plantatree
Events
the national forest company Bath Yard, Moira, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE12 6BA T: 01283 551211 E: enquiries@nationalforest.org W: www.nationalforest.org
A gift for just £25 nationalforest.org/sponsor/plantatree/
DeceMBer Various dates until 24 Waterside Winter Wonderland at Conkers, 01283 216633 Various dates until 24 Christmas at the Farm, National Forest Adventure Farm, 01283 533933 6 10 significant objects from the life and work of T G Green and his pottery, Black to Green event at YHA National Forest 01283 551211 10 – 11, 17 – 18 Father Christmas in his magical stable grotto at Calke Abbey, 01332 863822 13 Santa and the Pirates (that don’t want Christmas) panto at Brewhouse Arts Centre, 01283 508100 16 Swadlincote Christmas Mega Market, Swadlincote town centre 18 Christmas Fine Food Fair at Calke Abbey, 01332 863822 19, 20, 21 Breakfast with Father Christmas at Calke, 01332 863822 27 – 30 Little Red Riding Hood Pantomime at Conkers, 01283 216633 Leicester
heLP shaPe the future of Leicestershire’s VoLcano
feBruary 7 Pit Talk of the East Midlands, Black to Green talk by Natalie Braber, National Forest YHA. Booking essential on 01283 551211
Charnwood Forest is one of the most beautiful parts of The National Forest. The uplands rise dramatically out of the East Midlands plain, looming over Leicester and Loughborough.
March
created by a volcano around 600 million years ago, these hills hold some of the oldest rocks in england, and contain the oldest fossils of animal life in the world, as featured at the start of sir David attenborough’s First Life tV series.
10 The Life of Bees, Black to Green talk by The Bee Farmer, David McDowell, National Forest YHA. Booking essential on 01283 551211 19 Aldi Ashby 20 Roadrace, ashby20.co.uk
Swadlincote Ashby de la Zouch
to help protect and nurture charnwood forest, the regional park is developing a new landscape partnership bid to the heritage Lottery fund (hLf) and needs your help. If successful, it will deliver around £3million worth of projects to protect and celebrate the natural and cultural heritage of Charnwood Forest between 2020 and 2025, improving skills, building communities and managing the heritage of this fascinating area.
[ >> page 5
Let us know if you would prefer to read Forest Scene online and help us save paper and postage. Email forestscene@nationalforest.org Thank you!
Coalville
At the start of the celebrations to mark the 25th anniversary of The National Forest, the National Forest Company announced the establishment of a new award to recognise outstanding woodland creation and management within the 200 square miles of the Forest. Three categories of award were offered: woodland creation, for woodlands aged up to ten years; woodland management, for woodlands aged over ten years; community woodland management, where local communities are involved in management. 19 entries were received across the three categories and the judges commented on the high standard of the entries overall: “The range and quality of achievement, and the enthusiasm and interest of agents and landowners came across very strongly. The woodlands are testament to the achievements of The National Forest in its first 25 years and the tremendous contribution that it has made to the
regeneration of the area.” In the end, four winners were chosen (two joint winners in the management category) and three special commendations. community management award: Community Education Enterprise projects (CEEP), Hall Farm, Ashby de la Zouch. woodland creation: Grangewood Changing Landscapes Scheme, Netherseal. woodland management: joint winners – Catton Estate and Peppa Wood, Linton. Paul Milner of Markfield, Bill Cove of the National Trust at Calke Park and Dr Sheila Smith of Swannington, each received special commendation for their innovation, commitment and community involvement respectively. Please see the nfc website for full details of the awards and the winning woodlands, or read more in the next issue of forest scene.
NATIONAL FOREST WAY INSPIRES NEW ALBUM
sensory PLay at the arBoretuM
wayfarers all is an album of new original folk and acoustic songs inspired by the history, folklore and mythology of the National Forest Way, as it passes through wood and field, forest, village and town along its 75 mile route.
]
CREATING A forest for LearninG
>>
>>
You can find The National Forest on Facebook, and we tweet @NatForestCo
>> page 6
creatinG a forest for LearninG wiLL aLso ProViDe: • support to develop school grounds and local woodlands to provide inspiring wooded learning spaces. training for teachers and • landowners in a wide range of topics, such as using natural dyes, Forest School, working with groups and safe practice.
TREES FOR BREAKFAST forest bugs and insects are set to have a cosy winter thanks to work by national forest supporters James Latham and forest holidays. Staff teams from both companies have been out on working days with the National Forest Company this summer, learning about the environment and sustainability with the Heritage Lottery-funded Black to Green project. Ben Devine from Black to Green led the teams as they built ‘bug hotels’, structures made from recycled materials with varying size nooks and crannies for all kinds of insects and bugs to overwinter safely. A mixture of materials, including wooden pallets and brick materials (kindly donated by Bretby Planters, ETS Ltd and KonKal Building Services), plastic bottles, toilet and kitchen roll tubes, and shredded paper were all used to create the new habitat for the bugs.
the national Memorial arboretum has opened a new sensory play garden for children, encouraging more families to visit this national centre for remembrance. Created in a naturally enclosed site alongside the new Remembrance Centre, the sensory play garden takes its design cues from the wider Arboretum and gently introduces its young visitors aged 3 – 10 years old to simple concepts of remembrance through play. The garden is full of textures
wayfarers_all@outlook.com
Look out for
Forest Scene online
ForestScene
the inaugural national forest woodland awards were presented by nfc chair sir william worsley at an event held at staunton harold hall, amongst the glorious autumn colours of late november.
For further information, please see www.nationalforest.org/involved/cfl_partnership.php You can contact the project by email charnwoodbid@nationalforest.org or call 01283 551211
to Green weBsite blacktogreen.org.uk
Leicester
WINTER 2016/17
national forest woodland awards
Charnwood Forest is designated as a Regional Park (shown in green on the map on the left) and about two thirds of it falls within The National Forest. If it wasn’t for the M1 going through the middle, it would be a very strong candidate for designation as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Unfortunately, it doesn’t get the recognition or protection that many think it deserves and its special qualities are under threat due to potential development, conflicts in the use of the countryside, habitat loss and lack of knowledge of its social history and archaeological past.
Charnwood
May
We have much to thank the volcano for: its granite rock built much of central London and as its soils are so thin and poor, it supports some exceptional wildlife habitats; in fact, over half the area of the county’s SSSIs (Sites of Special Scientific Interest) are to be found in Charnwood Forest. For a long time it was considered “waste” ground and therefore escaped development, becoming a place of peace and tranquillity,
Birmingham
Nottingham
snuG as a BuG in a BuG hoteL
often managed by religious houses such as Grace Dieu and Ulverscroft priories.
