Events
PHS Direct were all smiles as they got stuck in to plant the final trees at Seale Lodge. Every sale the business makes funds trees in The National Forest and staff are encouraged to get involved with the Forest in many ways – not least through the National Forest 10K, Managing Director James Clark being a keen participant!
MAY 18-19 Moira Canal Festival 01530 515273
DON’T MISS
The National Forest Company Bath Yard, Moira, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE12 6BA T: 01283 551211 F: 01283 552844 E: enquiries@nationalforest.org W: www.nationalforest.org
Derby Nottingham
Burton upon Trent Birmingham
Swadlincote
JUNE
Large print version available Tel: 01283 551211
Coalville
enn Rob P low e See b
The National Forest and Beyond tourism partnership celebrates ten years of joint working this year, and added a little fizz to the launch of the 2013 visitor campaign.
27 Black Gold Geology Walk, Hicks Lodge Cycle Centre 01530 274533
JULY
20 As You Like It Calke Abbey 01332 863822 26 Forest Frenzy Rosliston Forestry Centre 01283 563483
AUGUST 7 Family Geocaching Hicks Lodge Cycle Centre 01530 274533 9-10 Quad Summer Nights films at Calke Abbey 01332 863822 14 Family bushcraft evening Rosliston Forestry Centre 01283 563483 24 Walk to the Wall National Memorial Arboretum www.thenma.org.uk 24-25 Burton Jazz Festival www.burtonjazzfestival.com 26 National Forest Wood Fair www.nationalforestwoodfair.co.uk
The partnership, comprising South Derbyshire District Council, North West Leicestershire District Council, East Staffordshire Borough Council and the National Forest Company, was set up to jointly promote the area in and around The National Forest as a tourism destination.
15 National Forest 10K 01283 551211
Tourism in the area is now valued at a phenomenal £315m (2011). The latest figures indicate there are 7.8 million visitors per year to The National Forest and the industry supports 4,437 tourism related jobs.
FOREST SCENE ONLINE
5 Donisthorpe Orchard Apple Day 13 Calke Park 01332 863822
Thank you.
4-6 Beer Festival National Brewery Centre Apple Day celebrations in The National Forest:
From pit to plantation – experience a forest in the making on this self-guided walk through The National Forest.
Time, industry and the persistent energy of nature are themes that run through the work of G8, a group of Leicestershire-based artists who have been working on National Forest inspired projects. A recent retrospective of their work at 107 Station Street, the new gallery space in Burton upon Trent, attracted a lot of interest, and the artists are now working
on their three year ‘Arbores Project’. Through this they will explore the transition in The National Forest from industrial landscape to the new treeline that is emerging after twenty years of planting. Exhibitions at The Brewhouse, Burton (18 May – 22 June) and Sharpe’s Pottery, Swadlincote (1 – 29 June) will showcase their work as it develops, featuring opportunities to meet the artists, workshop sessions for families and adults, and artists’ talks. For more information see www.g8artists.co.uk
The National Forest Company (NFC) welcomes Richard Drakeley (above right) to its team, as the new Tourism Development and Promotions Officer. Richard joins the NFC with over 12 years’ experience in the tourism sector and is a former head of tourism at Warwickshire County Council. Richard said: "I feel privileged to be joining a destination that is maturing and growing in stature and is represented by an excellent range of tourism enterprises.”
officer with Richard’s skill and experience at such an exciting time.”
Sophie Churchill, Chief Executive at the NFC, added: “We are delighted to be welcoming a new tourism and promotions
For further information please contact Richard on 01283 554205 or email rdrakeley@nationalforest.org
IMAGINATIVE FUN AT CALKE AND THE END OF AN ERA
We are very happy that many readers of Forest Scene like to receive a printed copy, and enjoy thinking of you as you settle down with a lovely cuppa, unwrapping your copy as soon as it is delivered, and reading all about what is going on in the Forest. If, however, you like to flick through it and would be equally happy to receive an email notification when it is available to read online, please email us at forestscene@nationalforest.org You’ll be helping us save some resources and much postage!
OCTOBER
‘The persistent energy of nature’
It was fitting that the celebratory event was held at the Hilton Hotel at St. George’s Park, the newest jewel in the Forest’s crown.
SEPTEMBER 7 Last night of the proms Rosliston Forestry Centre 01283 563483
G8 in the Forest
of tree-mendous tourism
22-23 Viking weekend CONKERS 01283 216633
14 Ashby Show 01283 229225
New Tourism Officer for The National Forest
Ten years
22 Heart of the Forest Festival, Measham 07512 973924
5-7 July National Forest Folk Festival 01676 540219 / 07881 558158
ForestScene
Ashby de la Zouch
18-30 National Forest Walking Festival www.thenationalforestwalking festival.org.uk 25-8 June Ashby Arts Festival 01530 411767
Leicester
Summer 2013
On this Discovering Britain walk, you’ll find out how this area of the Midlands was transformed by the discovery of coal and how local villages like Overseal and Moira were affected by industrialisation. You’ll hear about the impact not just on the physical landscape but also on the local economy and wildlife. You’ll see the last traces of these industries and discover how today they have been transformed from derelict buildings, pit waste and subsidence to brand new woods, lakes, walking trails and parkland. As you walk along, you can look for clues left in the landscape of this past use. So keep your eyes open, be curious and ask questions. http://www.discoveringbritain .org/walks/region/eastmidlands/national-forestashby.html
THE LARGE KITCHEN GARDEN AT CALKE ABBEY WILL BE TRANSFORMED INTO THE GARDEN OF IMAGINATION FOR THE SUMMER. VISITORS WILL BE ABLE TO TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE OF THE WILD GRASS LABYRINTH, EXPLORE WONDERFUL WILLOW ART AND SEEK OUT NATURAL WONDERS. Why not take a picnic and laze on the grass? Open every day of the school summer holidays from Saturday 13 July – Friday 30 August 10am – 4pm.
End of an Era For the first time the Servants’ Hall will be open on Thursdays and Fridays on special End of Era tours. The tour tells the story of how Calke Abbey moved from the height of Victorian prosperity through a period of gradual decline to be finally rescued by the National Trust. In the Servants’ Hall hear recorded recollections from Alfred, a footman at Calke in 1916, and find out what it was like to be a servant in a time of social change.
End of Era tours will run from 11am to 3.30pm on Thursdays and Fridays during the open season. The tour will last approximately 1 hour and is included in the normal entry rate. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/calke
Richard’s appointment is timely, as The National Forest & Beyond tourism marketing campaign has recently achieved national exposure for The National Forest by partnering with the national tourist board, Visit England, as part of its Active Outdoors campaign. The Forest was featured on the cover of the Easter Guardian newspaper travel section, highlighted as “sustainable and magnificent.”
MASTERCLASSES AND MORE AT THE NATIONAL FOREST WOOD FAIR If you want to see how the experts chisel and plane, or turn a bowl that just asks to be held, you won’t want to miss the masterclasses on stage at the National Forest Wood Fair. This year’s event, to be held on Bank Holiday Monday 26 August, is packed with new features, and has been extended by two hours to give visitors more time to enjoy the activities and demonstrations and to simply soak up the atmosphere amongst the lumberjacks, horse loggers and willow weavers. The Fair will open at 9am and close at 6pm. Along with the programme of masterclasses, there will be Forest Food cookery demonstrations as part of the new Forest Food Festival. Food lovers are in for a treat! The Festival will offer a tempting and tasty array of delicious locallysourced food and real ales.
All the family will enjoy the Wood Fair. Buy your tickets in advance (before midday Fri 23 Aug) and you will get 20% discount on the gate price on the day. A family ticket (2 adults, 3 children) costs just £20 in advance! This includes free parking and free programme. Buy online at www.nationalforestwoodfair.co.uk The Wood Fair is held in the stunning setting of Beacon Hill, near Woodhouse Eaves in Leicestershire, just 5 minutes from the M1 motorway, and is run by the National Forest Company in partnership with Leicestershire County Council.
