OF TRANSFORMATION
...and counting What does it take to transform a scarred landscape into somewhere people are once again proud to call home? It takes vision. ...and millions of trees.
Open cast coal mining in the Heart of The National Forest that has since been restored to create the Hicks Lodge Cycle Centre.
The Vision
In the late 1980s a group of visionaries came together with the idea of revitalising a large swathe of the Midlands that had been decimated by the decline in traditional industries. Spurred on by public support they selected an area spanning Derbyshire Leicestershire and Staffordshire, and drew up a plan that would breathe new life into these 200 forgotten square miles that sit in the very heart of England. The plan was to create a Forest.
1987
Countryside Commission pioneers concept of a National Forest.
4
1989
Competition held to select The National Forest area.
1990
Area selected and inaugural Forest site planted with trees.
1991
The National Forest boundary finalised and tree planting begins in earnest.
1994
First National Forest Strategy and Business Plan endorsed by Government.
1995
The National Forest Company formed.
5
Transformation takes vision. It takes commitment. It takes enthusiasm. It takes a community pulling together. It takes resources. And it takes time.
Creating a forest
25 years later the plan is working and the vision is becoming a reality. The National Forest is shaping up beautifully to fulfil its promise of transforming lives, the landscape and the economy.
2002 Five millionth tree planted.
2006
David Nash Noon Columns erected to mark the distinct Forest landscapes.
2010
Woodland cover tripled from 6% to 18%.
2012
Eight millionth tree planted by HRH Duke of Cambridge at the opening of St. George’s Park.
2014
The 75 mile National Forest Way opens.
2016
Charitable status for the National Forest Company secured.
The Bigger Picture It’s just over 25 years since the first few saplings were planted on a cold winter’s day. Today, we have more than 8.5 million trees, growing stronger daily. But the planting of trees is only part of the story that makes The National Forest a shining example of how to get regeneration right.
The National Forest was conceived by the then Countryside Commission in 1987. The Forest would be a modern take on a medieval forest made up of mixed land uses, contributing to the health, enjoyment and prosperity of the area. It would be a new resource for recreation and tourism, creating rich wildlife habitats, restoring damaged landscapes and offering an alternative, productive use of farmland. The area selected, which encompasses Burton upon Trent, Ashby de la Zouch, Coalville and Swadlincote, would knit together the remnant ancient forests of Needwood and Charnwood.
It was chosen to be the first forest to be created in England for over 1000 years on the strength of huge public support and the need for regeneration following years of mineral working and the demise of coal mining. Following three years of research and consultation, the Countryside Commission published its strategy which resulted in the Government of the day setting up the National Forest Company (NFC) in 1995. This new, independent public company, supported by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), secured charitable status in April 2016.
“The National Forest is recognised as one of the most ambitious and imaginative sustainable development projects in the country.” Sir William Worsley, Chairman
I’m proud to present this report that marks a milestone in the history of The National Forest. In our first quarter century, it’s a snapshot of where we are, how we got here and the aspirations we have for the future. 25 years isn’t long in terms of a forest, but in that time we have made remarkable progress in demonstrating how environmental restoration can drive economic and social regeneration, through judicious and determined planting of millions of trees. It shows what having a clear vision, consistent investment and a partnership-led approach can achieve in a short time. The National Forest is recognised as one of the most ambitious and imaginative sustainable development projects in the country, and I would like to thank all our partners whether landowners, businesses, local authorities, voluntary bodies, communities and other organisations whose support and enthusiasm has made it all possible. Sir William Worsley Chairman
Why trees?
Five reasons why trees matter:
Trees can restore the environment, connecting wildlife habitats, combatting pollution and reducing soil erosion.
people have taken
part in forestrelated activities
Trees can transform the landscape providing beautiful places and inspiring features for people to access and enjoy.
new sport and Trees can boost local prosperity, increasing house prices, creating woodland jobs and stimulating the visitor economy.
Trees can provide a sustainable future, storing carbon, replacing fossil fuels and increasing resilience against flooding.
And finally... People love trees. They are deeply engrained in our national identity. Walking in woodland has been proven to improve health, mood and create a sense of well being. Trees are part of our heritage and what makes England this green and pleasant land.
recreation facilities created
tourism related
jobs created
t ra nsforming
The Forest provides a range of opportunities for people to engage with woodlands near to where they live and work.
li v e s
550,000 102km children have benefited of new cycleways from environmental education sessions
have been created
“...As I drive around The National Forest area now I am so inspired by the beauty of our local area. I feel my family have been privileged to have grown up alongside the trees and country parks.� Local resident
More than 80% of the new forest creation has public access, encouraging residents and visitors to engage with and enjoy the landscape on their doorstep. From increased volunteering to communities managing woodlands or more active lifestyles to outdoor learning, the benefits now being felt are real and wide ranging. A new woodland culture is emerging creating a greater identity, renewed confidence and increased aspiration, all within a generation.
