Look out for #forestlife – highlighting events, activities and experiences throughout The national Forest.
The National Forest Company Bath yard, moira, Swadlincote, derbyshire de12 6Ba T: 01283 551211 e: enquiries@nationalforest.org w: nationalforest.org
Derby
Burton upon Trent
Birmingham
Nottingham Leicester
Swadlincote Ashby de la Zouch
Large print version available Tel: 01283 551211
ForestScene SummeR 2017
Coalville
Events JUNe 24 armed Forces day, national memorial arboretum, 01283 245100 24 – 25 South derbyshire Festival of Leisure, 01283 595846
JUly
AUgUST 9 Teddy Bear’s picnic cycle Ride, Rosliston Forestry centre, 07966 490813 16 Family Bushcraft evening Rosliston Forestry centre, 01283 563483 21 The Sooty Show, conkers, visitconkers.com 21 – 25 out & active Holiday club Rosliston Forestry centre, 01283 563483 24 The Lost world, illyria Theatre, Rosliston Forestry centre, 01283 222848/ 01283 563483 26 – 27 insomnia 24, go ultra events, 07738 865461 28 countryside Show, Leicestershire county council, Beacon Hill country park
SepTember 2 Festival of Fireworks, catton Hall, festivaloffireworks.co.uk 2 Last night of the proms Rosliston Forestry centre, 01283 222848/ 01283 563483 9 national Forest way 75, go ultra events, 07738 865461 16 – 17 melbourne Festival of creative & performing arts, melbournefestival.co.uk
NEW REMEMBRANCE CENTRE AT THE NATIoNAL MEMoRIAL ARBoRETuM March saw the royal opening of the new £15.7m Remembrance Centre at the National Memorial Arboretum near Alrewas. The beautiful Arboretum, part of the Royal British Legion, covers 150 acres (60 hectares) of former gravel workings within The National Forest and, with over 330 memorials to the Armed Forces, Emergency Services and civilian organisations, is fast emerging as the national centre of remembrance. The stunning new centre, designed by Glenn Howells Architects, reinforces that status as a national destination and provides visitors
building and provide a calming and dignified entrance into the grounds. The riverside walk is delightful and children can explore the new Sensory Play Garden, part funded by the National Forest Company and officially opened on the same day as the new Remembrance Centre.
The National Forest Company has enabled The Woodland Trust to purchase a further 51 hectares of land at Normanton in Leicestershire, next to the magnificent Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Wood, created in 2012 as the Trust’s flagship national site to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Spanning 186 hectares, the original site forms the largest continuous piece of woodland in single ownership in the Forest, and this new
if you live within the Forest, or have visited recently, you may well have noticed the large new amazon distribution centre which has been built close to ellistown. whatever your view on the development, whether you are concerned regarding the loss of green fields or grateful for the possible job opportunities, one aspect of the scheme that can be welcomed is the creation of a new community woodland. Local planning policies require all new development within The national Forest to include new woodland planting as part of the proposals. These innovative planning policies, which are unique throughout the country to the Forest, have contributed around 22% of all Forest creation to date. in this case, the developer, working with forestry consultant Lockhart garratt, has created a 7ha (17 acre)
The 300,000 trees planted on the original site are growing well, and the woodland features, including art works, a variety of trails and the lake with its attractive bird hide, make this a very attractive young woodland with local residents and visitors, with plenty of space to walk and enjoy spotting the wildlife – almost enough space to get lost in!
By linking with paths near existing housing, and with nearby public rights of way, people are encouraged to explore the new woodland through a network of surfaced paths. a longer trail has been created around the whole site, and this, along with a link to a further three kilometres of footpaths, gives local people a very decent long dog walk or shorter running route. in fact, the ease of
The new site features an edible hedgerow, community orchard and fruit bushes. It would take a long time to count the trees: 12,365 trees and shrubs have been planted on the site! Varied habitats as well as the trees, plus bird and bat boxes, will help many species of wildlife feel at home here.
access for exercise and healthy activity throughout this development has merited its inclusion as part of a case study on The national Forest in Sport england’s recent active design study: sportengland.org/ activedesign/ EFIELD Y WAK PENN OOD W ory of In Mem Councillor Parish friend d te o dev usted and a tr
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John Everitt, Chief Executive for the National Forest Company, said: “This is a very generous sum and we are extremely grateful to our partners Forest Holidays and their customers. Our work with Forest Holidays is a great example of how responsible businesses that value a sense of place can give back to the Forest.”