2020 Vision Page 2
Packingto
n Peo Page 4 ple
G8 Fo res Page t 6
Wood Fair Page 6
National Forest Friends meet Rob Penn, TV woodsman
The Friends of The National Forest welcomed TV personality and woodsman Rob Penn to their inaugural annual event. His enthusiasm for woodlands, as demonstrated in his BBC4 series ‘Tales from the Wild Wood’, was inspiring! He spoke movingly about the importance of human interaction with trees and woods. An author and TV presenter, Rob took over the management of Strawberry Cottage Wood in the Black Mountains, South Wales, two years ago. His six-part TV series, broadcast last year, covered the day to day management of the woodland over a whole year: keeping pigs, trapping squirrels, coppicing, planting trees, making charcoal, improving biodiversity and encouraging public access. These issues were discussed further in the context of The National Forest as Rob accompanied the group on a walk through new woodlands in the heart of the Forest. Rob was impressed with what he saw. He said: “Woodlands are magical places and constantly changing. What The National Forest is doing is rescuing an industrial
ALISTAIR MCGOWAN TOP OF THE BILL FOR COMEDY WOOD Headline act comedian and actor Alistair McGowan has planted the first tree in Comedy Wood, a new woodland in The National Forest, outside Ashby de la Zouch in Leicestershire. Dave’s Leicester Comedy Festival has worked with the National Forest Company to raise funds to create this new woodland, encouraging performers, promoters, venues and audiences to ‘go green’ as they see the funny side of life. >> Story continues on page 2
The Friends of The National Forest stride up Pick Triangle, with Albert Village lake in the background.
landscape and transforming it into beautiful, useful woodlands and open spaces. “The Friends group is a very positive response to the Forest, a grand project of fundamental importance to the English landscape. It is an example of how it’s possible to bring us into closer
contact with the benefits of trees and woodland.” Funds raised by the Friends of The National Forest go towards improving access, looking after the woodlands and supporting environmental education projects. If you would like to join, go to http://www.nationalforest.org/ sponsor/friends.php
Black to green “There used to be coal mines around here…” The National Forest Company is delighted to announce that the Heart of the Forest Forum has been awarded a grant from the National Lottery’s Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to develop ‘Black to Green’, an inspiring project that will connect people with the rapid changes to the landscape in the heart of the Forest.
Looking after the trees will be an important part of ‘Black to Green’
Coal mining, clay extraction, and the associated industries of pottery and brick, dominated the landscape for many decades, until the closure of the pits left the area scarred and derelict. The area was then selected for a major regeneration programme, led by the creation of The National Forest. >> Story continues on page 4
19 Ashby de la Zouch Farmers’ Market 20 Branston Water Park 01283 508526 21-24 Schools apple activities at Rosliston Forestry Centre (must be pre-booked on 01283 535039) 25-26 Swadlincote 01283 535039 >> page 5
>>
Woodland Edge: a dynamic habitat where wildlife, light, activity and diversity are the most prolific; the way in. The National Forest now blogs at the Woodland Edge. See http://www.nationalforest.org/newsroom
]
You can now find The National Forest on Facebook, and we tweet @NatForestCo
>> page 6
www.nationalforest.org
Photographs courtesy of Darren Cresswell, Lesley Hextall, Kevin Mason, Jacqui Rock, 2020VISION/Ross Hoddinott, Christopher Beech, Groundwork Leicester & Leicestershire, National Trust/Leanne Baker, National Trust/Chris Lacey, VIP project
The National Forest – transforming 200 square miles of central England
Catherine’s column As I write this we are at the end of a long cold winter after a wet and cool year. I very much hope you are reading this latest edition of Forest Scene in warmer conditions! Despite the challenges the country continues to face, The National Forest goes from strength to strength. You will read here about the national photographic exhibition 2020VISION which has generated such delight and interest, in Swadlincote and at Calke Abbey. It’s fantastic to see the Forest featured alongside other large, national wildlife restoration projects. We’ve also had the news of a new National Trust property, Stoneywell, in Charnwood, a unique arts and crafts gem. And again, as part of our national profile, our survey of national awareness has shown that this stands at an impressive 43%.
2020VISION’s national photographic exhibition: ‘big, bold and brilliant!’
MAKING WOODS WORK
Matt Brocklehurst, Head of Forestry for the NFC, said: “The National Forest aims to produce high quality, sustainable timber and wood products. As the woodlands grow, their economic potential increases but good woodland management and timely thinning is essential.”
THE NATIONAL FOREST LAUNCHES NEW WOOD PRODUCTS AND SERVICES WEBSITE A new online market place for buyers and sellers of woodland related services and wood products has been set up by the National Forest Company (NFC).
Karen Harrison (in red) representing exhibition sponsor H K Wentworth Limited, joined Sophie Churchill, NFC, and other partners (National Trust’s Calke Abbey and South Derbyshire District Council) for the launch of the exhibition in The Delph, Swadlincote.
As regular readers of Forest Scene will know, over the last twenty years woodland cover throughout the 200 square miles of The National Forest has increased from 6% to more than 19%. There is now a huge range of woodland related businesses in and around the Forest, and the new Wood Products and Services
“It’s brilliant. The quality of the photos is excellent. It prompted my children to ask questions, which is always good to see.”
website aims to support and develop the woodland economy for these businesses. It will connect timber growers with forestry contractors, forestry agents, suppliers of wood products and with potential customers. Developing the ‘woodland economy’ to support those whose livelihoods depend on the trees in a variety of ways, has always been part of the strategic development of The National Forest. The website features a range of
Exhibition visitor
services and lists information on who plants trees and manages woodlands; who sells logs and timber products; who has expertise in wood fuel or carries out woodland surveys. The information can be found through a useful search function that also details locations and distances.
STONEYWELL
Making friends in Packington Children from Packington C of E School in The National Forest and inner city Linden Primary School in Leicester have been buddying up. They’ve been out building dens, hunting for mini beasts and exploring the woods which the Packington pupils helped to create.
So, for information on timber crafts, furniture, fencing, garden or coppice products; round timber, sawn timber or wood fuel; or consultancy services, timber marketing, timber processing, tree and woodland management in The National Forest, see the new Wood Products and Services website at http://www.nationalforest.org/ woodproductsandservices/
This innovative schools partnership is part of a project led by Groundwork Leicester & Leicestershire to encourage communities local to Packington Wood, in North West Leicestershire, to get to know and make the most of the new woodland on their doorstep.
has featured health walks, family ‘Olympic’ events, bulb planting, the creation of Jubilee Orchard and environmental education activities.
The creation of Packington Wood was made possible thanks to a three year sponsorship by Lex Autolease, which also supported the community work. The project
The partnership will continue with more joint visits to Packington Woods, Martinshaw Woods and Hicks Lodge over the next few months.
The schools partnership began with a visit by members of Linden Primary’s school council to meet years 3 and 4 at Packington school.
I’m very proud that the small National Forest Company team is at the forefront of national forestry thinking as well as making so much happen on the ground. Our national role includes creating productive woodlands and also managing them to the best possible standard in the future.
Feanedock Wood, Ross Hoddinott/2020VISION.
While we cannot avoid pests and diseases, and the arrival of ash dieback in the country (at the time of going to print we still have no outbreaks here) is a major blow, we are as well-equipped as possible to face these. I know the team at NFC has had a great time over the winter practicing management skills themselves in the Heart of the Forest and I hope that a growing number of those who have been involved in planting will wish to develop their woodland management skills too. If you are in need of local woodland products, visit www.nationalforest.org/woodproductsandservices/ our new woodland services website. My sincere thanks too, to all our businesses and friends who have supported the Forest so magnificently in the last year.
Catherine Graham-Harrison, Chair, National Forest Company.
>>Story continued from front page
Alistair McGowan, famous for the hit TV series The Big Impression, has never owned a car and is a keen environmentalist. He planted an oak tree – then a rowan, then a silver birch – to raise the curtain on the creation of a new hectare of broadleaf woodland at the Forestry Commission’s Hicks Lodge. The woodland will feature an open glade – a natural performance space perhaps?
WOOD PASTURE SCHEME POSTERN HOUSE FARM
Plant a Tree – design your own
Norwegian Maple – Gift To The National Forest
READERS OF FOREST SCENE WILL KNOW THAT THE NATIONAL FOREST COMPANY RECENTLY LAUNCHED ITS NEW SCHEME TO ENCOURAGE THE CREATION OF PARKLAND TREES AND WOOD PASTURE IN THE NATIONAL FOREST.
Just as Norway donates the magnificent Christmas tree that stands in Trafalgar Square each year, The National Forest has received its very own gift from this forest-loving nation.
Tom Robinson of Postern House Farm, also the home of the highly successful National Forest Adventure Farm and the Maize Maze, applied to the National Forest Parkland & Wood Pasture Scheme and has planted up a new area of the farm this winter.
Tom Brunsvik and Stein-Harald Iversen of Aco Gruppen, business partners of National Forest sponsors Reabrook Ltd, brought a colourful Norwegian Maple to present to The National Forest in December last year. The tiny tree was planted in Boothorpe Wood, near Reabrook’s premises in Moira, as part of an all-day tree planting event when 1,250 trees were planted by Reabrook’s business colleagues and clients as well as staff and directors.
He said: “We wanted to improve the landscape around the Adventure Farm and make it a more attractive experience for our visitors. With the opportunity to plant more trees through this scheme, we wanted to join up areas of new parkland with the established woodland we have already planted.”