Tea drinking, cheese eating, path walking, tree hugging, book reading, owl loving ginger nut. Hazel McDowell, Twitter @HazardHazel
We moved to Moira in 2000 when our daughter Lucy was eight. She went to Oakthorpe Primary School where all the children were given the first OS Explorer map for The National Forest. I was comparing it the other day with the latest map for the area and it is amazing how much the landscape has changed as trees have been planted and new footpaths created. When Conkers opened we purchased annual season tickets and were regular visitors whilst Lucy was growing up. For our 25th wedding anniversary we planted a tree at Hicks Lodge and we visit it often to check on its progress. Living in The National Forest I fully appreciate all the fabulous footpaths, woodlands and trails which are on
my doorstep. I have always been a keen walker but surgery on my spine when I was 15 meant I had to spend nine months in hospital confined to bed. When I eventually escaped my hospital bed and could walk again, I vowed to keep moving and to never take walking for granted. The National Forest has almost become my national health service as I walk there nearly every day now. Last time Lucy, who now lives in Manchester, was home she asked if we could buy her a pair of hiking boots as she wanted to go out walking more. Now that was a significant moment as she spent her childhood not wanting to walk anywhere! Hazel McDowell Keen walker
Walking on the National Forest Way, the 75 mile long distance trail that links the National Memorial Arboretum to Beacon Hill Country Park.
How can a forest transform lives?
A survey we carried out in 2014 offers a good insight into ways in which people felt their community had benefited from the creation of the Forest. The most frequently mentioned were:
BETTER PLACES FOR WALKING
MORE THINGS TO DO/PLACES TO VISIT
MORE WILDLIFE
TO SEE
GOOD FOR CHILDREN £££ BRINGS VISITORS TO THE AREA
COMMUNITY SPIRIT FROM INVOLVEMENT
CIVIC PRIDE MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO MEET NEIGHBOURS INCREASED HOUSE VALUES A MORE ATTRACTIVE SETTING IN WHICH TO LIVE
transforming l andscapes
“Somewhere to walk, play and breathe.� Rob Penn, presenter of BBC series Tales From The Wild Wood
8.5 million trees planted in the last 25 years
20% forest cover, up from 6% in 1991 7,169ha
of new forest creation
89% of trees planted are native, broadleaved species, with mixed planting to support wildlife, enhance the landscape and increase resilience.
In 1991, around 6% of the area was covered by trees. Today, it’s more than 20% – that’s double the average for England. Planting millions of trees has re-connected the landscape, restored wildlife habitats and created a new sense of place. The support of landowners has been instrumental, alongside a forward looking planning sector that has seen around 22% of new habitats created through development or minerals restoration.
“Nothing gives me more pleasure than seeing the trees growing as a result of all the work we've done over the years.” Andrew Kirkland, woodland business owner
20
When we first heard about the tender scheme, which gave farmers and landowners funding to diversify and plant woodland, we didn’t think it was for us. As farmers we had spent much of the 1970s cutting down trees and intensifying agriculture. But by the 1990s, farming was changing and becoming less profitable. We knew we had to do something. We’d always had an interest in horses, and had a part-time livery business as a sideline. After careful thought, we realised that the tree planting scheme would enable us to grow the equine business and in 1998 we gave up farming completely. One of the first things we did was to plant 100 acres (around 40 ha) of woodland. Some of these trees are now almost 20 years old and are maturing beautifully, providing the perfect setting for the equestrian centre you see today.
As farmers we understand that you have to take a long view, that trees are a crop and have to be looked after. We’ve put the time into not only planting it properly but also managing the woodland. I’m proud of the role we’ve played in shaping the landscape for the generations to come to enjoy. As for the future, we have family that are already involved and keen to take over the reins. Our most recent project is a fishing pond which we’ve just created. It’s going to be fantastic to watch that mature. Andrew Kirkland Woodland business owner
Grangewood Changing Landscape Scheme planted 2012 and 2013.
2,200 ha* of habitats important for
wildlife created or brought under
management
97km of new hedgerows
planted
60%
woodlands in management
150 new wildlife ponds created
* how big is a hectare (ha)?
100metresx100metres that’s roughly the size
of trafalgar square.
jobs created or safeguarded through diversification to forest uses and woodland businesses
n1 o
destination for people relocating to the Midlands
econo m y
Jonathon Porritt CBE
th e
“The National Forest meets so many of the criteria about sustainable development, not just improving the environment, but doing so in connection with local communities and creating new sources of wealth.”
The woodland economy is made up of traditional crafts and products, together with high tech machinery and processing systems for timber and wood fuels.
tr an sfo rm i n g
333
£1 billion inward investment since 2001
In an area that was formerly reliant on coal mining, clay extraction and other forms of heavy industry, it took a leap of faith to see that this scarred land could support a woodland and leisure economy. But with woodland management now taking place, farming businesses diversifying and new visitor attractions moving into the area, the economy is burgeoning with new jobs created and property values rising.
