National Forest, England
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The National Forest is one of England’s most ambitious environmental projects. Across parts of Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire, 200 square miles (520 km2) are being transformed, blending ancient woodland with new planting to create a new national forest. It stretches from the outskirts of Leicester in the east to Burton upon Trent and beyond in the west, and will link the ancient forests of Needwood and Charnwood.
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[edit] National Forest Company
The National Forest Company is a not-for-profit organisation, supported by Defra, with the aim of converting one third of the land within the boundaries of the National Forest (135 km², 33,000 acres) to woodland, by encouraging landowners to alter their land use. It is described as "a forest in the making" and it is hoped to increase tourism and forestry-related jobs in the area.
In less than twenty years, one of the least wooded parts of the country has been transformed. Around 8 million trees have been planted, trebling the woodland cover from 6% to around 18%,creating habitats for wildlife and a beautiful landscape for people to enjoy.
[edit] Planting
Approximately 85% of the trees planted are native broadleaf species with some of the most commonly planted species are: English oak, ash, poplar, Corsican and Scots pine.[1]
The transformation of the landscape is beginning to take effect as the first tiny whips to be planted in the early 1990s are growing into substantial trees. Eventually it will be a mosaic of woodland, open spaces, agricultural farm land, villages and towns.
Members of the public can help create this ‘forest in the making’ through a plant a tree scheme. You will be invited to a special tree planting day and receive a certificate. For more information contact the National Forest Company on 01283 551 211 or visit the website www.nationalforest.org
[edit] Attractions within The National Forest
The gentle undulating landscape is perfect for walking, cycling and horse-riding. And through the creation of new habitats, The National Forest is an ideal location for bird and wildlife watching.
From watersports to wildlife watching, cycling to craft centres and loads of wet weather options too, The National Forest really does have something for everyone. And in this ever-changing landscape as the Forest grows, one thing is guaranteed, there is always something new to see.
At the centre of the National Forest, is Conkers, a visitor centre located just outside the village of Moira, Leicestershire. There is also a visitor centre with wildlife walks and playgrounds at Rosliston.
Other attractions include:
- Ashby Canal
- Ashby Canal Association
- Ashby Canal Trust
- Ashby Castle, Ashby-de-la-Zouch
- Ashby de-la-Zouch museum, Ashby de-la-Zouch
- Bardon Hill - highest point in the National Forest at 912 feet (278 m) above sea level.
- Barton Turns Marina, Barton under Needwood
- Battlefield Line Railway,
- Billa Barra Hill
- Beacon Hill, Leicestershire
- Beehive Farm, Rosliston
- Bradgate Park
- BCTV Conservation Holidays
- Calke Abbey, Ticknall
- Catton Hill
- Claymills Victorian Pumping Station
- Conkers, Moira
- Crackpotz Ceramic Cafe,
- Croxall Lakes
- Donington le Heath Manor House
- Ferrers Centre for Arts and Crafts, Ashby de-la-Zouch
- Foremark Reservoir, Foremark
- Forest Four Wheel Drive
- Fradley Junction
- Grace Dieu Priory
- Greenwood Days
- Hill Hole Quarry
- Kedleston Hall
- Lakeside Lodge Tearooms
- Melbourne Hall
- Moira Furnace
- Mount St. Bernard Abbey
- National Forest Llama Treks
- National Memorial Arboretum
- North West Leicestershire Museums
- Rosliston Forestry Centre
- Sence Valley Forest Park
- Sharpes Pottery Museum, Swadlincote
- Shortheath Fisheries
- Skylark Holidays
- Snibston Discovery Park
- Staunton Harold Reservoir & Visitor Centre
- Sudbury Hall
- Swadlincote Ski & Snowboard Centre
- TG Green Pottery
- The Cattows Farm Shop & Heather
- The Museum of Brewing at Coors Visitor Centre
- The National Forest Maze
- The Shoulder of Mutton
- Thornton Reservoir
- Tropical Birdland, Leicestershire
- Twycross Zoo
- Uttoxeter Heritage Centre
- Uttoxeter Racecourse
- Willesley Wood
As well as Ashby de la Zouch, the towns of Burton upon Trent, Swadlincote and Coalville are also located within the forest area.