14 – 15 Cinderella Panto at Conkers, 01283 216633
the new BLack
Burton upon Trent
Large print version available Tel: 01283 551211
January
5 – 7 National Carriage Driving Championships, Catton Hall, 0333 1120304 13 – 25 The National Forest Walking Festival, 01283 222848 25 – 28 Bearded Theory Spring Gathering, Catton Hall, beardedtheory.co.uk 26 – 29 Ashby Arts Festival, ashbyartsfestival.co.uk 27 – 28 Moira Canal Festival, moiracanalfestival.co.uk 28 – 30 The Bushcraft Show, Beehive Farm, thebushcraftshow.co.uk
Derby
and scented foliage and families visiting the Arboretum will enjoy this beautiful space where their youngsters can play. The new sensory play garden is partly funded by the National Forest Company, reflecting the importance of the National Memorial Arboretum as a key attraction within The National Forest. It was one of the first developments in the earliest days of the Forest, and, appropriately, is the start (or end) of the 75-mile long distance National Forest Way.
nationalforest.org
Photographs courtesy of Christopher Beech; Darren Cresswell; Matt Fowler; Ben Hall/2020VISION; Claire Hemming; Ross Hoddinott/2020VISION; Will Johnston; Liam Olds; Jacqui Rock; Beth Walsh; Black to Green; Go Ultra Events; Haworth Old Hall; National Memorial Arboretum; Wayfarers All
a new three year project is about to start in the national forest, with the long term goal of making outdoor learning available to every child who lives here. The project is designed to bring about a step change in provision of outdoor education across the whole Forest - challenging every primary school to embed regular outdoor learning into their teaching and make the most of their local woodland spaces. Working with schools and educators in The National Forest has always been very important, and over the past 25 years more than half a million children have benefitted from environmental education. Now, thanks to generous funding from the Audemars Piguet Foundation, the National Forest Company has an exciting opportunity to substantially increase outdoor learning in the area. Children growing up in The National Forest are the first generation to experience the maturing forest environment – they are literally growing up with the trees. This new funding offers a unique opportunity to bring the forest and education closer together and to develop new approaches to outdoor learning. It is a growing field, backed up by national and international research into the benefits of taking children outdoors to learn, and the growing
Forest has many locations that can be perfect outdoor classrooms. “we’re very excited to be able to develop a project at scale and extend our work in this field,” said Sue Anderson, Community Liaison Officer for the National Forest Company. She continued: “this three year project, supported by the audemars Piguet foundation, will really help us maximise the benefits that the forest can offer our schools and young people. our long term vision is that every child, between the ages of five and 11 living in the national forest, will have the opportunity to experience outdoor learning and all the benefits it can provide. “By the end of these three years we expect that more than half of all primary schools in the national forest will be regularly using wooded space within easy walking distance and the remaining schools will be aware of the opportunities and support available to help them make their own new plans.” ‘Creating a Forest for Learning’ begins in the New Year. The project will start by taking a look at current activity and supporting schools to increase use of wooded learning spaces. A new sustainable network of support for teaching staff will be established to share best practice and ensure future generations of children continue to experience the benefits of these spaces.
The National Forest created quite a stir on BBC Breakfast this autumn, when it was featured as part of the programme’s Wild Britain series. Viewers were invited to contact the programme and say why they love trees, in support of a BBC Breakfast woodland being planted.
Charlie Stayt and pupils from Brookvale High and Martinshaw Primary schools planted the first 200 of 1,000 trees that will be planted in the BBC Breakfast Woodland at Ratby in Leicestershire. A further 1,000 will be planted elsewhere in the Forest. If you would like to help extend this woodland, please support us through Plant a Tree: nationalforest.org/sponsor/ plantatree
The National Forest – transforming 200 square miles of central England
We have recently hosted visits by the Forestry Minister Therese Coffey MP and the Chief Executive of the Environment Agency, Sir James Bevan. It is rewarding to be able to take them around the Forest and show them all that has been achieved. To celebrate our 25th anniversary, we have hosted a successful event at Catton Hall in July for our Ambassadors, and a reception in the Houses of Parliament in October which was well attended by MPs, Peers and other decision makers - I was particularly pleased that our MPs with constituencies in the Forest were there to celebrate with us.
them nothing would be achieved. I am delighted that through partners we are continuing to expand the Forest and, using grants, land acquisition and the planning system, we hope to achieve more than 100 hectares of new habitat this year. As a forester I am also keen on seeing woods managed and so I am particularly pleased that we now have more than 60% of the woods in the Forest in active management. My target is to extend this to 80% in active management over the next few years, so that we can increase the benefits the Forest provides such as good quality timber, access and wildlife.
Sir William Worsley, Chair, National Forest Company
One of the great pleasures of The National Forest is working with our partners, for without
VoLunteer ranGers The National Forest Way Volunteer Rangers have been busy this autumn with three task mornings. Armed with gloves, loppers and swishers, the volunteers tackled overgrown hedges and brambles under the watchful eye of Marion Farrell from Groundworks. They also installed a new waymarker post and added some extra National Forest Way signs. Equipped with sturdy footwear and waterproofs the group tackled the jobs with enthusiasm and good humour. A midmorning break of drinks and Marion’s chocolate biscuits certainly helped! Global engineering company
[
Roger Bullivant Limited is based in Swadlincote and supports the National Forest Way volunteer ranger programme. “The staff team are looking forward to getting out on the trail in the spring,” said Gary Farnell, RB managing director. “We’re pleased to support the work of the volunteer rangers, and keeping the route in tip-top condition is invaluable for encouraging those who live and work in the Forest to get out and enjoy a good walk, and make the most of all the work that went into creating the National Forest Way.”
the siLVer circuit as part of the national forest’s 25th anniversary celebrations, the national forest company has launched a new walk through some of the most picturesque parts of the forest on the Derbyshire staffordshire border.
organisers, participants and the national forest company were all delighted with the success of the first national forest way 75 ultra-marathon. Wayne Busby, speaking for event organisers Go Ultra Events, said: “The route took participants through the heart of The National Forest and along the entire 75miles of the National Forest Way, starting at the National Memorial Arboretum, and finishing at Beacon Hill. “the incredible participants (whether they were taking part as a solo runner, in pairs, or
The new eight mile circular route, named The Silver Circuit in honour of the 25th anniversary, passes through Needwood Forest and down into the Trent Valley, starting and ending at Barton Marina. The route takes in Barton under Needwood, Dunstall, Tatenhill and Branston Water Park before returning along the Trent & Mersey Canal. It forms an interesting loop off the longdistance National Forest Way, which it follows between Tatenhill and the Water Park.
teams of four), braved the elements, and the challenging terrain and navigation, to be the first to complete the course.” Go Ultra Events will be bringing the event back in 2017, making it bigger and better: see goultraevents.co.uk/events/
The Silver Circuit reveals glimpses of wonderful views over
ry nniversa all 25thpsAof Catton H e th f o sts on on ste Guebr cele ati
on the street where you LiVe... we’re all aware that trees bring benefits to urban areas but increasingly these benefits are being better understood. The UN has published a summary of recent research which highlights that trees in urban areas can cool the air by up to 8˚C, filter air pollutants, regulate water flow and improve water quality while absorbing up to 150kg of carbon dioxide per year, sequestering carbon and mitigating climate change. The National Forest is all the towns and villages, streets and parks, within its 200 square miles, not only the woodlands, fields and farmland, and the National Forest Company has worked with partners to deliver a programme of urban tree planting for many years. Whether through planting large specimen trees in parks, cemeteries and housing estates, planting orchards in school grounds or by giving away tens of thousands of free trees to homeowners, there are few urban areas within the Forest that have not been touched by tree planting over the last 25 years. Much of this
Look out for #forestlife Highlighting events, activities and experiences throughout The National Forest.
]
>> page 2
important work is currently supported by Ashby-based H K Wentworth, enabling the NFC and its local authority partners to maintain these highly valued community-based initiatives. To quantify some of these benefits within Burton upon Trent, the NFC has been working with Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, Burton Conservation Volunteers and both Staffordshire and East Staffordshire Councils to undertake an iTree survey. Volunteers have visited over 250 plots across the town to record details on tree and shrub species and size, canopy cover, and record any space for further tree planting. The plots have been randomly positioned across the town, falling within gardens, the Washlands, breweries and even in the River Trent! The results will not only estimate the number and type of trees across the town, but will also put a value on their contribution towards reducing air pollution, flood risk and carbon reduction. This will allow the partners to better maintain existing trees and create a compelling case for further planting.
>>
[
CELEBRATING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATIONAL FOREST We marked the first quarter century of the Forest with a new publication and a new film. You can see them both on our website www.nationalforest.org The film was launched at an event for our Ambassadors held at Catton Hall, and had another airing at a parliamentary reception at the House of Commons. The event was attended by our new Minister, Therese Coffey, who we were delighted to welcome on a visit to the Forest recently. We launched our new online gallery My National Forest, and have received images and messages from people telling us what they love about the Forest.