Forest Scene online 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!
pupils from blackfordby St margaret’s C of e primary School wrapped up warm and spent a frosty morning planting trees in the New year.
Chartered marketer David Bourque has joined the NFC as Director of Development. David has extensive marketing and campaign experience in the sport, healthcare, sustainable tourism and environmental sectors, and joins the National Forest Company at an exciting time in its development. In his first couple of months in post, he is getting out and about finding out more about the Forest. David said: “I’m enjoying finding out more about this amazing place and in the first instance am meeting businesses who share our sustainability aims and would like to benefit from working more closely with the NFC.” Contact David by email: dbourque@nationalforest.org or call 01283 554232.
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Charles Robinson is the new Head of Forestry at the NFC. Woodland owners throughout the Forest will already be familiar with Charles as he joined the National Forest Company four years ago to increase our woodland management work. He established the Woodland Management Grant scheme which has been hugely successful, enabling the Forest to meet government targets for woodland management a year early. Charles said: “I am delighted to take up the Head of Forestry role. I look forward to continuing to work with landowners and organisations to deliver forest creation and management across The National Forest.”
You can now find The National Forest on Facebook, and we tweet @NatForestCo
>> page 6
Caroline Scothern is the new project leader for the Creating a Forest for Learning initiative. A trained teacher and devotee of outdoors activities (she is currently raising money for The National Forest by undertaking the walk #1000miles in a year challenge), Caroline is also a Forest School facilitator and has extensive experience of working in a variety of formal and informal education settings. She said: “I believe passionately in the benefits of Outdoor Learning. This project aims to encourage and enable schools to provide outdoor learning, embed it in the curriculum and ensure that every primary schoolchild has the opportunity to experience it as an integral part of their education.”
‘Under the Trees, the Coal and the Clay’
This impressive amount has been raised in one year through charitable donations in support of The National Forest by Forest Holidays’ guests when booking short breaks and holidays in the company’s luxury log cabins at nine locations throughout the UK.
New faces at the NFC
Outside, Heroes’ Square and the tranquil Boyes Garden frame the views of the Arboretum from the
woodland between the amazon building and nearby ellistown. The woodland serves a number of purposes: it includes two ponds which will hold rainwater run-off from the development and slow down its flow from the site; over time, the trees will help to screen the building from the nearest houses; and the woodland provides a valuable recreational resource on the doorstep of local residents and new employees.
The first anniversary of the partnership between the National Forest Company (NFC) and Forest Holidays was marked in style with the presentation of a cheque for £17,190.
addition will make it an even more impressive site to explore.
new communiTy woodLand
OCTOber 7 willow Hurdle making, greenwood days, 01332 864529 27 Halloween Ball, conkers, visitconkers.com 28 – 31 Family Halloween nights, conkers, visitconkers.com
with a transformed experience. At the heart of the new centre a fascinating interactive exhibition entitled ‘Landscapes of Life’, and the accompanying site audio guide, introduces visitors to the Arboretum, its memorials and stories, making it the perfect start to a visit. A changing programme of temporary exhibitions across two additional gallery spaces, a new Learning Centre for schools and greatly improved restaurant and shop complete the new visitor centre.
The largest continuous woodland in The National Forest is set to get bigger!
The local community and parish council in Ellistown helped plant the trees, and the woodland itself has been named in memory of Penny Wakefield, a much loved local councillor.