Tom chose colourful and evergreen trees to make a real impact in the landscape. A collection of red and evergreen oak, lime, copper beech and cedar now grace the entrance and surrounding area of the Adventure Farm, and will help bring real character to the landscape of the high ground above Tatenhill.
Trees are an integral part of Norway’s landscape and way of life and the country has a strong
environmental tradition. Over a partnership spanning decades, Tom Brunsvik and Stein-Harald Iversen have seen substantial changes to the landscape immediately around Reabrook’s premises as The National Forest has developed and were delighted to bring a little piece of Norway to the Forest. Malcolm Watkins, Joint Managing Director, Reabrook Ltd said: “It is very pleasing that our business partners from Norway understand our commitment to the local environment, so much so that they flew over to the UK to play a
part in our efforts and leave their own stamp by bringing a Norwegian tree with them.” Tony Brealey, Joint Managing Director, Reabrook Ltd added: “We are so pleased to have been involved in another fantastic tree planting event; all our employees, families, customers and business partners have commented on the significant changes to the
Boothorpe site, and the difference they can see in just ten months.” Reabrook’s sponsorship of The National Forest is creating 21 hectares (over 50 acres) of new woodland at Boothorpe.
Our Norw eg countrysid ian visitors (pictur ed e, plant th e Norweg front), dressed for ian Maple th at Bootho e English rpe.
I hope that rain holds off and this year you are able to make the most of the Forest as an easy-to-reach, ever-changing and spirit-lifting green resource. Enjoy the Walking Festival in May and I hope to see you at the National Forest Wood Fair on August Bank Holiday Monday.
“Today has been brilliant! I really enjoyed the mud and making a den. I can’t wait to see my new friends again!” Millie, a school councillor from Linden Primary.
THE NATIONAL FOREST’S PLANT A TREE GIFT HAS BEEN AVAILABLE TO BUY ONLINE FOR A WHILE BUT YOU CAN NOW DESIGN AND PRINT YOUR OWN CERTIFICATE – MAKING IT PERFECT FOR THAT LAST MINUTE GIFT! There are three different designs to choose from and you can create a personal message to the recipient in the comfort of your own home. Hit ‘Print’ and there you have it, an attractive certificate to email, post or roll up and tie with a ribbon to give in person. Not only do you have a lovely certificate with your own message to give as a present, but you are also invited to a special tree planting event in The
A magical adventure house in Ulverscroft, in The National Forest, has been acquired by the National Trust and plans are in hand to open it to the public in 2014. It is only the second National Trust property in the county of Leicestershire. Stoneywell is a rare example of an Arts and Crafts House, complete with many original contents and a fascinating archive. It was designed and built in 1899 by one of the leading architects of the Arts and Crafts Movement, Leicester-born Ernest Gimson (1864 – 1919), for his elder brother Sydney and wife Jeanie. BBC Antiques Roadshow’s, Lars Tharp, a local to Leicestershire since childhood and a fan of the wider Arts and Crafts Movement, is championing the National Trust’s campaign to open the house to the public: “I am delighted that the National Trust has acquired Stoneywell. This rare survivor of a golden age vividly transports us to period of pre-war, Edwardian innocence. Lovingly built for his brother’s family, this Gimson gem is a magical home set in an enchanted part of Leicestershire. “Stoneywell is the perfect adventure house with its light filled rooms, warren of twisting stairs and surprising angles. And outside you can almost fancy the echoes of children at play, of Christopher Robin’s friends or the rustle of characters from the world of Beatrix Potter. It’s a place made even more vivid by the surviving Gimson family archives in which the domestic lives and the underlying currents of the Arts and Crafts Movement – the love of place and of honest, natural materials – can clearly be seen. I think anybody coming here will be absolutely entranced.” The cottage is surrounded by four acres of gardens and set alongside eleven acres of SSSI woodland. It is Grade II* listed, and has remained almost unaltered in the Gimson family until now, along with many original items of furniture created for the house by Gimson and his peers. Such items include a Sidney Barnsley dining table and a set of Ernest Gimson ladderback chairs. Something really special is a carved coffer bearing the embryo oak leaf that went on to become the iconic National Trust logo that you see today, after a competition it ran in the 1930s to find a motif. The Trust has been working with local residents in Charnwood on the plans to open the property to the public, with opportunities to volunteer and be involved with this exciting development for the area and for The National Forest. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stoneywell
National Forest, when you and your family member or friend can plant their tree, a tiny native species ‘whip’ such as oak, silver birch, lime or rowan, and help us create new woodland in this fantastic 200 square mile Forest. Each tree costs £25 which reflects the true cost of creating and developing the new woodland, including future care and maintenance of the site. Buy your gift at www.nationalforest.org/ sponsor/plantatree
>>Story continued from front page
Black to green Black to Green will tell the story of this landscape transition, in terms of natural and industrial heritage, and by establishing a programme of effective woodland management and improvements to the biodiversity of the area, will ensure it is a living and livedin thriving landscape for the future. You can get involved! The project needs volunteer wildlife recorders, guides for walks, tree planters, woodland managers; you could also take part in the Forum or join one of the friends groups. The HLF award will fund an initial development year, to be followed by a three year delivery phase.
>> [ >> page 2
NATIONAL SURVEY SHOWS GREATER AWARENESS OF THE NATIONAL FOREST
Over 43% said they were aware of The National Forest, showing a significant increase on 36% in the 2006 study.
]
>>
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Leave a legacy to The National Forest and create a green and living memory. See www.nationalforest.org/sponsor/legacy/
>> page 3
]
>>
[
Journalists representing national and regional newspapers brought their families to see the Forest on a visit coordinated by the Hilton Hotel at St George’s Park. “The National Forest: a glorious chunk of central England that gets greener by the day” Sheffield Star >> page 4
]
For more information and to register an interest in getting involved, please contact Alan Leather, Project Manager at the NFC on 01283 551211 or email: aleather@nationalforest.org
Catherine’s column As I write this we are at the end of a long cold winter after a wet and cool year. I very much hope you are reading this latest edition of Forest Scene in warmer conditions! Despite the challenges the country continues to face, The National Forest goes from strength to strength. You will read here about the national photographic exhibition 2020VISION which has generated such delight and interest, in Swadlincote and at Calke Abbey. It’s fantastic to see the Forest featured alongside other large, national wildlife restoration projects. We’ve also had the news of a new National Trust property, Stoneywell, in Charnwood, a unique arts and crafts gem. And again, as part of our national profile, our survey of national awareness has shown that this stands at an impressive 43%.
2020VISION’s national photographic exhibition: ‘big, bold and brilliant!’
MAKING WOODS WORK
Matt Brocklehurst, Head of Forestry for the NFC, said: “The National Forest aims to produce high quality, sustainable timber and wood products. As the woodlands grow, their economic potential increases but good woodland management and timely thinning is essential.”
THE NATIONAL FOREST LAUNCHES NEW WOOD PRODUCTS AND SERVICES WEBSITE A new online market place for buyers and sellers of woodland related services and wood products has been set up by the National Forest Company (NFC).
Karen Harrison (in red) representing exhibition sponsor H K Wentworth Limited, joined Sophie Churchill, NFC, and other partners (National Trust’s Calke Abbey and South Derbyshire District Council) for the launch of the exhibition in The Delph, Swadlincote.
As regular readers of Forest Scene will know, over the last twenty years woodland cover throughout the 200 square miles of The National Forest has increased from 6% to more than 19%. There is now a huge range of woodland related businesses in and around the Forest, and the new Wood Products and Services
“It’s brilliant. The quality of the photos is excellent. It prompted my children to ask questions, which is always good to see.”
website aims to support and develop the woodland economy for these businesses. It will connect timber growers with forestry contractors, forestry agents, suppliers of wood products and with potential customers. Developing the ‘woodland economy’ to support those whose livelihoods depend on the trees in a variety of ways, has always been part of the strategic development of The National Forest. The website features a range of
Exhibition visitor
services and lists information on who plants trees and manages woodlands; who sells logs and timber products; who has expertise in wood fuel or carries out woodland surveys. The information can be found through a useful search function that also details locations and distances.
STONEYWELL
Making friends in Packington Children from Packington C of E School in The National Forest and inner city Linden Primary School in Leicester have been buddying up. They’ve been out building dens, hunting for mini beasts and exploring the woods which the Packington pupils helped to create.
So, for information on timber crafts, furniture, fencing, garden or coppice products; round timber, sawn timber or wood fuel; or consultancy services, timber marketing, timber processing, tree and woodland management in The National Forest, see the new Wood Products and Services website at http://www.nationalforest.org/ woodproductsandservices/
This innovative schools partnership is part of a project led by Groundwork Leicester & Leicestershire to encourage communities local to Packington Wood, in North West Leicestershire, to get to know and make the most of the new woodland on their doorstep.
has featured health walks, family ‘Olympic’ events, bulb planting, the creation of Jubilee Orchard and environmental education activities.