Our old friend Woody Tree was dusted down and accompanied us to Leicestershire County Council’s Countryside Show, where many people remembered him from the early days of the Forest. There was much reminiscing! People told us about their children planting trees, the transformation they have seen as their families have grown up and how the Forest has grown around them. They love seeing more wildlife attracted by the woodland and green spaces on their doorstep, where they can step out and enjoy the great outdoors.
See more at www.nationalforest.org/mynationalforest
Walkers can stop for refreshments in Tatenhill or take a detour up Battlestead Hill to enjoy panoramic views across the Trent Valley. Details of the Silver Circuit are available online at: www.visitnationalforest.co.uk /view/?id=-the-silver-circuitLeaflets showing the route are available from tourist information centres and attractions within The National Forest.
can wooD fueL the hoMes anD Businesses of the nationaL forest?
As The National Forest reaches its 25th year, many of the hundreds of growing woodlands are approaching ‘first thinnings’, that is, when the woodlands reach a point when the trees are beginning to overshadow each other, and the poorer trees need to be removed to let the stronger, straighter trees thrive. The slender trunks that come out of the woodlands are perfect for using as logs or processed into chips for wood fuel.
The NFC has recently been asking people who live in the Forest, and Forest businesses, if they are interested in using wood as fuel to heat their homes and buildings.
He continued: “Marketing the timber produced in the forest and encouraging forest residents and businesses to use forest products will be an increasingly important aspect of the work of creating and developing the forest as it goes forward into the next 25 years.”
a citizen science uPDate
FROM THE BLACK TO GREEN TEAM 25th Anniversary Report
Catton Hall event
the heritage Lottery funded Black to Green project delivers industrial heritage and natural history activities across the heart of the national forest.
House of Commons
al Forest Natilaoinre Hemming My by C
Woody Tree
Help us look after the woodlands, improve access to the Forest and provide inspiring environmental education projects for young people.
My National Forest Morning Commute by Alan Leather
]
[
GoinG Batty each year the Black to Green team and volunteers are undertaking a range of unique wildlife recording schemes, all aimed at local communities helping us to understand more about particular key species in the heart of the forest.
This year saw the launch of the Heart of the Forest Bat Survey which aims to shine a light on where bats are living in the area and in what numbers. Between May and September households were able to borrow an automatic bat detector to place in their garden for three nights. These detectors generated a wealth of ecological data which begins to build up a picture of bat activity across the Heart of the Forest and how conservation efforts can be best targeted to support bats.
the surPrisinG inVerteBrate fauna of coLLiery sPoiL Liam Olds, founder of the Colliery Spoil Biodiversity Initiative, based in South Wales, was invited by Black to Green to visit the Forest and to discuss his research and see how it could be applied to the Heart of the Forest, an area which was once full of spoil tips created by the waste of the extractive industries which previously dominated the landscape. Although the sites that Liam studies are quite different in that they have been left to restore themselves naturally, known as spontaneous succession, as opposed to the majority of sites focused on by the Black to Green project that have been reclaimed through the development of The National Forest, there were some fascinating overlaps. Liam has discovered an extensive range of insect species, from butterflies and moths to leafhoppers and planthoppers.
Minister's visit
You can become a Friend of The National Forest.
>> page 3
parkland and wood pasture, typical of landscape design associated with historic buildings such as Dunstall Hall.
Simon West, Head of Forestry for the NFC, said: “we commissioned a survey both to support landowners in the forest who have planted trees with us over the last two decades, to find outlets for their timber, and to assess the interest from businesses and households for heating their premises with wood as logs or woodchip, or with electricity produced by wood fuel.”
Dingy Skipper Moth
i have enjoyed my first six months as chair of the national forest company. it has been a busy time and we have been marking the first 25 years of the forest. as the 8.5 million trees that have been planted grow, their impact is being felt more and more with the landscape developing and becoming more wooded.
runaway success!
Battlestead Hill
William’s column
LoG a hoG From May 2017 Black to Green will be starting the ‘Log a Hog’ citizen science project capturing information about local hedgehog populations. Using specialised hedgehog footprint tunnels in gardens and other public sites, we will record and monitor where hedgehogs are living and where they may have been lost. Alongside this survey we will be hosting a wide array of hedgehog activities, from hedgehog talks to craft sessions.
Liam’s presentation highlighted the importance of colliery spoil as habitats for invertebrates, as well as other species, as they provide a refuge and stepping stone within the landscape. This reflects the approach that Black to Green is taking in developing and supporting habitats for wildlife across the Heart of the Forest. The aim is to create a mosaic effect, connecting the woodlands, grasslands, heathlands and wetlands, so that wildlife can move about and reach the resources needed to survive. if you would like to get involved with any of the Black to Green projects please contact blacktogreen@nationalforest.org or call 01283 551211
If you would like to take part in either project please contact blacktogreen@nationalforest.org or call 01283 511211
plantatree to remember a loved one. Many people find comfort in planting a tree to remember and celebrate the life of a special person.
>> page 4
]
>>
[
Leave a legacy to The National Forest and create a green and living memory. See www.nationalforest.org/sponsor/legacy/
]
We have recently hosted visits by the Forestry Minister Therese Coffey MP and the Chief Executive of the Environment Agency, Sir James Bevan. It is rewarding to be able to take them around the Forest and show them all that has been achieved. To celebrate our 25th anniversary, we have hosted a successful event at Catton Hall in July for our Ambassadors, and a reception in the Houses of Parliament in October which was well attended by MPs, Peers and other decision makers - I was particularly pleased that our MPs with constituencies in the Forest were there to celebrate with us.
them nothing would be achieved. I am delighted that through partners we are continuing to expand the Forest and, using grants, land acquisition and the planning system, we hope to achieve more than 100 hectares of new habitat this year. As a forester I am also keen on seeing woods managed and so I am particularly pleased that we now have more than 60% of the woods in the Forest in active management. My target is to extend this to 80% in active management over the next few years, so that we can increase the benefits the Forest provides such as good quality timber, access and wildlife.
Sir William Worsley, Chair, National Forest Company
One of the great pleasures of The National Forest is working with our partners, for without
VoLunteer ranGers The National Forest Way Volunteer Rangers have been busy this autumn with three task mornings. Armed with gloves, loppers and swishers, the volunteers tackled overgrown hedges and brambles under the watchful eye of Marion Farrell from Groundworks. They also installed a new waymarker post and added some extra National Forest Way signs. Equipped with sturdy footwear and waterproofs the group tackled the jobs with enthusiasm and good humour. A midmorning break of drinks and Marion’s chocolate biscuits certainly helped! Global engineering company
[
Roger Bullivant Limited is based in Swadlincote and supports the National Forest Way volunteer ranger programme. “The staff team are looking forward to getting out on the trail in the spring,” said Gary Farnell, RB managing director. “We’re pleased to support the work of the volunteer rangers, and keeping the route in tip-top condition is invaluable for encouraging those who live and work in the Forest to get out and enjoy a good walk, and make the most of all the work that went into creating the National Forest Way.”
the siLVer circuit as part of the national forest’s 25th anniversary celebrations, the national forest company has launched a new walk through some of the most picturesque parts of the forest on the Derbyshire staffordshire border.
organisers, participants and the national forest company were all delighted with the success of the first national forest way 75 ultra-marathon. Wayne Busby, speaking for event organisers Go Ultra Events, said: “The route took participants through the heart of The National Forest and along the entire 75miles of the National Forest Way, starting at the National Memorial Arboretum, and finishing at Beacon Hill. “the incredible participants (whether they were taking part as a solo runner, in pairs, or
The new eight mile circular route, named The Silver Circuit in honour of the 25th anniversary, passes through Needwood Forest and down into the Trent Valley, starting and ending at Barton Marina. The route takes in Barton under Needwood, Dunstall, Tatenhill and Branston Water Park before returning along the Trent & Mersey Canal. It forms an interesting loop off the longdistance National Forest Way, which it follows between Tatenhill and the Water Park.