2 Jane eyre, chapterhouse Theatre company, ashby de la Zouch castle, 03703 331181 7 Little Saplings Sensory play – regular event at national memorial arboretum, 01283 245100 8 – 3 Sep garden of imagination and calke explore at calke abbey, 01332 863822 9 ashby Show, cattows Farm, ashbyshow.com 15 – 4 Sept pirates of the maize maze, national Forest adventure Farm, 01283 533933 16 willow Lantern making greenwood days, 01332 864529 25 wildlifewatch Summer party Rosliston Forestry centre, 01283 563483 30 – 6 Aug Heather Scarecrow Festival, heatherscarecrow@gmail.com
Schoolchildren help plant the Forest
FiRST yeaR oF paRTneRSHip reApS rICH reWArDS
The children planted 88 trees with Colin and Jenny Carr, on their land at Blackfordby. It formed part of a National Forest ‘Freewoods Scheme’; creating a new wildlife wood with associated habitats including a pond, a glade and a small orchard. The head teacher at the school thanked the Carrs for inviting the children to plant the trees: “I’m sure it is something they will always remember.” In May, the school returned to the site to hold a celebratory Teddy Bear’s Picnic – they enjoyed seeing how well the trees were growing.
nationalforest.org
Photos courtesy of: Darren Abell, Colin Carr, Darren Cresswell, Lesley Hextall, Paula Knight, Christopher Mear, Jacqui Rock, Black to Green, Calke Abbey, Catton Estate, Forest Holidays, Go Ultra Events, National Memorial Arboretum
Bruce McKendrick, Chief Executive of Forest Holidays, said: “Our purpose is to create positive experiences in Britain’s amazing forests; connecting people, nature and local communities, so we are thrilled to partner with the National Forest Company and enable our guests across all of our nine locations across the UK to support the sustainable projects undertaken in The National Forest.” Following the cheque presentation, staff from both companies took time out to walk the 3.5 km loop between Moira, where both companies are based, and Hicks Lodge Cycle Centre.
Cheque presentation: from left, Leah Graham, Fundraising & Development Officer, NFC; David Bourque, Director of Development, NFC; Jill Grinsted, Director of Sales & Marketing, Forest Holidays; Gemma Chance, Partnerships Manager, Forest Holidays
The route took them along the Ashby Woulds Heritage Trail, originally the lifeblood of the mining industry rail network, and Newfields Trail, created last year to give local people a safe off-road route to the cycle centre at Hicks Lodge. This former opencast mine is now a thriving visitor centre with cycle hire and nine miles of safe off-road trails with lakes and woodland, providing wonderful habitats for a range of wildlife including skylark, short-eared owl, and wildfowl.
A short documentary film about the Heart of the Forest has been created by Youth Landscapers, a group of young people from Moira and Donisthorpe who have come together through Black to Green. The group worked with artist Jo Wheeler and film-maker Ian Nesbitt to capture the changing landscape and the stories of its transformation. The film features the thoughts and memories of local people who worked in the mines, pipe yards and potteries, as well as tales from the young people about what it’s like to grow up in the Heart of the Forest. Under the Trees, the Coal and the Clay was premiered at a community film screening organised by the young people and held at Moira Village Hall back in March.
>> Read moRe on page 3
The National Forest – transforming 200 square miles of central England
William’s column It is now a year since I took over the Chair of the National Forest Company and a very enjoyable year it has been. The National Forest is a wonderful place and what has been achieved over the past 25 years is exceptional.
TouRiSm BuSineSS FoRum
Diminutive Peppa Wood was joint winner of the woodland management award. Owner Darren Abell shows a commitment to woodland management and the development of woodland products that completely belies its small scale of 2.2 hectares. Every bit of wood harvested is used. Peppa Wood demonstrates the benefits that ‘non-traditional’ landowners can enjoy by being involved in managing their own small woodland.
Joint winner of the woodland management award, Catton Estate extends over 514 hectares. Owner Robin Neilson embraced the concept of The National Forest in its very early days. He has planted woodlands nearly every year since 1995, and pro-actively manages these and his mature woodland for multiple benefits (wildlife, shooting, event access and timber, plus the estate’s own biomass boiler).
