfor forest schools, the outdoors and nature conservation.

New staff as Forest continues to progress

Sadly, the first outbreaks of the tree disease AshDieback have been reportedin The National Forest near Albert Village in NorthWest Leicestershire.Ash Dieback (Chalara fraxinea) was first identified inthe UK in February 2012 and is now established at around 560 locationsacross the UK. Unfortunately, as it is a fungus carried by the wind, it was onlya matter of time before it reached The National Forest.

The disease has been found at three sites between Albert Village and Moira,near Swadlincote. Surveys undertaken by Forestry Commission Plant Healthstaff showed the disease to be present on trees that are around 17 years old,and on some five year old trees .

The Chair of the National Forest Company (NFC), Catherine Graham-Harrison,said: “We are saddened to learn of the arrival of Ash Dieback in The NationalForest. The ash is usually a very robust Midlands tree, prominent in ourhedgerows and woodlands. We must hope that the more resilient trees surviveand breed new generations of trees which withstand the disease.”

The NFC is working with the Forestry Commission, which has advised thatthere is no cure for the disease and it is likely to have already spread to otherparts of The National Forest. The Forestry Commission recommends that nodirect action is taken. If diseased trees are felled it will not stop the spores from spreading further (as the spores are found on decaying leaf stalks and arewind borne). It will be a matter of learning to live with the disease and tomanage dealing with a declining ash population in the country as a whole overa long period of time. It is important that infected sites are monitored to identifyany symptom-free trees that may prove resistant to the disease.

Catherine Graham-Harrison added: “Ash is a significant tree in the Forest,probably around 15 – 20% of all the trees we have, but in The NationalForest we have always planted mixed species woodlands, which makethem more resilient when diseases like this affect one species.

“Over time the biggest visual impact is likely to be from losing maturehedgerow ash trees in the landscape, but not whole woodlands. It willbe interesting to see what natural re-growth happens in any gaps left by dead ash trees, and as trees start to decay they will provide valuable

habitat for specialist beetles, fungiand birds such as woodpeckers.

“We are only half-way through theForest’s creation. Whilst the loss of some of its ash trees will be a bigblow, we still have the opportunity toadd many more new woodlands tothe landscape with other species inthe future.

“It is hoped that one day we canagain plant ash trees once disease-resistant trees have been found andgrown to seedling stage.”

]

Rolls-Royce plc has announced its continued support for theEnvironmental Education Project at Rosliston Forestry Centre, partof South Derbyshire District Council and The National Forest.

The company has pledged to support the running of environmentalactivities for schools and for the public for a further three years from April2014 until March 2017 to the tune of £60,000 in total.

The Rolls-Royce funding helps to support the Environmental EducationProject which aims to enthuse all age groups about environmental sciencein an inspiring setting and is a key route into more formal science learningfor young people. The funding contributes to projects such as the popularScience event held at Rosliston Forestry Centre each year, as well as theFree Tree Scheme which enables local residents to claim two free trees for their garden.

The Environmental Education Project team also work closely with Rolls-Royce plc and other partners to develop education resources for schools and for the public – forexample, tree and town trails whichpeople can use to enjoy RoslistonForestry Centre or Swadlincotetown centre.

Kate Allies, EnvironmentalDevelopment Manager for SouthDerbyshire District Council, said:‘We are delighted to continueour working relationship withRolls-Royce. As well as thefunding, which is brilliant news,we enjoy working with Rolls-Royce trainees on longer termcommunity projects and alsoone-day employee teamchallenge groups every year –which means we can offer evenmore to schools and the publicas a result.”

For more information see:www.roslistonforestrycentre.co.uk

THE NATIONAL FOREST WAY

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INSPIRING SCIENCE

Running for

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PICK IT UP AND TAKE IT HOME!The National Forest Company has commissioned a set of signs saying clearly why dog owners should pick uptheir dog’s waste and take it home with them.

Although most dogowners are highlyresponsible, dog mess isan increasing problemthroughout the country. Arecent Keep Britain Tidysurvey revealed that 37%of people say that dogmess is the litter issue thatbothers them most. And

with an estimated eight million ‘man’s best friends’ in the UK,producing in the region of 1,000 tonnes of dog mess every day,you can begin to see the scale of the problem.

The NFC is working with local landowners to tackle the problemof dog mess on pathways and in woodlands in the heart of theForest. The message is simple: ‘Pick it up and take it home.’