teams of four), braved the elements, and the challenging terrain and navigation, to be the first to complete the course.” Go Ultra Events will be bringing the event back in 2017, making it bigger and better: see goultraevents.co.uk/events/
The Silver Circuit reveals glimpses of wonderful views over
ry nniversa all 25thpsAof Catton H e th f o sts on on ste Guebr cele ati
on the street where you LiVe... we’re all aware that trees bring benefits to urban areas but increasingly these benefits are being better understood. The UN has published a summary of recent research which highlights that trees in urban areas can cool the air by up to 8˚C, filter air pollutants, regulate water flow and improve water quality while absorbing up to 150kg of carbon dioxide per year, sequestering carbon and mitigating climate change. The National Forest is all the towns and villages, streets and parks, within its 200 square miles, not only the woodlands, fields and farmland, and the National Forest Company has worked with partners to deliver a programme of urban tree planting for many years. Whether through planting large specimen trees in parks, cemeteries and housing estates, planting orchards in school grounds or by giving away tens of thousands of free trees to homeowners, there are few urban areas within the Forest that have not been touched by tree planting over the last 25 years. Much of this
Look out for #forestlife Highlighting events, activities and experiences throughout The National Forest.
]
>> page 2
important work is currently supported by Ashby-based H K Wentworth, enabling the NFC and its local authority partners to maintain these highly valued community-based initiatives. To quantify some of these benefits within Burton upon Trent, the NFC has been working with Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, Burton Conservation Volunteers and both Staffordshire and East Staffordshire Councils to undertake an iTree survey. Volunteers have visited over 250 plots across the town to record details on tree and shrub species and size, canopy cover, and record any space for further tree planting. The plots have been randomly positioned across the town, falling within gardens, the Washlands, breweries and even in the River Trent! The results will not only estimate the number and type of trees across the town, but will also put a value on their contribution towards reducing air pollution, flood risk and carbon reduction. This will allow the partners to better maintain existing trees and create a compelling case for further planting.
>>
[
CELEBRATING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATIONAL FOREST We marked the first quarter century of the Forest with a new publication and a new film. You can see them both on our website www.nationalforest.org The film was launched at an event for our Ambassadors held at Catton Hall, and had another airing at a parliamentary reception at the House of Commons. The event was attended by our new Minister, Therese Coffey, who we were delighted to welcome on a visit to the Forest recently. We launched our new online gallery My National Forest, and have received images and messages from people telling us what they love about the Forest.
Our old friend Woody Tree was dusted down and accompanied us to Leicestershire County Council’s Countryside Show, where many people remembered him from the early days of the Forest. There was much reminiscing! People told us about their children planting trees, the transformation they have seen as their families have grown up and how the Forest has grown around them. They love seeing more wildlife attracted by the woodland and green spaces on their doorstep, where they can step out and enjoy the great outdoors.
See more at www.nationalforest.org/mynationalforest
Walkers can stop for refreshments in Tatenhill or take a detour up Battlestead Hill to enjoy panoramic views across the Trent Valley. Details of the Silver Circuit are available online at: www.visitnationalforest.co.uk /view/?id=-the-silver-circuitLeaflets showing the route are available from tourist information centres and attractions within The National Forest.
can wooD fueL the hoMes anD Businesses of the nationaL forest?
As The National Forest reaches its 25th year, many of the hundreds of growing woodlands are approaching ‘first thinnings’, that is, when the woodlands reach a point when the trees are beginning to overshadow each other, and the poorer trees need to be removed to let the stronger, straighter trees thrive. The slender trunks that come out of the woodlands are perfect for using as logs or processed into chips for wood fuel.
The NFC has recently been asking people who live in the Forest, and Forest businesses, if they are interested in using wood as fuel to heat their homes and buildings.
He continued: “Marketing the timber produced in the forest and encouraging forest residents and businesses to use forest products will be an increasingly important aspect of the work of creating and developing the forest as it goes forward into the next 25 years.”
a citizen science uPDate
FROM THE BLACK TO GREEN TEAM 25th Anniversary Report
Catton Hall event
the heritage Lottery funded Black to Green project delivers industrial heritage and natural history activities across the heart of the national forest.
House of Commons
al Forest Natilaoinre Hemming My by C
Woody Tree
Help us look after the woodlands, improve access to the Forest and provide inspiring environmental education projects for young people.
My National Forest Morning Commute by Alan Leather
]
[
GoinG Batty each year the Black to Green team and volunteers are undertaking a range of unique wildlife recording schemes, all aimed at local communities helping us to understand more about particular key species in the heart of the forest.
This year saw the launch of the Heart of the Forest Bat Survey which aims to shine a light on where bats are living in the area and in what numbers. Between May and September households were able to borrow an automatic bat detector to place in their garden for three nights. These detectors generated a wealth of ecological data which begins to build up a picture of bat activity across the Heart of the Forest and how conservation efforts can be best targeted to support bats.
the surPrisinG inVerteBrate fauna of coLLiery sPoiL Liam Olds, founder of the Colliery Spoil Biodiversity Initiative, based in South Wales, was invited by Black to Green to visit the Forest and to discuss his research and see how it could be applied to the Heart of the Forest, an area which was once full of spoil tips created by the waste of the extractive industries which previously dominated the landscape. Although the sites that Liam studies are quite different in that they have been left to restore themselves naturally, known as spontaneous succession, as opposed to the majority of sites focused on by the Black to Green project that have been reclaimed through the development of The National Forest, there were some fascinating overlaps. Liam has discovered an extensive range of insect species, from butterflies and moths to leafhoppers and planthoppers.
Minister's visit
You can become a Friend of The National Forest.
>> page 3
parkland and wood pasture, typical of landscape design associated with historic buildings such as Dunstall Hall.
Simon West, Head of Forestry for the NFC, said: “we commissioned a survey both to support landowners in the forest who have planted trees with us over the last two decades, to find outlets for their timber, and to assess the interest from businesses and households for heating their premises with wood as logs or woodchip, or with electricity produced by wood fuel.”
Dingy Skipper Moth
i have enjoyed my first six months as chair of the national forest company. it has been a busy time and we have been marking the first 25 years of the forest. as the 8.5 million trees that have been planted grow, their impact is being felt more and more with the landscape developing and becoming more wooded.
runaway success!
Battlestead Hill
William’s column
LoG a hoG From May 2017 Black to Green will be starting the ‘Log a Hog’ citizen science project capturing information about local hedgehog populations. Using specialised hedgehog footprint tunnels in gardens and other public sites, we will record and monitor where hedgehogs are living and where they may have been lost. Alongside this survey we will be hosting a wide array of hedgehog activities, from hedgehog talks to craft sessions.
Liam’s presentation highlighted the importance of colliery spoil as habitats for invertebrates, as well as other species, as they provide a refuge and stepping stone within the landscape. This reflects the approach that Black to Green is taking in developing and supporting habitats for wildlife across the Heart of the Forest. The aim is to create a mosaic effect, connecting the woodlands, grasslands, heathlands and wetlands, so that wildlife can move about and reach the resources needed to survive. if you would like to get involved with any of the Black to Green projects please contact blacktogreen@nationalforest.org or call 01283 551211
If you would like to take part in either project please contact blacktogreen@nationalforest.org or call 01283 511211
plantatree to remember a loved one. Many people find comfort in planting a tree to remember and celebrate the life of a special person.