“What I’m most pleased about is how well it has been received by people of all ages who are not only having a good time but are gaining all the benefits of being outdoors.” Tom Robinson, business owner
Will they come? That was the question I asked myself when I finally decided to go ahead and start the National Forest Adventure Farm. Once you are committed financially there is no turning back. Even though we had done an immense amount of research beforehand, you just don’t know if people will want to visit. Fortunately they have come, in droves. We’ve learned to listen to our customers and give them what they want. We’ve added lots of interactive elements and we’re investing in and improving the play facilities and live entertainment on the site. In time, we’ll be investing more into the educational facilities for schools visits. It’s all about giving visitors something better each time they come.
We’re delighted to be part of creating the destination of The National Forest, and see our business grow hand in hand with the Forest itself. What I’m most pleased about is how well it has been received by people of all ages who are not only having a good time but are gaining all the benefits of being outdoors. I’m really proud of what we have achieved and it’s good to know that we are giving something back. Tom Robinson Business owner
7.8
million visitors
in 2014 alone
£172
million invested in
regeneration projects and programmes
48% increase in
economic impact of tourism since 2003 to
£373m Attractions like Conkers Discovery Centre have helped to put The National Forest on the map, and continue to offer new facilities for visitors.
Active lifestyles Outdoor learning Natural health service Managing tree health and diseases
Matthew Parris
The next generation growing up in a maturing forest will reap the benefits of the last quarter century.
c o n t i n u e s
“...Our century ought to feel proud of this, the first mixed, all-purpose mainly broadleaf forest to be planted in England for a thousand years.�
s t o r y
Managed woodlands Sustainable tourism Green infrastructure Renewable energy
t h e
From transformation to resilience, the next 25 years:
Across The National Forest area, forest cover has increased by a staggering 14% with the current level now exceeding 20%. Looking forward, our aim is for an ambitious 33% forest cover within this 200 square miles of the Midlands, demonstrating to the nation how to adapt to a changing climate, manage growth, and improve the wellbeing of our communities.
1991
Burton upon Trent
6% forest cover
Swadlincote Ashby de la Zouch
Towns and built areas
Burton upon Trent
2016
20% forest cover
Swadlincote Ashby de la Zouch Coalville
“It’s amazing to hear the impact The National Forest has on the lives of people who live and work here.” Helen Mark, presenter, BBC Radio 4’s Open Country.
The National Forest area
Coalville
Forest cover
National Forest Way
In its first 25 years, The National Forest has shown how a healthy environment can stimulate economic growth and regenerate communities. From that simple idea of using tree planting to revitalise an area, we have created a template for others to follow. What is breathtaking is that in 25 years, all of this has been achieved for the same cost to the public purse as building just two miles of your average three-lane motorway. People said it couldn’t be done in lowland England, but The National Forest continues to defy convention, pioneering new approaches and promoting innovation. We have turned doubters into believers, and will have to do this again as we reach out to new partners and tackle new problems. The challenge of the next 25 years is to move 34
from transformation to resilience, from creation to management. To do so will mean designing the next generation of public services to work hand in hand with the Forest, encouraging the next generation of businesses to create public benefit alongside jobs, and ensuring that the next generation who grow up in the Forest will value and engage with it. So we hope you will join us in meeting this challenge, to lead, innovate and inspire others. Our vision for the Forest represents a positive view of the future in the face of threats such as obesity and mental health problems, air and water pollution, or energy and resource use. As a new charity, the National Forest Company is well placed to tackle these issues, but we will only keep succeeding if we continue to work in partnership to build a more sustainable future. John Everitt Chief Executive
Five ways to join us in the next phase of The National Forest
1
Tell us what you think Take part in My National Forest to celebrate the 25th anniversary, or give us your thoughts for a new 25 year vision for The National Forest nationalforest.org/mynationalforest
2
Lend a helping hand See how you can get involved in delivering the next phase of the Forest such as creating new woodland, managing existing woodland or contributing to tourism and community activities.
3
Support us Consider how you can help to bring new investment into the Forest. You could plant a tree, sponsor our work or explore commercial opportunities.
4
See for yourself Come and visit to experience what the Forest has to offer and be inspired by the transformation.
5
Shout about us Act as an ambassador for the Forest to encourage others to follow our approach and showcase our work as a national exemplar. This next phase will be both exciting and challenging. We’d love you to be part of it… To get in touch contact 01283 551211 The National Forest
@NatForestCo
Or to find out more visit:
nationalforest.org 35
The National Forest Company Enterprise Glade, Bath Yard, Moira, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE12 6BA Tel: 01283 551211 Email: enquiries@nationalforest.org
nationalforest.org Registered Charity Number 1166563. Š The National Forest Company 2016. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information within at the time of printing. The National Forest Company cannot be held responsible for any errors, omissions or subsequent changes. Photographs courtesy of: Christopher Beech, Steve Bond, Darren Cresswell, Ben Hall/2020VISION, Lesley Hextall, Diana Jarvis, Ian Kenny, Jacqui Rock, UK Coal, Beth Walsh. Designed and produced by The Way Design. Printed on Cyclus Offset (100% recycled) and Image Impact (FSC certified).