The creation of Packington Wood was made possible thanks to a three year sponsorship by Lex Autolease, which also supported the community work. The project
The partnership will continue with more joint visits to Packington Woods, Martinshaw Woods and Hicks Lodge over the next few months.
The schools partnership began with a visit by members of Linden Primary’s school council to meet years 3 and 4 at Packington school.
I’m very proud that the small National Forest Company team is at the forefront of national forestry thinking as well as making so much happen on the ground. Our national role includes creating productive woodlands and also managing them to the best possible standard in the future.
Feanedock Wood, Ross Hoddinott/2020VISION.
While we cannot avoid pests and diseases, and the arrival of ash dieback in the country (at the time of going to print we still have no outbreaks here) is a major blow, we are as well-equipped as possible to face these. I know the team at NFC has had a great time over the winter practicing management skills themselves in the Heart of the Forest and I hope that a growing number of those who have been involved in planting will wish to develop their woodland management skills too. If you are in need of local woodland products, visit www.nationalforest.org/woodproductsandservices/ our new woodland services website. My sincere thanks too, to all our businesses and friends who have supported the Forest so magnificently in the last year.
Catherine Graham-Harrison, Chair, National Forest Company.
>>Story continued from front page
Alistair McGowan, famous for the hit TV series The Big Impression, has never owned a car and is a keen environmentalist. He planted an oak tree – then a rowan, then a silver birch – to raise the curtain on the creation of a new hectare of broadleaf woodland at the Forestry Commission’s Hicks Lodge. The woodland will feature an open glade – a natural performance space perhaps?
WOOD PASTURE SCHEME POSTERN HOUSE FARM
Plant a Tree – design your own
Norwegian Maple – Gift To The National Forest
READERS OF FOREST SCENE WILL KNOW THAT THE NATIONAL FOREST COMPANY RECENTLY LAUNCHED ITS NEW SCHEME TO ENCOURAGE THE CREATION OF PARKLAND TREES AND WOOD PASTURE IN THE NATIONAL FOREST.
Just as Norway donates the magnificent Christmas tree that stands in Trafalgar Square each year, The National Forest has received its very own gift from this forest-loving nation.
Tom Robinson of Postern House Farm, also the home of the highly successful National Forest Adventure Farm and the Maize Maze, applied to the National Forest Parkland & Wood Pasture Scheme and has planted up a new area of the farm this winter.
Tom Brunsvik and Stein-Harald Iversen of Aco Gruppen, business partners of National Forest sponsors Reabrook Ltd, brought a colourful Norwegian Maple to present to The National Forest in December last year. The tiny tree was planted in Boothorpe Wood, near Reabrook’s premises in Moira, as part of an all-day tree planting event when 1,250 trees were planted by Reabrook’s business colleagues and clients as well as staff and directors.
He said: “We wanted to improve the landscape around the Adventure Farm and make it a more attractive experience for our visitors. With the opportunity to plant more trees through this scheme, we wanted to join up areas of new parkland with the established woodland we have already planted.”
Tom chose colourful and evergreen trees to make a real impact in the landscape. A collection of red and evergreen oak, lime, copper beech and cedar now grace the entrance and surrounding area of the Adventure Farm, and will help bring real character to the landscape of the high ground above Tatenhill.
Trees are an integral part of Norway’s landscape and way of life and the country has a strong
environmental tradition. Over a partnership spanning decades, Tom Brunsvik and Stein-Harald Iversen have seen substantial changes to the landscape immediately around Reabrook’s premises as The National Forest has developed and were delighted to bring a little piece of Norway to the Forest. Malcolm Watkins, Joint Managing Director, Reabrook Ltd said: “It is very pleasing that our business partners from Norway understand our commitment to the local environment, so much so that they flew over to the UK to play a
part in our efforts and leave their own stamp by bringing a Norwegian tree with them.” Tony Brealey, Joint Managing Director, Reabrook Ltd added: “We are so pleased to have been involved in another fantastic tree planting event; all our employees, families, customers and business partners have commented on the significant changes to the
Boothorpe site, and the difference they can see in just ten months.” Reabrook’s sponsorship of The National Forest is creating 21 hectares (over 50 acres) of new woodland at Boothorpe.
Our Norw eg countrysid ian visitors (pictur ed e, plant th e Norweg front), dressed for ian Maple th at Bootho e English rpe.
I hope that rain holds off and this year you are able to make the most of the Forest as an easy-to-reach, ever-changing and spirit-lifting green resource. Enjoy the Walking Festival in May and I hope to see you at the National Forest Wood Fair on August Bank Holiday Monday.
“Today has been brilliant! I really enjoyed the mud and making a den. I can’t wait to see my new friends again!” Millie, a school councillor from Linden Primary.
THE NATIONAL FOREST’S PLANT A TREE GIFT HAS BEEN AVAILABLE TO BUY ONLINE FOR A WHILE BUT YOU CAN NOW DESIGN AND PRINT YOUR OWN CERTIFICATE – MAKING IT PERFECT FOR THAT LAST MINUTE GIFT! There are three different designs to choose from and you can create a personal message to the recipient in the comfort of your own home. Hit ‘Print’ and there you have it, an attractive certificate to email, post or roll up and tie with a ribbon to give in person. Not only do you have a lovely certificate with your own message to give as a present, but you are also invited to a special tree planting event in The
A magical adventure house in Ulverscroft, in The National Forest, has been acquired by the National Trust and plans are in hand to open it to the public in 2014. It is only the second National Trust property in the county of Leicestershire. Stoneywell is a rare example of an Arts and Crafts House, complete with many original contents and a fascinating archive. It was designed and built in 1899 by one of the leading architects of the Arts and Crafts Movement, Leicester-born Ernest Gimson (1864 – 1919), for his elder brother Sydney and wife Jeanie. BBC Antiques Roadshow’s, Lars Tharp, a local to Leicestershire since childhood and a fan of the wider Arts and Crafts Movement, is championing the National Trust’s campaign to open the house to the public: “I am delighted that the National Trust has acquired Stoneywell. This rare survivor of a golden age vividly transports us to period of pre-war, Edwardian innocence. Lovingly built for his brother’s family, this Gimson gem is a magical home set in an enchanted part of Leicestershire. “Stoneywell is the perfect adventure house with its light filled rooms, warren of twisting stairs and surprising angles. And outside you can almost fancy the echoes of children at play, of Christopher Robin’s friends or the rustle of characters from the world of Beatrix Potter. It’s a place made even more vivid by the surviving Gimson family archives in which the domestic lives and the underlying currents of the Arts and Crafts Movement – the love of place and of honest, natural materials – can clearly be seen. I think anybody coming here will be absolutely entranced.” The cottage is surrounded by four acres of gardens and set alongside eleven acres of SSSI woodland. It is Grade II* listed, and has remained almost unaltered in the Gimson family until now, along with many original items of furniture created for the house by Gimson and his peers. Such items include a Sidney Barnsley dining table and a set of Ernest Gimson ladderback chairs. Something really special is a carved coffer bearing the embryo oak leaf that went on to become the iconic National Trust logo that you see today, after a competition it ran in the 1930s to find a motif. The Trust has been working with local residents in Charnwood on the plans to open the property to the public, with opportunities to volunteer and be involved with this exciting development for the area and for The National Forest. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stoneywell
National Forest, when you and your family member or friend can plant their tree, a tiny native species ‘whip’ such as oak, silver birch, lime or rowan, and help us create new woodland in this fantastic 200 square mile Forest. Each tree costs £25 which reflects the true cost of creating and developing the new woodland, including future care and maintenance of the site. Buy your gift at www.nationalforest.org/ sponsor/plantatree
>>Story continued from front page
Black to green Black to Green will tell the story of this landscape transition, in terms of natural and industrial heritage, and by establishing a programme of effective woodland management and improvements to the biodiversity of the area, will ensure it is a living and livedin thriving landscape for the future. You can get involved! The project needs volunteer wildlife recorders, guides for walks, tree planters, woodland managers; you could also take part in the Forum or join one of the friends groups. The HLF award will fund an initial development year, to be followed by a three year delivery phase.
>> [ >> page 2
NATIONAL SURVEY SHOWS GREATER AWARENESS OF THE NATIONAL FOREST
Over 43% said they were aware of The National Forest, showing a significant increase on 36% in the 2006 study.