>> page 4
]
>>
[
Leave a legacy to The National Forest and create a green and living memory. See www.nationalforest.org/sponsor/legacy/
]
We have recently hosted visits by the Forestry Minister Therese Coffey MP and the Chief Executive of the Environment Agency, Sir James Bevan. It is rewarding to be able to take them around the Forest and show them all that has been achieved. To celebrate our 25th anniversary, we have hosted a successful event at Catton Hall in July for our Ambassadors, and a reception in the Houses of Parliament in October which was well attended by MPs, Peers and other decision makers - I was particularly pleased that our MPs with constituencies in the Forest were there to celebrate with us.
them nothing would be achieved. I am delighted that through partners we are continuing to expand the Forest and, using grants, land acquisition and the planning system, we hope to achieve more than 100 hectares of new habitat this year. As a forester I am also keen on seeing woods managed and so I am particularly pleased that we now have more than 60% of the woods in the Forest in active management. My target is to extend this to 80% in active management over the next few years, so that we can increase the benefits the Forest provides such as good quality timber, access and wildlife.
Sir William Worsley, Chair, National Forest Company
One of the great pleasures of The National Forest is working with our partners, for without
VoLunteer ranGers The National Forest Way Volunteer Rangers have been busy this autumn with three task mornings. Armed with gloves, loppers and swishers, the volunteers tackled overgrown hedges and brambles under the watchful eye of Marion Farrell from Groundworks. They also installed a new waymarker post and added some extra National Forest Way signs. Equipped with sturdy footwear and waterproofs the group tackled the jobs with enthusiasm and good humour. A midmorning break of drinks and Marion’s chocolate biscuits certainly helped! Global engineering company
[
Roger Bullivant Limited is based in Swadlincote and supports the National Forest Way volunteer ranger programme. “The staff team are looking forward to getting out on the trail in the spring,” said Gary Farnell, RB managing director. “We’re pleased to support the work of the volunteer rangers, and keeping the route in tip-top condition is invaluable for encouraging those who live and work in the Forest to get out and enjoy a good walk, and make the most of all the work that went into creating the National Forest Way.”
the siLVer circuit as part of the national forest’s 25th anniversary celebrations, the national forest company has launched a new walk through some of the most picturesque parts of the forest on the Derbyshire staffordshire border.
organisers, participants and the national forest company were all delighted with the success of the first national forest way 75 ultra-marathon. Wayne Busby, speaking for event organisers Go Ultra Events, said: “The route took participants through the heart of The National Forest and along the entire 75miles of the National Forest Way, starting at the National Memorial Arboretum, and finishing at Beacon Hill. “the incredible participants (whether they were taking part as a solo runner, in pairs, or
The new eight mile circular route, named The Silver Circuit in honour of the 25th anniversary, passes through Needwood Forest and down into the Trent Valley, starting and ending at Barton Marina. The route takes in Barton under Needwood, Dunstall, Tatenhill and Branston Water Park before returning along the Trent & Mersey Canal. It forms an interesting loop off the longdistance National Forest Way, which it follows between Tatenhill and the Water Park.
teams of four), braved the elements, and the challenging terrain and navigation, to be the first to complete the course.” Go Ultra Events will be bringing the event back in 2017, making it bigger and better: see goultraevents.co.uk/events/
The Silver Circuit reveals glimpses of wonderful views over
ry nniversa all 25thpsAof Catton H e th f o sts on on ste Guebr cele ati
on the street where you LiVe... we’re all aware that trees bring benefits to urban areas but increasingly these benefits are being better understood. The UN has published a summary of recent research which highlights that trees in urban areas can cool the air by up to 8˚C, filter air pollutants, regulate water flow and improve water quality while absorbing up to 150kg of carbon dioxide per year, sequestering carbon and mitigating climate change. The National Forest is all the towns and villages, streets and parks, within its 200 square miles, not only the woodlands, fields and farmland, and the National Forest Company has worked with partners to deliver a programme of urban tree planting for many years. Whether through planting large specimen trees in parks, cemeteries and housing estates, planting orchards in school grounds or by giving away tens of thousands of free trees to homeowners, there are few urban areas within the Forest that have not been touched by tree planting over the last 25 years. Much of this
Look out for #forestlife Highlighting events, activities and experiences throughout The National Forest.
]
>> page 2
important work is currently supported by Ashby-based H K Wentworth, enabling the NFC and its local authority partners to maintain these highly valued community-based initiatives. To quantify some of these benefits within Burton upon Trent, the NFC has been working with Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, Burton Conservation Volunteers and both Staffordshire and East Staffordshire Councils to undertake an iTree survey. Volunteers have visited over 250 plots across the town to record details on tree and shrub species and size, canopy cover, and record any space for further tree planting. The plots have been randomly positioned across the town, falling within gardens, the Washlands, breweries and even in the River Trent! The results will not only estimate the number and type of trees across the town, but will also put a value on their contribution towards reducing air pollution, flood risk and carbon reduction. This will allow the partners to better maintain existing trees and create a compelling case for further planting.
>>
[
CELEBRATING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATIONAL FOREST We marked the first quarter century of the Forest with a new publication and a new film. You can see them both on our website www.nationalforest.org The film was launched at an event for our Ambassadors held at Catton Hall, and had another airing at a parliamentary reception at the House of Commons. The event was attended by our new Minister, Therese Coffey, who we were delighted to welcome on a visit to the Forest recently. We launched our new online gallery My National Forest, and have received images and messages from people telling us what they love about the Forest.
Our old friend Woody Tree was dusted down and accompanied us to Leicestershire County Council’s Countryside Show, where many people remembered him from the early days of the Forest. There was much reminiscing! People told us about their children planting trees, the transformation they have seen as their families have grown up and how the Forest has grown around them. They love seeing more wildlife attracted by the woodland and green spaces on their doorstep, where they can step out and enjoy the great outdoors.
See more at www.nationalforest.org/mynationalforest
Walkers can stop for refreshments in Tatenhill or take a detour up Battlestead Hill to enjoy panoramic views across the Trent Valley. Details of the Silver Circuit are available online at: www.visitnationalforest.co.uk /view/?id=-the-silver-circuitLeaflets showing the route are available from tourist information centres and attractions within The National Forest.
can wooD fueL the hoMes anD Businesses of the nationaL forest?
As The National Forest reaches its 25th year, many of the hundreds of growing woodlands are approaching ‘first thinnings’, that is, when the woodlands reach a point when the trees are beginning to overshadow each other, and the poorer trees need to be removed to let the stronger, straighter trees thrive. The slender trunks that come out of the woodlands are perfect for using as logs or processed into chips for wood fuel.
The NFC has recently been asking people who live in the Forest, and Forest businesses, if they are interested in using wood as fuel to heat their homes and buildings.
He continued: “Marketing the timber produced in the forest and encouraging forest residents and businesses to use forest products will be an increasingly important aspect of the work of creating and developing the forest as it goes forward into the next 25 years.”
a citizen science uPDate
FROM THE BLACK TO GREEN TEAM 25th Anniversary Report
Catton Hall event
the heritage Lottery funded Black to Green project delivers industrial heritage and natural history activities across the heart of the national forest.
House of Commons
al Forest Natilaoinre Hemming My by C
Woody Tree
Help us look after the woodlands, improve access to the Forest and provide inspiring environmental education projects for young people.
My National Forest Morning Commute by Alan Leather
]
[
GoinG Batty each year the Black to Green team and volunteers are undertaking a range of unique wildlife recording schemes, all aimed at local communities helping us to understand more about particular key species in the heart of the forest.