A new short film commissioned by NFC tells the powerful story of three lives transformedby The National Forest. Meet Paige, Mark and David at http://www.nationalforest.org/The film has already unlocked some new support for the Forest. Let us know if there are people you think should see it. Email [email protected]

[ ]You can become a Friend of The National Forest.Help us look after the woodlands, improve access to the Forest and provideinspiring environmental education projects for young people.

>>

The National Forest Company offers the following advice tolandowners and the public:

Landowners and members of the publicshould remain vigilant and report anysuspected instances of Ash Dieback to theForestry Commission using the Tree Alertform (www.forestry.gov.uk/treealert)

Information on spotting the disease withadvice on what to do if you suspect it, isavailable on the Forestry Commissionwebsite (www.forestry.gov.uk/ashdieback)

The National Forest Company asks that anyconfirmed cases of the disease within TheNational Forest should be reported to MattBrocklehurst, Head of Forestry, NationalForest Company, on 01283 551211.

For further information on Ash Dieback seewww.forestry.gov.uk/ashdieback For furtherinformation on The National Forest seewww.nationalforest.org

The National Forest 10K kickedoff from Conkers once again and384 runners sped off in style.National Forest sponsor PHSDirect sent over 50 runners fromas far afield as Glasgow andKent, to celebrate the 50thbirthday of its parent companyPHS Group.

Immersed in a history that has seenthe area change from a rurallandscape, through industrialisationand its decline, to the modern daycreation of a new forest, the trailleads through young and ancientwoodlands, market towns and theindustrial heritage of this changinglandscape at the heart of the Midlands.

The National Forest Way is beingcreated by a partnership of theNational Forest Company,Derbyshire, Leicestershire andStaffordshire County Councils, andis made possible by the generoussupport of Fisher German.

Sam Lattaway, Head of Landscape,Biodiversity & Recreation for theNFC, said: “We are currently hard atwork putting everything in placeready to launch the National ForestWay as part next year’s NationalForest Walking Festival. By then wewill have repaired broken stiles,erected waymarker posts,produced a suite of leaflets givingdirections and launched a newwebsite with plenty of informationon things to see and do along theway. In the meantime, keep an eyeon The National Forest website formore updates on progress.”

OPENING IN MAY 2014, THE NEW NATIONAL FOREST WAY LONGDISTANCE TRAIL WILL TAKE WALKERS ON A JOURNEY THROUGH A TRANSFORMING LANDSCAPE. ACROSS 75 MILES OF FOOTPATHSFROM THE NATIONAL MEMORIAL ARBORETUM IN STAFFORDSHIRETO BEACON HILL COUNTRY PARK IN LEICESTERSHIRE, THEY WILLDISCOVER THE STORY OF THE NATIONAL FOREST.

ASH DIEBACK

Consultationwith residentsin the Heart ofthe Forest hasshown thatlocal peopleare keen to getmore involvedin the Forest,from surveying

wildlife to planting trees. Overthe next year Caroline will berunning pilot events to test whatpeople enjoy most.

“Offering a range of activitieswill be a great way to find outwhat people are mostinterested in, and help us planfor the future. The area’s seenso much change from thedays of coal and clay to thenow emerging forest – it’sexciting to get involved in that,find out about the past andhelp look after the future.”

If you’re interested in gettinginvolved email Caroline [email protected]

Sophie, with Freddie of White Rose HeavyHorses, at the National Forest Wood Fair.Centre and right: Kay Alexander, NationalForest Ambassador and former BBCMidlands Today presenter, and Cllr RositaPage, Chair of Leicestershire County Council.

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Volunteers sow the first wildflower seeds atHicks Lodge Pollinator Patch.

Grants for Woodland Management: Charles will soon be given extra scope for his workwith woodland owners in the Forest, when the NFC launches a new Woodland Management Grant.The grant will cover a wide range of woodland management related works and will be targeted atwoodlands planted in the early years of the Forest’s creation (15-23 years old). It will focus onimprovement works to these woodlands through appropriate and on-going management, and willaim to take a broad approach, supporting various types of ‘Forest Site’.






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Burton upon Trent

Swadlincote

Ashby de la Zouch

Coalville

Derby


Nottingham






Pedal power!
























































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Christmas New Year









coming up!”





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Burton upon Trent

Swadlincote

Ashby de la Zouch

Coalville

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Nottingham






Pedal power!
























































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Christmas New Year









coming up!”



Documents

ForestScene Winter 2013-14