]
>>
[
Leave a legacy to The National Forest and create a green and living memory. See www.nationalforest.org/sponsor/legacy/
>> page 3
]
>>
[
Journalists representing national and regional newspapers brought their families to see the Forest on a visit coordinated by the Hilton Hotel at St George’s Park. “The National Forest: a glorious chunk of central England that gets greener by the day” Sheffield Star >> page 4
]
For more information and to register an interest in getting involved, please contact Alan Leather, Project Manager at the NFC on 01283 551211 or email: aleather@nationalforest.org
Catherine’s column As I write this we are at the end of a long cold winter after a wet and cool year. I very much hope you are reading this latest edition of Forest Scene in warmer conditions! Despite the challenges the country continues to face, The National Forest goes from strength to strength. You will read here about the national photographic exhibition 2020VISION which has generated such delight and interest, in Swadlincote and at Calke Abbey. It’s fantastic to see the Forest featured alongside other large, national wildlife restoration projects. We’ve also had the news of a new National Trust property, Stoneywell, in Charnwood, a unique arts and crafts gem. And again, as part of our national profile, our survey of national awareness has shown that this stands at an impressive 43%.
2020VISION’s national photographic exhibition: ‘big, bold and brilliant!’
MAKING WOODS WORK
Matt Brocklehurst, Head of Forestry for the NFC, said: “The National Forest aims to produce high quality, sustainable timber and wood products. As the woodlands grow, their economic potential increases but good woodland management and timely thinning is essential.”
THE NATIONAL FOREST LAUNCHES NEW WOOD PRODUCTS AND SERVICES WEBSITE A new online market place for buyers and sellers of woodland related services and wood products has been set up by the National Forest Company (NFC).
Karen Harrison (in red) representing exhibition sponsor H K Wentworth Limited, joined Sophie Churchill, NFC, and other partners (National Trust’s Calke Abbey and South Derbyshire District Council) for the launch of the exhibition in The Delph, Swadlincote.
As regular readers of Forest Scene will know, over the last twenty years woodland cover throughout the 200 square miles of The National Forest has increased from 6% to more than 19%. There is now a huge range of woodland related businesses in and around the Forest, and the new Wood Products and Services
“It’s brilliant. The quality of the photos is excellent. It prompted my children to ask questions, which is always good to see.”
website aims to support and develop the woodland economy for these businesses. It will connect timber growers with forestry contractors, forestry agents, suppliers of wood products and with potential customers. Developing the ‘woodland economy’ to support those whose livelihoods depend on the trees in a variety of ways, has always been part of the strategic development of The National Forest. The website features a range of
Exhibition visitor
services and lists information on who plants trees and manages woodlands; who sells logs and timber products; who has expertise in wood fuel or carries out woodland surveys. The information can be found through a useful search function that also details locations and distances.
STONEYWELL
Making friends in Packington Children from Packington C of E School in The National Forest and inner city Linden Primary School in Leicester have been buddying up. They’ve been out building dens, hunting for mini beasts and exploring the woods which the Packington pupils helped to create.
So, for information on timber crafts, furniture, fencing, garden or coppice products; round timber, sawn timber or wood fuel; or consultancy services, timber marketing, timber processing, tree and woodland management in The National Forest, see the new Wood Products and Services website at http://www.nationalforest.org/ woodproductsandservices/
This innovative schools partnership is part of a project led by Groundwork Leicester & Leicestershire to encourage communities local to Packington Wood, in North West Leicestershire, to get to know and make the most of the new woodland on their doorstep.
has featured health walks, family ‘Olympic’ events, bulb planting, the creation of Jubilee Orchard and environmental education activities.
The creation of Packington Wood was made possible thanks to a three year sponsorship by Lex Autolease, which also supported the community work. The project
The partnership will continue with more joint visits to Packington Woods, Martinshaw Woods and Hicks Lodge over the next few months.
The schools partnership began with a visit by members of Linden Primary’s school council to meet years 3 and 4 at Packington school.
I’m very proud that the small National Forest Company team is at the forefront of national forestry thinking as well as making so much happen on the ground. Our national role includes creating productive woodlands and also managing them to the best possible standard in the future.
Feanedock Wood, Ross Hoddinott/2020VISION.
While we cannot avoid pests and diseases, and the arrival of ash dieback in the country (at the time of going to print we still have no outbreaks here) is a major blow, we are as well-equipped as possible to face these. I know the team at NFC has had a great time over the winter practicing management skills themselves in the Heart of the Forest and I hope that a growing number of those who have been involved in planting will wish to develop their woodland management skills too. If you are in need of local woodland products, visit www.nationalforest.org/woodproductsandservices/ our new woodland services website. My sincere thanks too, to all our businesses and friends who have supported the Forest so magnificently in the last year.
Catherine Graham-Harrison, Chair, National Forest Company.
>>Story continued from front page
Alistair McGowan, famous for the hit TV series The Big Impression, has never owned a car and is a keen environmentalist. He planted an oak tree – then a rowan, then a silver birch – to raise the curtain on the creation of a new hectare of broadleaf woodland at the Forestry Commission’s Hicks Lodge. The woodland will feature an open glade – a natural performance space perhaps?
WOOD PASTURE SCHEME POSTERN HOUSE FARM
Plant a Tree – design your own
Norwegian Maple – Gift To The National Forest
READERS OF FOREST SCENE WILL KNOW THAT THE NATIONAL FOREST COMPANY RECENTLY LAUNCHED ITS NEW SCHEME TO ENCOURAGE THE CREATION OF PARKLAND TREES AND WOOD PASTURE IN THE NATIONAL FOREST.
Just as Norway donates the magnificent Christmas tree that stands in Trafalgar Square each year, The National Forest has received its very own gift from this forest-loving nation.
Tom Robinson of Postern House Farm, also the home of the highly successful National Forest Adventure Farm and the Maize Maze, applied to the National Forest Parkland & Wood Pasture Scheme and has planted up a new area of the farm this winter.
Tom Brunsvik and Stein-Harald Iversen of Aco Gruppen, business partners of National Forest sponsors Reabrook Ltd, brought a colourful Norwegian Maple to present to The National Forest in December last year. The tiny tree was planted in Boothorpe Wood, near Reabrook’s premises in Moira, as part of an all-day tree planting event when 1,250 trees were planted by Reabrook’s business colleagues and clients as well as staff and directors.
He said: “We wanted to improve the landscape around the Adventure Farm and make it a more attractive experience for our visitors. With the opportunity to plant more trees through this scheme, we wanted to join up areas of new parkland with the established woodland we have already planted.”
Tom chose colourful and evergreen trees to make a real impact in the landscape. A collection of red and evergreen oak, lime, copper beech and cedar now grace the entrance and surrounding area of the Adventure Farm, and will help bring real character to the landscape of the high ground above Tatenhill.
Trees are an integral part of Norway’s landscape and way of life and the country has a strong
environmental tradition. Over a partnership spanning decades, Tom Brunsvik and Stein-Harald Iversen have seen substantial changes to the landscape immediately around Reabrook’s premises as The National Forest has developed and were delighted to bring a little piece of Norway to the Forest. Malcolm Watkins, Joint Managing Director, Reabrook Ltd said: “It is very pleasing that our business partners from Norway understand our commitment to the local environment, so much so that they flew over to the UK to play a
part in our efforts and leave their own stamp by bringing a Norwegian tree with them.” Tony Brealey, Joint Managing Director, Reabrook Ltd added: “We are so pleased to have been involved in another fantastic tree planting event; all our employees, families, customers and business partners have commented on the significant changes to the
Boothorpe site, and the difference they can see in just ten months.” Reabrook’s sponsorship of The National Forest is creating 21 hectares (over 50 acres) of new woodland at Boothorpe.
Our Norw eg countrysid ian visitors (pictur ed e, plant th e Norweg front), dressed for ian Maple th at Bootho e English rpe.
I hope that rain holds off and this year you are able to make the most of the Forest as an easy-to-reach, ever-changing and spirit-lifting green resource. Enjoy the Walking Festival in May and I hope to see you at the National Forest Wood Fair on August Bank Holiday Monday.
“Today has been brilliant! I really enjoyed the mud and making a den. I can’t wait to see my new friends again!” Millie, a school councillor from Linden Primary.