This year saw the launch of the Heart of the Forest Bat Survey which aims to shine a light on where bats are living in the area and in what numbers. Between May and September households were able to borrow an automatic bat detector to place in their garden for three nights. These detectors generated a wealth of ecological data which begins to build up a picture of bat activity across the Heart of the Forest and how conservation efforts can be best targeted to support bats.
the surPrisinG inVerteBrate fauna of coLLiery sPoiL Liam Olds, founder of the Colliery Spoil Biodiversity Initiative, based in South Wales, was invited by Black to Green to visit the Forest and to discuss his research and see how it could be applied to the Heart of the Forest, an area which was once full of spoil tips created by the waste of the extractive industries which previously dominated the landscape. Although the sites that Liam studies are quite different in that they have been left to restore themselves naturally, known as spontaneous succession, as opposed to the majority of sites focused on by the Black to Green project that have been reclaimed through the development of The National Forest, there were some fascinating overlaps. Liam has discovered an extensive range of insect species, from butterflies and moths to leafhoppers and planthoppers.
Minister's visit
You can become a Friend of The National Forest.
>> page 3
parkland and wood pasture, typical of landscape design associated with historic buildings such as Dunstall Hall.
Simon West, Head of Forestry for the NFC, said: “we commissioned a survey both to support landowners in the forest who have planted trees with us over the last two decades, to find outlets for their timber, and to assess the interest from businesses and households for heating their premises with wood as logs or woodchip, or with electricity produced by wood fuel.”
Dingy Skipper Moth
i have enjoyed my first six months as chair of the national forest company. it has been a busy time and we have been marking the first 25 years of the forest. as the 8.5 million trees that have been planted grow, their impact is being felt more and more with the landscape developing and becoming more wooded.
runaway success!
Battlestead Hill
William’s column
LoG a hoG From May 2017 Black to Green will be starting the ‘Log a Hog’ citizen science project capturing information about local hedgehog populations. Using specialised hedgehog footprint tunnels in gardens and other public sites, we will record and monitor where hedgehogs are living and where they may have been lost. Alongside this survey we will be hosting a wide array of hedgehog activities, from hedgehog talks to craft sessions.
Liam’s presentation highlighted the importance of colliery spoil as habitats for invertebrates, as well as other species, as they provide a refuge and stepping stone within the landscape. This reflects the approach that Black to Green is taking in developing and supporting habitats for wildlife across the Heart of the Forest. The aim is to create a mosaic effect, connecting the woodlands, grasslands, heathlands and wetlands, so that wildlife can move about and reach the resources needed to survive. if you would like to get involved with any of the Black to Green projects please contact blacktogreen@nationalforest.org or call 01283 551211
If you would like to take part in either project please contact blacktogreen@nationalforest.org or call 01283 511211
plantatree to remember a loved one. Many people find comfort in planting a tree to remember and celebrate the life of a special person.
>> page 4
]
>>
[
Leave a legacy to The National Forest and create a green and living memory. See www.nationalforest.org/sponsor/legacy/
]
plantatree
Events
the national forest company Bath Yard, Moira, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE12 6BA T: 01283 551211 E: enquiries@nationalforest.org W: www.nationalforest.org
A gift for just £25 nationalforest.org/sponsor/plantatree/
DeceMBer Various dates until 24 Waterside Winter Wonderland at Conkers, 01283 216633 Various dates until 24 Christmas at the Farm, National Forest Adventure Farm, 01283 533933 6 10 significant objects from the life and work of T G Green and his pottery, Black to Green event at YHA National Forest 01283 551211 10 – 11, 17 – 18 Father Christmas in his magical stable grotto at Calke Abbey, 01332 863822 13 Santa and the Pirates (that don’t want Christmas) panto at Brewhouse Arts Centre, 01283 508100 16 Swadlincote Christmas Mega Market, Swadlincote town centre 18 Christmas Fine Food Fair at Calke Abbey, 01332 863822 19, 20, 21 Breakfast with Father Christmas at Calke, 01332 863822 27 – 30 Little Red Riding Hood Pantomime at Conkers, 01283 216633 Leicester
heLP shaPe the future of Leicestershire’s VoLcano
feBruary 7 Pit Talk of the East Midlands, Black to Green talk by Natalie Braber, National Forest YHA. Booking essential on 01283 551211
Charnwood Forest is one of the most beautiful parts of The National Forest. The uplands rise dramatically out of the East Midlands plain, looming over Leicester and Loughborough.
March
created by a volcano around 600 million years ago, these hills hold some of the oldest rocks in england, and contain the oldest fossils of animal life in the world, as featured at the start of sir David attenborough’s First Life tV series.
10 The Life of Bees, Black to Green talk by The Bee Farmer, David McDowell, National Forest YHA. Booking essential on 01283 551211 19 Aldi Ashby 20 Roadrace, ashby20.co.uk
Swadlincote Ashby de la Zouch
to help protect and nurture charnwood forest, the regional park is developing a new landscape partnership bid to the heritage Lottery fund (hLf) and needs your help. If successful, it will deliver around £3million worth of projects to protect and celebrate the natural and cultural heritage of Charnwood Forest between 2020 and 2025, improving skills, building communities and managing the heritage of this fascinating area.
[ >> page 5
Let us know if you would prefer to read Forest Scene online and help us save paper and postage. Email forestscene@nationalforest.org Thank you!
Coalville
At the start of the celebrations to mark the 25th anniversary of The National Forest, the National Forest Company announced the establishment of a new award to recognise outstanding woodland creation and management within the 200 square miles of the Forest. Three categories of award were offered: woodland creation, for woodlands aged up to ten years; woodland management, for woodlands aged over ten years; community woodland management, where local communities are involved in management. 19 entries were received across the three categories and the judges commented on the high standard of the entries overall: “The range and quality of achievement, and the enthusiasm and interest of agents and landowners came across very strongly. The woodlands are testament to the achievements of The National Forest in its first 25 years and the tremendous contribution that it has made to the
regeneration of the area.” In the end, four winners were chosen (two joint winners in the management category) and three special commendations. community management award: Community Education Enterprise projects (CEEP), Hall Farm, Ashby de la Zouch. woodland creation: Grangewood Changing Landscapes Scheme, Netherseal. woodland management: joint winners – Catton Estate and Peppa Wood, Linton. Paul Milner of Markfield, Bill Cove of the National Trust at Calke Park and Dr Sheila Smith of Swannington, each received special commendation for their innovation, commitment and community involvement respectively. Please see the nfc website for full details of the awards and the winning woodlands, or read more in the next issue of forest scene.
NATIONAL FOREST WAY INSPIRES NEW ALBUM
sensory PLay at the arBoretuM
wayfarers all is an album of new original folk and acoustic songs inspired by the history, folklore and mythology of the National Forest Way, as it passes through wood and field, forest, village and town along its 75 mile route.
]
CREATING A forest for LearninG
>>
>>
You can find The National Forest on Facebook, and we tweet @NatForestCo
>> page 6
creatinG a forest for LearninG wiLL aLso ProViDe: • support to develop school grounds and local woodlands to provide inspiring wooded learning spaces. training for teachers and • landowners in a wide range of topics, such as using natural dyes, Forest School, working with groups and safe practice.
TREES FOR BREAKFAST forest bugs and insects are set to have a cosy winter thanks to work by national forest supporters James Latham and forest holidays. Staff teams from both companies have been out on working days with the National Forest Company this summer, learning about the environment and sustainability with the Heritage Lottery-funded Black to Green project. Ben Devine from Black to Green led the teams as they built ‘bug hotels’, structures made from recycled materials with varying size nooks and crannies for all kinds of insects and bugs to overwinter safely. A mixture of materials, including wooden pallets and brick materials (kindly donated by Bretby Planters, ETS Ltd and KonKal Building Services), plastic bottles, toilet and kitchen roll tubes, and shredded paper were all used to create the new habitat for the bugs.
the national Memorial arboretum has opened a new sensory play garden for children, encouraging more families to visit this national centre for remembrance. Created in a naturally enclosed site alongside the new Remembrance Centre, the sensory play garden takes its design cues from the wider Arboretum and gently introduces its young visitors aged 3 – 10 years old to simple concepts of remembrance through play. The garden is full of textures
wayfarers_all@outlook.com
Look out for
Forest Scene online
ForestScene
the inaugural national forest woodland awards were presented by nfc chair sir william worsley at an event held at staunton harold hall, amongst the glorious autumn colours of late november.