WOODlAND mANAgemeNT
our appearances on BBc Breakfast certainly got people talking about us and resulted in increased sales of plant a Tree. BBc Radio Leicester attended the most recent plant a Tree event and interviewed the parents of one young supporter, Kate, who at 20 weeks was probably the youngest tree planter on the field. Her parents have planted trees with us over the last 12 years: to mark the anniversary of their meeting, their wedding, and now the birth of their child. Stories like this bring the Forest to life.
we are also increasing access within the Forest and 80% of the woods that have been planted have public access. it is vital that communities feel involved in their local woodland and we are encouraging that through volunteer schemes and our creating a Forest for Learning project. i am always delighted to meet local people involved in the Forest and hope to meet more over the coming months and years.
i am also delighted to say that at a time when most of the country is lamenting the lack of new trees being planted, over the last year 15% of all new planting in england has been in The national Forest. even as it becomes increasingly challenging, we are still planting trees and will continue to do so at significant levels.
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Sir william worsley, chair, national Forest company
Over 120 people representing tourism businesses throughout the Forest’s 200 square miles attended the event to celebrate the achievements of the first 25 years of The National Forest and the development of a vibrant visitor economy, which has seen a 16% growth in visitor numbers since 2003 (the first year figures were recorded). The overall theme of the Forum was growth and collaboration and many of the partners attending the event were the very same who had taken a great leap of faith in supporting The National Forest in the early days. The event was a wonderful opportunity to reflect and celebrate the achievements so far and share the vision for the future of the Forest, as laid out in the draft National Forest Tourism Growth Plan. The plan, to be launched later this year, identifies ways in which tourism businesses can help express and harness the ‘personality’ of the Forest, this “special woodland place”, and benefit from building the brand in this way. Richard Drakeley, Tourism Development Manager for the NFC, expanded on this further as he introduced the #forestlife campaign. By aligning businesses within the Forest and outside the boundary more closely with The National Forest brand, everyone can benefit as the distinctiveness of the Forest is developed. As well as picking up useful facts and figures, delegates valued the opportunity to network and share best practice. It was also encouraging to see established businesses sharing their knowledge and tips for success with newcomers to the industry. The National Forest Tourism Business Forum was supported by Pear Communications and partner local authorities East Staffordshire Borough Council, North West Leicestershire District Council and South Derbyshire District Council. To see the presentations and read the draft tourism growth plan, visit: visitnationalforest.co.uk/industry
Kate and her parents Nick and Kathryn Harker
>> >> page 2
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Kay Alexa nder MB E chaired the Forum
LookING AFTER THE WooDLANDS IN THE NATIoNAL FoREST IS BECoMING AS IMPoRTANT AS PLANTING THE TREES. one of the highlights at the end of last year was our woodland management awards. woodland management is extremely close to my heart, and i am proud to say that we hit the government’s target of 66% of woods being actively managed a year early. managing the woods we have planted is very important if in time they are going to produce beautiful trees and a great forest. our target is to get 80% of the woods in The national Forest in active management by 2020.
Two hard core running events, the go Ultra Insomnia 24 and National Forest Way 75, return to The National Forest this summer and we’re excited to help event organisers go Ultra events make it an even bigger and better year.
Catton estate (pictured left):
Ambitious plans to drive continued growth in the tourism sector were announced at the National Forest Tourism business Forum, held earlier this year at Calke Abbey.
i wrote in the last issue of Forest Scene about some of the many ways we marked our 25th anniversary. Later in the year we also took the Forest message to no less than Buckingham palace itself, as part of the Queen’s commonwealth canopy initiative. The national Forest has been invited to be the uK representative forest for this imaginative project to encourage tree planting throughout the commonwealth: we are very honoured.