THE NATIONAL FOREST’S PLANT A TREE GIFT HAS BEEN AVAILABLE TO BUY ONLINE FOR A WHILE BUT YOU CAN NOW DESIGN AND PRINT YOUR OWN CERTIFICATE – MAKING IT PERFECT FOR THAT LAST MINUTE GIFT! There are three different designs to choose from and you can create a personal message to the recipient in the comfort of your own home. Hit ‘Print’ and there you have it, an attractive certificate to email, post or roll up and tie with a ribbon to give in person. Not only do you have a lovely certificate with your own message to give as a present, but you are also invited to a special tree planting event in The
A magical adventure house in Ulverscroft, in The National Forest, has been acquired by the National Trust and plans are in hand to open it to the public in 2014. It is only the second National Trust property in the county of Leicestershire. Stoneywell is a rare example of an Arts and Crafts House, complete with many original contents and a fascinating archive. It was designed and built in 1899 by one of the leading architects of the Arts and Crafts Movement, Leicester-born Ernest Gimson (1864 – 1919), for his elder brother Sydney and wife Jeanie. BBC Antiques Roadshow’s, Lars Tharp, a local to Leicestershire since childhood and a fan of the wider Arts and Crafts Movement, is championing the National Trust’s campaign to open the house to the public: “I am delighted that the National Trust has acquired Stoneywell. This rare survivor of a golden age vividly transports us to period of pre-war, Edwardian innocence. Lovingly built for his brother’s family, this Gimson gem is a magical home set in an enchanted part of Leicestershire. “Stoneywell is the perfect adventure house with its light filled rooms, warren of twisting stairs and surprising angles. And outside you can almost fancy the echoes of children at play, of Christopher Robin’s friends or the rustle of characters from the world of Beatrix Potter. It’s a place made even more vivid by the surviving Gimson family archives in which the domestic lives and the underlying currents of the Arts and Crafts Movement – the love of place and of honest, natural materials – can clearly be seen. I think anybody coming here will be absolutely entranced.” The cottage is surrounded by four acres of gardens and set alongside eleven acres of SSSI woodland. It is Grade II* listed, and has remained almost unaltered in the Gimson family until now, along with many original items of furniture created for the house by Gimson and his peers. Such items include a Sidney Barnsley dining table and a set of Ernest Gimson ladderback chairs. Something really special is a carved coffer bearing the embryo oak leaf that went on to become the iconic National Trust logo that you see today, after a competition it ran in the 1930s to find a motif. The Trust has been working with local residents in Charnwood on the plans to open the property to the public, with opportunities to volunteer and be involved with this exciting development for the area and for The National Forest. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stoneywell
National Forest, when you and your family member or friend can plant their tree, a tiny native species ‘whip’ such as oak, silver birch, lime or rowan, and help us create new woodland in this fantastic 200 square mile Forest. Each tree costs £25 which reflects the true cost of creating and developing the new woodland, including future care and maintenance of the site. Buy your gift at www.nationalforest.org/ sponsor/plantatree
>>Story continued from front page
Black to green Black to Green will tell the story of this landscape transition, in terms of natural and industrial heritage, and by establishing a programme of effective woodland management and improvements to the biodiversity of the area, will ensure it is a living and livedin thriving landscape for the future. You can get involved! The project needs volunteer wildlife recorders, guides for walks, tree planters, woodland managers; you could also take part in the Forum or join one of the friends groups. The HLF award will fund an initial development year, to be followed by a three year delivery phase.
>> [ >> page 2
NATIONAL SURVEY SHOWS GREATER AWARENESS OF THE NATIONAL FOREST
Over 43% said they were aware of The National Forest, showing a significant increase on 36% in the 2006 study.
]
>>
[
Leave a legacy to The National Forest and create a green and living memory. See www.nationalforest.org/sponsor/legacy/
>> page 3
]
>>
[
Journalists representing national and regional newspapers brought their families to see the Forest on a visit coordinated by the Hilton Hotel at St George’s Park. “The National Forest: a glorious chunk of central England that gets greener by the day” Sheffield Star >> page 4
]
For more information and to register an interest in getting involved, please contact Alan Leather, Project Manager at the NFC on 01283 551211 or email: aleather@nationalforest.org
Events
PHS Direct were all smiles as they got stuck in to plant the final trees at Seale Lodge. Every sale the business makes funds trees in The National Forest and staff are encouraged to get involved with the Forest in many ways – not least through the National Forest 10K, Managing Director James Clark being a keen participant!
MAY 18-19 Moira Canal Festival 01530 515273
DON’T MISS
The National Forest Company Bath Yard, Moira, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE12 6BA T: 01283 551211 F: 01283 552844 E: enquiries@nationalforest.org W: www.nationalforest.org
Derby Nottingham
Burton upon Trent Birmingham
Swadlincote
JUNE
Large print version available Tel: 01283 551211
Coalville
enn Rob P low e See b
The National Forest and Beyond tourism partnership celebrates ten years of joint working this year, and added a little fizz to the launch of the 2013 visitor campaign.
27 Black Gold Geology Walk, Hicks Lodge Cycle Centre 01530 274533
JULY
20 As You Like It Calke Abbey 01332 863822 26 Forest Frenzy Rosliston Forestry Centre 01283 563483
AUGUST 7 Family Geocaching Hicks Lodge Cycle Centre 01530 274533 9-10 Quad Summer Nights films at Calke Abbey 01332 863822 14 Family bushcraft evening Rosliston Forestry Centre 01283 563483 24 Walk to the Wall National Memorial Arboretum www.thenma.org.uk 24-25 Burton Jazz Festival www.burtonjazzfestival.com 26 National Forest Wood Fair www.nationalforestwoodfair.co.uk
The partnership, comprising South Derbyshire District Council, North West Leicestershire District Council, East Staffordshire Borough Council and the National Forest Company, was set up to jointly promote the area in and around The National Forest as a tourism destination.
15 National Forest 10K 01283 551211
Tourism in the area is now valued at a phenomenal £315m (2011). The latest figures indicate there are 7.8 million visitors per year to The National Forest and the industry supports 4,437 tourism related jobs.
FOREST SCENE ONLINE
5 Donisthorpe Orchard Apple Day 13 Calke Park 01332 863822
Thank you.
4-6 Beer Festival National Brewery Centre Apple Day celebrations in The National Forest:
From pit to plantation – experience a forest in the making on this self-guided walk through The National Forest.
Time, industry and the persistent energy of nature are themes that run through the work of G8, a group of Leicestershire-based artists who have been working on National Forest inspired projects. A recent retrospective of their work at 107 Station Street, the new gallery space in Burton upon Trent, attracted a lot of interest, and the artists are now working
on their three year ‘Arbores Project’. Through this they will explore the transition in The National Forest from industrial landscape to the new treeline that is emerging after twenty years of planting. Exhibitions at The Brewhouse, Burton (18 May – 22 June) and Sharpe’s Pottery, Swadlincote (1 – 29 June) will showcase their work as it develops, featuring opportunities to meet the artists, workshop sessions for families and adults, and artists’ talks. For more information see www.g8artists.co.uk
The National Forest Company (NFC) welcomes Richard Drakeley (above right) to its team, as the new Tourism Development and Promotions Officer. Richard joins the NFC with over 12 years’ experience in the tourism sector and is a former head of tourism at Warwickshire County Council. Richard said: "I feel privileged to be joining a destination that is maturing and growing in stature and is represented by an excellent range of tourism enterprises.”
officer with Richard’s skill and experience at such an exciting time.”
Sophie Churchill, Chief Executive at the NFC, added: “We are delighted to be welcoming a new tourism and promotions
For further information please contact Richard on 01283 554205 or email rdrakeley@nationalforest.org
IMAGINATIVE FUN AT CALKE AND THE END OF AN ERA
We are very happy that many readers of Forest Scene like to receive a printed copy, and enjoy thinking of you as you settle down with a lovely cuppa, unwrapping your copy as soon as it is delivered, and reading all about what is going on in the Forest. If, however, you like to flick through it and would be equally happy to receive an email notification when it is available to read online, please email us at forestscene@nationalforest.org You’ll be helping us save some resources and much postage!
OCTOBER
‘The persistent energy of nature’
It was fitting that the celebratory event was held at the Hilton Hotel at St. George’s Park, the newest jewel in the Forest’s crown.
SEPTEMBER 7 Last night of the proms Rosliston Forestry Centre 01283 563483
G8 in the Forest
of tree-mendous tourism
22-23 Viking weekend CONKERS 01283 216633
14 Ashby Show 01283 229225
New Tourism Officer for The National Forest
Ten years
22 Heart of the Forest Festival, Measham 07512 973924
5-7 July National Forest Folk Festival 01676 540219 / 07881 558158
ForestScene
Ashby de la Zouch
18-30 National Forest Walking Festival www.thenationalforestwalking festival.org.uk 25-8 June Ashby Arts Festival 01530 411767
Leicester
Summer 2013
On this Discovering Britain walk, you’ll find out how this area of the Midlands was transformed by the discovery of coal and how local villages like Overseal and Moira were affected by industrialisation. You’ll hear about the impact not just on the physical landscape but also on the local economy and wildlife. You’ll see the last traces of these industries and discover how today they have been transformed from derelict buildings, pit waste and subsidence to brand new woods, lakes, walking trails and parkland. As you walk along, you can look for clues left in the landscape of this past use. So keep your eyes open, be curious and ask questions. http://www.discoveringbritain .org/walks/region/eastmidlands/national-forestashby.html
THE LARGE KITCHEN GARDEN AT CALKE ABBEY WILL BE TRANSFORMED INTO THE GARDEN OF IMAGINATION FOR THE SUMMER. VISITORS WILL BE ABLE TO TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE OF THE WILD GRASS LABYRINTH, EXPLORE WONDERFUL WILLOW ART AND SEEK OUT NATURAL WONDERS. Why not take a picnic and laze on the grass? Open every day of the school summer holidays from Saturday 13 July – Friday 30 August 10am – 4pm.