For further information, please see www.nationalforest.org/involved/cfl_partnership.php You can contact the project by email charnwoodbid@nationalforest.org or call 01283 551211
to Green weBsite blacktogreen.org.uk
Leicester
WINTER 2016/17
national forest woodland awards
Charnwood Forest is designated as a Regional Park (shown in green on the map on the left) and about two thirds of it falls within The National Forest. If it wasn’t for the M1 going through the middle, it would be a very strong candidate for designation as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Unfortunately, it doesn’t get the recognition or protection that many think it deserves and its special qualities are under threat due to potential development, conflicts in the use of the countryside, habitat loss and lack of knowledge of its social history and archaeological past.
Charnwood
May
We have much to thank the volcano for: its granite rock built much of central London and as its soils are so thin and poor, it supports some exceptional wildlife habitats; in fact, over half the area of the county’s SSSIs (Sites of Special Scientific Interest) are to be found in Charnwood Forest. For a long time it was considered “waste” ground and therefore escaped development, becoming a place of peace and tranquillity,
Birmingham
Nottingham
snuG as a BuG in a BuG hoteL
often managed by religious houses such as Grace Dieu and Ulverscroft priories.
14 – 15 Cinderella Panto at Conkers, 01283 216633
the new BLack
Burton upon Trent
Large print version available Tel: 01283 551211
January
5 – 7 National Carriage Driving Championships, Catton Hall, 0333 1120304 13 – 25 The National Forest Walking Festival, 01283 222848 25 – 28 Bearded Theory Spring Gathering, Catton Hall, beardedtheory.co.uk 26 – 29 Ashby Arts Festival, ashbyartsfestival.co.uk 27 – 28 Moira Canal Festival, moiracanalfestival.co.uk 28 – 30 The Bushcraft Show, Beehive Farm, thebushcraftshow.co.uk
Derby
and scented foliage and families visiting the Arboretum will enjoy this beautiful space where their youngsters can play. The new sensory play garden is partly funded by the National Forest Company, reflecting the importance of the National Memorial Arboretum as a key attraction within The National Forest. It was one of the first developments in the earliest days of the Forest, and, appropriately, is the start (or end) of the 75-mile long distance National Forest Way.
nationalforest.org
Photographs courtesy of Christopher Beech; Darren Cresswell; Matt Fowler; Ben Hall/2020VISION; Claire Hemming; Ross Hoddinott/2020VISION; Will Johnston; Liam Olds; Jacqui Rock; Beth Walsh; Black to Green; Go Ultra Events; Haworth Old Hall; National Memorial Arboretum; Wayfarers All
a new three year project is about to start in the national forest, with the long term goal of making outdoor learning available to every child who lives here. The project is designed to bring about a step change in provision of outdoor education across the whole Forest - challenging every primary school to embed regular outdoor learning into their teaching and make the most of their local woodland spaces. Working with schools and educators in The National Forest has always been very important, and over the past 25 years more than half a million children have benefitted from environmental education. Now, thanks to generous funding from the Audemars Piguet Foundation, the National Forest Company has an exciting opportunity to substantially increase outdoor learning in the area. Children growing up in The National Forest are the first generation to experience the maturing forest environment – they are literally growing up with the trees. This new funding offers a unique opportunity to bring the forest and education closer together and to develop new approaches to outdoor learning. It is a growing field, backed up by national and international research into the benefits of taking children outdoors to learn, and the growing
Forest has many locations that can be perfect outdoor classrooms. “we’re very excited to be able to develop a project at scale and extend our work in this field,” said Sue Anderson, Community Liaison Officer for the National Forest Company. She continued: “this three year project, supported by the audemars Piguet foundation, will really help us maximise the benefits that the forest can offer our schools and young people. our long term vision is that every child, between the ages of five and 11 living in the national forest, will have the opportunity to experience outdoor learning and all the benefits it can provide. “By the end of these three years we expect that more than half of all primary schools in the national forest will be regularly using wooded space within easy walking distance and the remaining schools will be aware of the opportunities and support available to help them make their own new plans.” ‘Creating a Forest for Learning’ begins in the New Year. The project will start by taking a look at current activity and supporting schools to increase use of wooded learning spaces. A new sustainable network of support for teaching staff will be established to share best practice and ensure future generations of children continue to experience the benefits of these spaces.
The National Forest created quite a stir on BBC Breakfast this autumn, when it was featured as part of the programme’s Wild Britain series. Viewers were invited to contact the programme and say why they love trees, in support of a BBC Breakfast woodland being planted.
Charlie Stayt and pupils from Brookvale High and Martinshaw Primary schools planted the first 200 of 1,000 trees that will be planted in the BBC Breakfast Woodland at Ratby in Leicestershire. A further 1,000 will be planted elsewhere in the Forest. If you would like to help extend this woodland, please support us through Plant a Tree: nationalforest.org/sponsor/ plantatree
The National Forest – transforming 200 square miles of central England
plantatree
Events
the national forest company Bath Yard, Moira, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE12 6BA T: 01283 551211 E: enquiries@nationalforest.org W: www.nationalforest.org
A gift for just £25 nationalforest.org/sponsor/plantatree/
DeceMBer Various dates until 24 Waterside Winter Wonderland at Conkers, 01283 216633 Various dates until 24 Christmas at the Farm, National Forest Adventure Farm, 01283 533933 6 10 significant objects from the life and work of T G Green and his pottery, Black to Green event at YHA National Forest 01283 551211 10 – 11, 17 – 18 Father Christmas in his magical stable grotto at Calke Abbey, 01332 863822 13 Santa and the Pirates (that don’t want Christmas) panto at Brewhouse Arts Centre, 01283 508100 16 Swadlincote Christmas Mega Market, Swadlincote town centre 18 Christmas Fine Food Fair at Calke Abbey, 01332 863822 19, 20, 21 Breakfast with Father Christmas at Calke, 01332 863822 27 – 30 Little Red Riding Hood Pantomime at Conkers, 01283 216633 Leicester
heLP shaPe the future of Leicestershire’s VoLcano
feBruary 7 Pit Talk of the East Midlands, Black to Green talk by Natalie Braber, National Forest YHA. Booking essential on 01283 551211
Charnwood Forest is one of the most beautiful parts of The National Forest. The uplands rise dramatically out of the East Midlands plain, looming over Leicester and Loughborough.
March
created by a volcano around 600 million years ago, these hills hold some of the oldest rocks in england, and contain the oldest fossils of animal life in the world, as featured at the start of sir David attenborough’s First Life tV series.
10 The Life of Bees, Black to Green talk by The Bee Farmer, David McDowell, National Forest YHA. Booking essential on 01283 551211 19 Aldi Ashby 20 Roadrace, ashby20.co.uk
Swadlincote Ashby de la Zouch
to help protect and nurture charnwood forest, the regional park is developing a new landscape partnership bid to the heritage Lottery fund (hLf) and needs your help. If successful, it will deliver around £3million worth of projects to protect and celebrate the natural and cultural heritage of Charnwood Forest between 2020 and 2025, improving skills, building communities and managing the heritage of this fascinating area.
[ >> page 5
Let us know if you would prefer to read Forest Scene online and help us save paper and postage. Email forestscene@nationalforest.org Thank you!