Go Ultra
peppa Wood (pictured left):
Simon Boardman-Weston won the woodland creation award for Grangewood, near Netherseal. The judges called this “a textbook case of how to design and establish woodland which creates new landscapes, welcomes walkers, and promises to produce quality timber in the future.”
Ceep (pictured left): Clearly demonstrating that The National Forest is about so much more than the trees, Community Education Enterprise Projects (CEEP) won the community woodland award. CEEP works with young adults and adults with learning or social difficulties and trains them in skills such as forestry, charcoal making, gardening, and animal husbandry, to help them find work in the future and support their development while they are with the project.
The Government has set a target for 66% of the nation’s woodlands to be in management by 2018; in The National Forest this target has been met a year early, 66% of the woodlands being in management at the time of writing. As part of our 25th anniversary celebrations last year, we established the National Forest Woodland Management Awards, as featured in the last issue of Forest Scene. We wanted to show you the winners:
>> conTinued FRom FRonT page
The event was attended by over 70 people, who also had the chance to view archival films about the local coal mining and TG Green pottery, as well as artworks created by Youth Landscapers earlier on in the project. The film is available to view at blacktogreen.org.uk and look out for further screening events over the summer. Black to Green is supported by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund, to connect people with the rapid landscape change which has taken place across the heart of The National Forest over the last 25 years.
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To see more about the winning schemes visit: nationalforest.org/woodlands
HOW grOW A Tree FrOm SeeD HeLped one ReadeR oF FoReST Scene… REGULAR READERS OF FOREST SCENE WILL HAvE HEARD OF OUR GROW A TREE FROM SEED SCHEME.
>> people are invited to collect acorns in the autumn, pot them up and pledge them to us. we then know how many trees are being grown and can plan how much space we will need to accommodate them. after two years, when the trees are just the right age to plant out, we invite our tree growers to join us at a special event to plant their tiny trees in a woodland in The national Forest. We have many long-standing supporters of the Forest through this scheme but this year we were inspired by one story in particular.
your chance to invest in a pioneering social enterprise and productive community woodland in The national Forest whistlewoodcommon.org
>> page 3
Calke Abbey’s outdoor hub gets the go ahead...
grangewood (pictured right):
There are over 400 new and mature woodlands in the Forest, covering over 10,000 hectares, and it is vital that the trees are managed well. Whether through pruning and thinning to produce commercial timber in decades to come, thinning the ride edges to make the woods attractive places for people to walk or opening up the canopy to let light in and encourage wildflowers and wildlife, looking after the trees and woodlands is an essential part of developing the Forest beyond its first 25 years.
polly arrives to plant the oak saplings she has grown
Paula Knight has written a moving memoir called The Facts of Life, about what it is to be a woman who doesn’t have children. Polly, the main character, finds solace in collecting and growing acorns as part of the Grow a Tree from Seed scheme: “After being unable to grow life in my body, it felt restorative and hopeful to make a contribution towards new ecosystems and communities – to help regenerate what used to be a damaged and barren landscape.” The Facts of Life is a beautifully produced graphic novel, and
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We asked Wayne Busby, Director of Go Ultra, how he came to be so keen on setting up madcap endurance events!
although some of the issues and imagery presented are quite challenging, it is a thoughtful and thought-provoking book that many people will find rewarding to read. “It is a privilege for the Forest to be part of this story. Here at the National Forest Company, we know the Forest is about people as much as trees, but this poignant account has quite taken our breath away,” said Sue Anderson, Community Liaison Officer for the NFC. The Facts of Life is published by Myriad myriadeditions.com
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The National Trust’s Calke Abbey is one of the most popular attractions in The National Forest, and it has recently obtained planning approval for an exciting project which will provide a new outdoor visitor hub. The hub will provide much-needed facilities for visitors who want to get outdoors, be active and get closer to nature.
In 2007, he lost a good friend to cancer, and to raise money for the local hospice that had cared for him, Wayne cycled from Land’s End to John O’Groats. “From then on, I started undertaking various challenges and found a real passion for endurance based events (especially ultra-running). My weekends consist of long training runs, and I just love the buzz of ultradistance events.