End of an Era For the first time the Servants’ Hall will be open on Thursdays and Fridays on special End of Era tours. The tour tells the story of how Calke Abbey moved from the height of Victorian prosperity through a period of gradual decline to be finally rescued by the National Trust. In the Servants’ Hall hear recorded recollections from Alfred, a footman at Calke in 1916, and find out what it was like to be a servant in a time of social change.
End of Era tours will run from 11am to 3.30pm on Thursdays and Fridays during the open season. The tour will last approximately 1 hour and is included in the normal entry rate. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/calke
Richard’s appointment is timely, as The National Forest & Beyond tourism marketing campaign has recently achieved national exposure for The National Forest by partnering with the national tourist board, Visit England, as part of its Active Outdoors campaign. The Forest was featured on the cover of the Easter Guardian newspaper travel section, highlighted as “sustainable and magnificent.”
MASTERCLASSES AND MORE AT THE NATIONAL FOREST WOOD FAIR If you want to see how the experts chisel and plane, or turn a bowl that just asks to be held, you won’t want to miss the masterclasses on stage at the National Forest Wood Fair. This year’s event, to be held on Bank Holiday Monday 26 August, is packed with new features, and has been extended by two hours to give visitors more time to enjoy the activities and demonstrations and to simply soak up the atmosphere amongst the lumberjacks, horse loggers and willow weavers. The Fair will open at 9am and close at 6pm. Along with the programme of masterclasses, there will be Forest Food cookery demonstrations as part of the new Forest Food Festival. Food lovers are in for a treat! The Festival will offer a tempting and tasty array of delicious locallysourced food and real ales.
All the family will enjoy the Wood Fair. Buy your tickets in advance (before midday Fri 23 Aug) and you will get 20% discount on the gate price on the day. A family ticket (2 adults, 3 children) costs just £20 in advance! This includes free parking and free programme. Buy online at www.nationalforestwoodfair.co.uk The Wood Fair is held in the stunning setting of Beacon Hill, near Woodhouse Eaves in Leicestershire, just 5 minutes from the M1 motorway, and is run by the National Forest Company in partnership with Leicestershire County Council.
2020 Vision Page 2
Packingto
n Peo Page 4 ple
G8 Fo res Page t 6
Wood Fair Page 6
National Forest Friends meet Rob Penn, TV woodsman
The Friends of The National Forest welcomed TV personality and woodsman Rob Penn to their inaugural annual event. His enthusiasm for woodlands, as demonstrated in his BBC4 series ‘Tales from the Wild Wood’, was inspiring! He spoke movingly about the importance of human interaction with trees and woods. An author and TV presenter, Rob took over the management of Strawberry Cottage Wood in the Black Mountains, South Wales, two years ago. His six-part TV series, broadcast last year, covered the day to day management of the woodland over a whole year: keeping pigs, trapping squirrels, coppicing, planting trees, making charcoal, improving biodiversity and encouraging public access. These issues were discussed further in the context of The National Forest as Rob accompanied the group on a walk through new woodlands in the heart of the Forest. Rob was impressed with what he saw. He said: “Woodlands are magical places and constantly changing. What The National Forest is doing is rescuing an industrial
ALISTAIR MCGOWAN TOP OF THE BILL FOR COMEDY WOOD Headline act comedian and actor Alistair McGowan has planted the first tree in Comedy Wood, a new woodland in The National Forest, outside Ashby de la Zouch in Leicestershire. Dave’s Leicester Comedy Festival has worked with the National Forest Company to raise funds to create this new woodland, encouraging performers, promoters, venues and audiences to ‘go green’ as they see the funny side of life. >> Story continues on page 2
The Friends of The National Forest stride up Pick Triangle, with Albert Village lake in the background.
landscape and transforming it into beautiful, useful woodlands and open spaces. “The Friends group is a very positive response to the Forest, a grand project of fundamental importance to the English landscape. It is an example of how it’s possible to bring us into closer
contact with the benefits of trees and woodland.” Funds raised by the Friends of The National Forest go towards improving access, looking after the woodlands and supporting environmental education projects. If you would like to join, go to http://www.nationalforest.org/ sponsor/friends.php
Black to green “There used to be coal mines around here…” The National Forest Company is delighted to announce that the Heart of the Forest Forum has been awarded a grant from the National Lottery’s Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to develop ‘Black to Green’, an inspiring project that will connect people with the rapid changes to the landscape in the heart of the Forest.
Looking after the trees will be an important part of ‘Black to Green’
Coal mining, clay extraction, and the associated industries of pottery and brick, dominated the landscape for many decades, until the closure of the pits left the area scarred and derelict. The area was then selected for a major regeneration programme, led by the creation of The National Forest. >> Story continues on page 4
19 Ashby de la Zouch Farmers’ Market 20 Branston Water Park 01283 508526 21-24 Schools apple activities at Rosliston Forestry Centre (must be pre-booked on 01283 535039) 25-26 Swadlincote 01283 535039 >> page 5
>>
Woodland Edge: a dynamic habitat where wildlife, light, activity and diversity are the most prolific; the way in. The National Forest now blogs at the Woodland Edge. See http://www.nationalforest.org/newsroom
]
You can now find The National Forest on Facebook, and we tweet @NatForestCo
>> page 6
www.nationalforest.org
Photographs courtesy of Darren Cresswell, Lesley Hextall, Kevin Mason, Jacqui Rock, 2020VISION/Ross Hoddinott, Christopher Beech, Groundwork Leicester & Leicestershire, National Trust/Leanne Baker, National Trust/Chris Lacey, VIP project
The National Forest – transforming 200 square miles of central England
Events
PHS Direct were all smiles as they got stuck in to plant the final trees at Seale Lodge. Every sale the business makes funds trees in The National Forest and staff are encouraged to get involved with the Forest in many ways – not least through the National Forest 10K, Managing Director James Clark being a keen participant!
MAY 18-19 Moira Canal Festival 01530 515273
DON’T MISS
The National Forest Company Bath Yard, Moira, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE12 6BA T: 01283 551211 F: 01283 552844 E: enquiries@nationalforest.org W: www.nationalforest.org
Derby Nottingham
Burton upon Trent Birmingham
Swadlincote
JUNE
Large print version available Tel: 01283 551211
Coalville
enn Rob P low e See b
The National Forest and Beyond tourism partnership celebrates ten years of joint working this year, and added a little fizz to the launch of the 2013 visitor campaign.
27 Black Gold Geology Walk, Hicks Lodge Cycle Centre 01530 274533
JULY
20 As You Like It Calke Abbey 01332 863822 26 Forest Frenzy Rosliston Forestry Centre 01283 563483
AUGUST 7 Family Geocaching Hicks Lodge Cycle Centre 01530 274533 9-10 Quad Summer Nights films at Calke Abbey 01332 863822 14 Family bushcraft evening Rosliston Forestry Centre 01283 563483 24 Walk to the Wall National Memorial Arboretum www.thenma.org.uk 24-25 Burton Jazz Festival www.burtonjazzfestival.com 26 National Forest Wood Fair www.nationalforestwoodfair.co.uk
The partnership, comprising South Derbyshire District Council, North West Leicestershire District Council, East Staffordshire Borough Council and the National Forest Company, was set up to jointly promote the area in and around The National Forest as a tourism destination.
15 National Forest 10K 01283 551211
Tourism in the area is now valued at a phenomenal £315m (2011). The latest figures indicate there are 7.8 million visitors per year to The National Forest and the industry supports 4,437 tourism related jobs.
FOREST SCENE ONLINE
5 Donisthorpe Orchard Apple Day 13 Calke Park 01332 863822
Thank you.
4-6 Beer Festival National Brewery Centre Apple Day celebrations in The National Forest:
From pit to plantation – experience a forest in the making on this self-guided walk through The National Forest.