Coalville
At the start of the celebrations to mark the 25th anniversary of The National Forest, the National Forest Company announced the establishment of a new award to recognise outstanding woodland creation and management within the 200 square miles of the Forest. Three categories of award were offered: woodland creation, for woodlands aged up to ten years; woodland management, for woodlands aged over ten years; community woodland management, where local communities are involved in management. 19 entries were received across the three categories and the judges commented on the high standard of the entries overall: “The range and quality of achievement, and the enthusiasm and interest of agents and landowners came across very strongly. The woodlands are testament to the achievements of The National Forest in its first 25 years and the tremendous contribution that it has made to the
regeneration of the area.” In the end, four winners were chosen (two joint winners in the management category) and three special commendations. community management award: Community Education Enterprise projects (CEEP), Hall Farm, Ashby de la Zouch. woodland creation: Grangewood Changing Landscapes Scheme, Netherseal. woodland management: joint winners – Catton Estate and Peppa Wood, Linton. Paul Milner of Markfield, Bill Cove of the National Trust at Calke Park and Dr Sheila Smith of Swannington, each received special commendation for their innovation, commitment and community involvement respectively. Please see the nfc website for full details of the awards and the winning woodlands, or read more in the next issue of forest scene.
NATIONAL FOREST WAY INSPIRES NEW ALBUM
sensory PLay at the arBoretuM
wayfarers all is an album of new original folk and acoustic songs inspired by the history, folklore and mythology of the National Forest Way, as it passes through wood and field, forest, village and town along its 75 mile route.
]
CREATING A forest for LearninG
>>
>>
You can find The National Forest on Facebook, and we tweet @NatForestCo
>> page 6
creatinG a forest for LearninG wiLL aLso ProViDe: • support to develop school grounds and local woodlands to provide inspiring wooded learning spaces. training for teachers and • landowners in a wide range of topics, such as using natural dyes, Forest School, working with groups and safe practice.
TREES FOR BREAKFAST forest bugs and insects are set to have a cosy winter thanks to work by national forest supporters James Latham and forest holidays. Staff teams from both companies have been out on working days with the National Forest Company this summer, learning about the environment and sustainability with the Heritage Lottery-funded Black to Green project. Ben Devine from Black to Green led the teams as they built ‘bug hotels’, structures made from recycled materials with varying size nooks and crannies for all kinds of insects and bugs to overwinter safely. A mixture of materials, including wooden pallets and brick materials (kindly donated by Bretby Planters, ETS Ltd and KonKal Building Services), plastic bottles, toilet and kitchen roll tubes, and shredded paper were all used to create the new habitat for the bugs.
the national Memorial arboretum has opened a new sensory play garden for children, encouraging more families to visit this national centre for remembrance. Created in a naturally enclosed site alongside the new Remembrance Centre, the sensory play garden takes its design cues from the wider Arboretum and gently introduces its young visitors aged 3 – 10 years old to simple concepts of remembrance through play. The garden is full of textures
wayfarers_all@outlook.com
Look out for
Forest Scene online
ForestScene
the inaugural national forest woodland awards were presented by nfc chair sir william worsley at an event held at staunton harold hall, amongst the glorious autumn colours of late november.
For further information, please see www.nationalforest.org/involved/cfl_partnership.php You can contact the project by email charnwoodbid@nationalforest.org or call 01283 551211
to Green weBsite blacktogreen.org.uk
Leicester
WINTER 2016/17
national forest woodland awards
Charnwood Forest is designated as a Regional Park (shown in green on the map on the left) and about two thirds of it falls within The National Forest. If it wasn’t for the M1 going through the middle, it would be a very strong candidate for designation as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Unfortunately, it doesn’t get the recognition or protection that many think it deserves and its special qualities are under threat due to potential development, conflicts in the use of the countryside, habitat loss and lack of knowledge of its social history and archaeological past.
Charnwood
May
We have much to thank the volcano for: its granite rock built much of central London and as its soils are so thin and poor, it supports some exceptional wildlife habitats; in fact, over half the area of the county’s SSSIs (Sites of Special Scientific Interest) are to be found in Charnwood Forest. For a long time it was considered “waste” ground and therefore escaped development, becoming a place of peace and tranquillity,
Birmingham
Nottingham
snuG as a BuG in a BuG hoteL
often managed by religious houses such as Grace Dieu and Ulverscroft priories.
14 – 15 Cinderella Panto at Conkers, 01283 216633
the new BLack
Burton upon Trent
Large print version available Tel: 01283 551211
January
5 – 7 National Carriage Driving Championships, Catton Hall, 0333 1120304 13 – 25 The National Forest Walking Festival, 01283 222848 25 – 28 Bearded Theory Spring Gathering, Catton Hall, beardedtheory.co.uk 26 – 29 Ashby Arts Festival, ashbyartsfestival.co.uk 27 – 28 Moira Canal Festival, moiracanalfestival.co.uk 28 – 30 The Bushcraft Show, Beehive Farm, thebushcraftshow.co.uk
Derby
and scented foliage and families visiting the Arboretum will enjoy this beautiful space where their youngsters can play. The new sensory play garden is partly funded by the National Forest Company, reflecting the importance of the National Memorial Arboretum as a key attraction within The National Forest. It was one of the first developments in the earliest days of the Forest, and, appropriately, is the start (or end) of the 75-mile long distance National Forest Way.
nationalforest.org
Photographs courtesy of Christopher Beech; Darren Cresswell; Matt Fowler; Ben Hall/2020VISION; Claire Hemming; Ross Hoddinott/2020VISION; Will Johnston; Liam Olds; Jacqui Rock; Beth Walsh; Black to Green; Go Ultra Events; Haworth Old Hall; National Memorial Arboretum; Wayfarers All
a new three year project is about to start in the national forest, with the long term goal of making outdoor learning available to every child who lives here. The project is designed to bring about a step change in provision of outdoor education across the whole Forest - challenging every primary school to embed regular outdoor learning into their teaching and make the most of their local woodland spaces. Working with schools and educators in The National Forest has always been very important, and over the past 25 years more than half a million children have benefitted from environmental education. Now, thanks to generous funding from the Audemars Piguet Foundation, the National Forest Company has an exciting opportunity to substantially increase outdoor learning in the area. Children growing up in The National Forest are the first generation to experience the maturing forest environment – they are literally growing up with the trees. This new funding offers a unique opportunity to bring the forest and education closer together and to develop new approaches to outdoor learning. It is a growing field, backed up by national and international research into the benefits of taking children outdoors to learn, and the growing
Forest has many locations that can be perfect outdoor classrooms. “we’re very excited to be able to develop a project at scale and extend our work in this field,” said Sue Anderson, Community Liaison Officer for the National Forest Company. She continued: “this three year project, supported by the audemars Piguet foundation, will really help us maximise the benefits that the forest can offer our schools and young people. our long term vision is that every child, between the ages of five and 11 living in the national forest, will have the opportunity to experience outdoor learning and all the benefits it can provide. “By the end of these three years we expect that more than half of all primary schools in the national forest will be regularly using wooded space within easy walking distance and the remaining schools will be aware of the opportunities and support available to help them make their own new plans.” ‘Creating a Forest for Learning’ begins in the New Year. The project will start by taking a look at current activity and supporting schools to increase use of wooded learning spaces. A new sustainable network of support for teaching staff will be established to share best practice and ensure future generations of children continue to experience the benefits of these spaces.
The National Forest created quite a stir on BBC Breakfast this autumn, when it was featured as part of the programme’s Wild Britain series. Viewers were invited to contact the programme and say why they love trees, in support of a BBC Breakfast woodland being planted.
Charlie Stayt and pupils from Brookvale High and Martinshaw Primary schools planted the first 200 of 1,000 trees that will be planted in the BBC Breakfast Woodland at Ratby in Leicestershire. A further 1,000 will be planted elsewhere in the Forest. If you would like to help extend this woodland, please support us through Plant a Tree: nationalforest.org/sponsor/ plantatree
The National Forest – transforming 200 square miles of central England