With over 600 acres (around 245 hectares) of inspiring parkland, the new hub will offer growing numbers of visitors the opportunity to explore and enjoy the ancient landscape away from the main site, and will also reduce pressures on the historic house and gardens.
The new hub will be located between the park entry point and the existing visitor facilities, outside the historic park and Natural Nature Reserve to avoid impacting these important areas, while retaining good access to the estate. At the heart of the hub a café, toilets and cycle hire facilities will provide visitors with the opportunity to relax and enjoy the great outdoors.
“Half of our visitors are coming to explore the parkland rather than the house and gardens,” explains Stewart Alcock, General Manager at Calke Abbey.
Work is expected to start on site in early 2018 and updates on the project’s development will be available on Calke Abbey’s website.
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“When I launched Go Ultra Events in 2016 I wanted to deliver events that I would want to do personally and make endurance events more accessible to all fitness levels and capabilities. This is why we offer at all our events, the option for solo entries, pairs or teams so everyone can experience it whether they run, jog or walk it.”
“The Outdoor Hub will hopefully become the destination of choice for visitors who want to come to Calke to experience the wonderful landscape of the park and Natural Nature Reserve, to take up the large network of walks on the estate and increasingly take part in cycling.”
Wayne and his family spend a lot of time in the Forest; running in places like Bradgate Park, Beacon Hill and Thornton Reservoir. “It was actually as I was reading the information board and looking at the map during a family visit to Beacon Hill that the idea for the National Forest Way 75 was born!”
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goultraevents.co.uk
Wayne’s love for the outdoors makes for a great partnership with The National Forest, so much so that go Ultra events has pledged to donate a contribution from every entry fee to support the NFC in creating a forest for all to enjoy. Here are the top three things that wayne loves about the Forest: 1) The accessibility the Forest offers 2) The natural beauty and the diversity of its landscape and surroundings 3) There’s something for everyone whether you’re a cyclist, runner, walker, family, dog walker etc.
nationaltrust.org.uk/calke-abbey
eLecTRic papeR SuppoRTS THe FoReST The National Forest Company is delighted to announce a new supporter for The National Forest: Electric Paper Ltd. The company is funding the planting of 600 trees in a grove in the Charnwood area of The National Forest. “We are extremely proud to be joining this exciting project," Eric Bohms, Managing Director of Electric Paper, commented. "We at Electric Paper aspire to be fully sustainable, protect woodlands
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
and find new ways of making our operations increasingly eco-friendly. We strongly believe in caring for and nurturing the environment for future generations.” Electric Paper is the market leader in software provision for higher education module evaluation and surveys. Like The National Forest, it holds sustainability as a core value and is pleased to be able to make a contribution to offset their usage of paper.
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With a client base of over half of the UK Universities, Electric Paper also intends to promote the initiative across their existing clients, hoping to inspire others within the sector to plant additional trees in the area. A fantastic new partner for The National Forest. For more information visit: evasys.co.uk
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Leave a legacy to The national Forest and create a green and living memory. See nationalforest.org/sponsor/legacy/
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William’s column It is now a year since I took over the Chair of the National Forest Company and a very enjoyable year it has been. The National Forest is a wonderful place and what has been achieved over the past 25 years is exceptional.
TouRiSm BuSineSS FoRum
Diminutive Peppa Wood was joint winner of the woodland management award. Owner Darren Abell shows a commitment to woodland management and the development of woodland products that completely belies its small scale of 2.2 hectares. Every bit of wood harvested is used. Peppa Wood demonstrates the benefits that ‘non-traditional’ landowners can enjoy by being involved in managing their own small woodland.
Joint winner of the woodland management award, Catton Estate extends over 514 hectares. Owner Robin Neilson embraced the concept of The National Forest in its very early days. He has planted woodlands nearly every year since 1995, and pro-actively manages these and his mature woodland for multiple benefits (wildlife, shooting, event access and timber, plus the estate’s own biomass boiler).