Time, industry and the persistent energy of nature are themes that run through the work of G8, a group of Leicestershire-based artists who have been working on National Forest inspired projects. A recent retrospective of their work at 107 Station Street, the new gallery space in Burton upon Trent, attracted a lot of interest, and the artists are now working
on their three year ‘Arbores Project’. Through this they will explore the transition in The National Forest from industrial landscape to the new treeline that is emerging after twenty years of planting. Exhibitions at The Brewhouse, Burton (18 May – 22 June) and Sharpe’s Pottery, Swadlincote (1 – 29 June) will showcase their work as it develops, featuring opportunities to meet the artists, workshop sessions for families and adults, and artists’ talks. For more information see www.g8artists.co.uk
The National Forest Company (NFC) welcomes Richard Drakeley (above right) to its team, as the new Tourism Development and Promotions Officer. Richard joins the NFC with over 12 years’ experience in the tourism sector and is a former head of tourism at Warwickshire County Council. Richard said: "I feel privileged to be joining a destination that is maturing and growing in stature and is represented by an excellent range of tourism enterprises.”
officer with Richard’s skill and experience at such an exciting time.”
Sophie Churchill, Chief Executive at the NFC, added: “We are delighted to be welcoming a new tourism and promotions
For further information please contact Richard on 01283 554205 or email rdrakeley@nationalforest.org
IMAGINATIVE FUN AT CALKE AND THE END OF AN ERA
We are very happy that many readers of Forest Scene like to receive a printed copy, and enjoy thinking of you as you settle down with a lovely cuppa, unwrapping your copy as soon as it is delivered, and reading all about what is going on in the Forest. If, however, you like to flick through it and would be equally happy to receive an email notification when it is available to read online, please email us at forestscene@nationalforest.org You’ll be helping us save some resources and much postage!
OCTOBER
‘The persistent energy of nature’
It was fitting that the celebratory event was held at the Hilton Hotel at St. George’s Park, the newest jewel in the Forest’s crown.
SEPTEMBER 7 Last night of the proms Rosliston Forestry Centre 01283 563483
G8 in the Forest
of tree-mendous tourism
22-23 Viking weekend CONKERS 01283 216633
14 Ashby Show 01283 229225
New Tourism Officer for The National Forest
Ten years
22 Heart of the Forest Festival, Measham 07512 973924
5-7 July National Forest Folk Festival 01676 540219 / 07881 558158
ForestScene
Ashby de la Zouch
18-30 National Forest Walking Festival www.thenationalforestwalking festival.org.uk 25-8 June Ashby Arts Festival 01530 411767
Leicester
Summer 2013
On this Discovering Britain walk, you’ll find out how this area of the Midlands was transformed by the discovery of coal and how local villages like Overseal and Moira were affected by industrialisation. You’ll hear about the impact not just on the physical landscape but also on the local economy and wildlife. You’ll see the last traces of these industries and discover how today they have been transformed from derelict buildings, pit waste and subsidence to brand new woods, lakes, walking trails and parkland. As you walk along, you can look for clues left in the landscape of this past use. So keep your eyes open, be curious and ask questions. http://www.discoveringbritain .org/walks/region/eastmidlands/national-forestashby.html
THE LARGE KITCHEN GARDEN AT CALKE ABBEY WILL BE TRANSFORMED INTO THE GARDEN OF IMAGINATION FOR THE SUMMER. VISITORS WILL BE ABLE TO TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE OF THE WILD GRASS LABYRINTH, EXPLORE WONDERFUL WILLOW ART AND SEEK OUT NATURAL WONDERS. Why not take a picnic and laze on the grass? Open every day of the school summer holidays from Saturday 13 July – Friday 30 August 10am – 4pm.
End of an Era For the first time the Servants’ Hall will be open on Thursdays and Fridays on special End of Era tours. The tour tells the story of how Calke Abbey moved from the height of Victorian prosperity through a period of gradual decline to be finally rescued by the National Trust. In the Servants’ Hall hear recorded recollections from Alfred, a footman at Calke in 1916, and find out what it was like to be a servant in a time of social change.
End of Era tours will run from 11am to 3.30pm on Thursdays and Fridays during the open season. The tour will last approximately 1 hour and is included in the normal entry rate. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/calke
Richard’s appointment is timely, as The National Forest & Beyond tourism marketing campaign has recently achieved national exposure for The National Forest by partnering with the national tourist board, Visit England, as part of its Active Outdoors campaign. The Forest was featured on the cover of the Easter Guardian newspaper travel section, highlighted as “sustainable and magnificent.”
MASTERCLASSES AND MORE AT THE NATIONAL FOREST WOOD FAIR If you want to see how the experts chisel and plane, or turn a bowl that just asks to be held, you won’t want to miss the masterclasses on stage at the National Forest Wood Fair. This year’s event, to be held on Bank Holiday Monday 26 August, is packed with new features, and has been extended by two hours to give visitors more time to enjoy the activities and demonstrations and to simply soak up the atmosphere amongst the lumberjacks, horse loggers and willow weavers. The Fair will open at 9am and close at 6pm. Along with the programme of masterclasses, there will be Forest Food cookery demonstrations as part of the new Forest Food Festival. Food lovers are in for a treat! The Festival will offer a tempting and tasty array of delicious locallysourced food and real ales.
All the family will enjoy the Wood Fair. Buy your tickets in advance (before midday Fri 23 Aug) and you will get 20% discount on the gate price on the day. A family ticket (2 adults, 3 children) costs just £20 in advance! This includes free parking and free programme. Buy online at www.nationalforestwoodfair.co.uk The Wood Fair is held in the stunning setting of Beacon Hill, near Woodhouse Eaves in Leicestershire, just 5 minutes from the M1 motorway, and is run by the National Forest Company in partnership with Leicestershire County Council.
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National Forest Friends meet Rob Penn, TV woodsman
The Friends of The National Forest welcomed TV personality and woodsman Rob Penn to their inaugural annual event. His enthusiasm for woodlands, as demonstrated in his BBC4 series ‘Tales from the Wild Wood’, was inspiring! He spoke movingly about the importance of human interaction with trees and woods. An author and TV presenter, Rob took over the management of Strawberry Cottage Wood in the Black Mountains, South Wales, two years ago. His six-part TV series, broadcast last year, covered the day to day management of the woodland over a whole year: keeping pigs, trapping squirrels, coppicing, planting trees, making charcoal, improving biodiversity and encouraging public access. These issues were discussed further in the context of The National Forest as Rob accompanied the group on a walk through new woodlands in the heart of the Forest. Rob was impressed with what he saw. He said: “Woodlands are magical places and constantly changing. What The National Forest is doing is rescuing an industrial
ALISTAIR MCGOWAN TOP OF THE BILL FOR COMEDY WOOD Headline act comedian and actor Alistair McGowan has planted the first tree in Comedy Wood, a new woodland in The National Forest, outside Ashby de la Zouch in Leicestershire. Dave’s Leicester Comedy Festival has worked with the National Forest Company to raise funds to create this new woodland, encouraging performers, promoters, venues and audiences to ‘go green’ as they see the funny side of life. >> Story continues on page 2
The Friends of The National Forest stride up Pick Triangle, with Albert Village lake in the background.
landscape and transforming it into beautiful, useful woodlands and open spaces. “The Friends group is a very positive response to the Forest, a grand project of fundamental importance to the English landscape. It is an example of how it’s possible to bring us into closer
contact with the benefits of trees and woodland.” Funds raised by the Friends of The National Forest go towards improving access, looking after the woodlands and supporting environmental education projects. If you would like to join, go to http://www.nationalforest.org/ sponsor/friends.php
Black to green “There used to be coal mines around here…” The National Forest Company is delighted to announce that the Heart of the Forest Forum has been awarded a grant from the National Lottery’s Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to develop ‘Black to Green’, an inspiring project that will connect people with the rapid changes to the landscape in the heart of the Forest.
Looking after the trees will be an important part of ‘Black to Green’
Coal mining, clay extraction, and the associated industries of pottery and brick, dominated the landscape for many decades, until the closure of the pits left the area scarred and derelict. The area was then selected for a major regeneration programme, led by the creation of The National Forest. >> Story continues on page 4
19 Ashby de la Zouch Farmers’ Market 20 Branston Water Park 01283 508526 21-24 Schools apple activities at Rosliston Forestry Centre (must be pre-booked on 01283 535039) 25-26 Swadlincote 01283 535039 >> page 5
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Woodland Edge: a dynamic habitat where wildlife, light, activity and diversity are the most prolific; the way in. The National Forest now blogs at the Woodland Edge. See http://www.nationalforest.org/newsroom
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You can now find The National Forest on Facebook, and we tweet @NatForestCo
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www.nationalforest.org
Photographs courtesy of Darren Cresswell, Lesley Hextall, Kevin Mason, Jacqui Rock, 2020VISION/Ross Hoddinott, Christopher Beech, Groundwork Leicester & Leicestershire, National Trust/Leanne Baker, National Trust/Chris Lacey, VIP project
The National Forest – transforming 200 square miles of central England