WOODlAND mANAgemeNT
our appearances on BBc Breakfast certainly got people talking about us and resulted in increased sales of plant a Tree. BBc Radio Leicester attended the most recent plant a Tree event and interviewed the parents of one young supporter, Kate, who at 20 weeks was probably the youngest tree planter on the field. Her parents have planted trees with us over the last 12 years: to mark the anniversary of their meeting, their wedding, and now the birth of their child. Stories like this bring the Forest to life.
we are also increasing access within the Forest and 80% of the woods that have been planted have public access. it is vital that communities feel involved in their local woodland and we are encouraging that through volunteer schemes and our creating a Forest for Learning project. i am always delighted to meet local people involved in the Forest and hope to meet more over the coming months and years.
i am also delighted to say that at a time when most of the country is lamenting the lack of new trees being planted, over the last year 15% of all new planting in england has been in The national Forest. even as it becomes increasingly challenging, we are still planting trees and will continue to do so at significant levels.
>>
Sir william worsley, chair, national Forest company
Over 120 people representing tourism businesses throughout the Forest’s 200 square miles attended the event to celebrate the achievements of the first 25 years of The National Forest and the development of a vibrant visitor economy, which has seen a 16% growth in visitor numbers since 2003 (the first year figures were recorded). The overall theme of the Forum was growth and collaboration and many of the partners attending the event were the very same who had taken a great leap of faith in supporting The National Forest in the early days. The event was a wonderful opportunity to reflect and celebrate the achievements so far and share the vision for the future of the Forest, as laid out in the draft National Forest Tourism Growth Plan. The plan, to be launched later this year, identifies ways in which tourism businesses can help express and harness the ‘personality’ of the Forest, this “special woodland place”, and benefit from building the brand in this way. Richard Drakeley, Tourism Development Manager for the NFC, expanded on this further as he introduced the #forestlife campaign. By aligning businesses within the Forest and outside the boundary more closely with The National Forest brand, everyone can benefit as the distinctiveness of the Forest is developed. As well as picking up useful facts and figures, delegates valued the opportunity to network and share best practice. It was also encouraging to see established businesses sharing their knowledge and tips for success with newcomers to the industry. The National Forest Tourism Business Forum was supported by Pear Communications and partner local authorities East Staffordshire Borough Council, North West Leicestershire District Council and South Derbyshire District Council. To see the presentations and read the draft tourism growth plan, visit: visitnationalforest.co.uk/industry
Kate and her parents Nick and Kathryn Harker
>> >> page 2
[
Kay Alexa nder MB E chaired the Forum
LookING AFTER THE WooDLANDS IN THE NATIoNAL FoREST IS BECoMING AS IMPoRTANT AS PLANTING THE TREES. one of the highlights at the end of last year was our woodland management awards. woodland management is extremely close to my heart, and i am proud to say that we hit the government’s target of 66% of woods being actively managed a year early. managing the woods we have planted is very important if in time they are going to produce beautiful trees and a great forest. our target is to get 80% of the woods in The national Forest in active management by 2020.
Two hard core running events, the go Ultra Insomnia 24 and National Forest Way 75, return to The National Forest this summer and we’re excited to help event organisers go Ultra events make it an even bigger and better year.
Catton estate (pictured left):
Ambitious plans to drive continued growth in the tourism sector were announced at the National Forest Tourism business Forum, held earlier this year at Calke Abbey.
i wrote in the last issue of Forest Scene about some of the many ways we marked our 25th anniversary. Later in the year we also took the Forest message to no less than Buckingham palace itself, as part of the Queen’s commonwealth canopy initiative. The national Forest has been invited to be the uK representative forest for this imaginative project to encourage tree planting throughout the commonwealth: we are very honoured.
Go Ultra
peppa Wood (pictured left):
Simon Boardman-Weston won the woodland creation award for Grangewood, near Netherseal. The judges called this “a textbook case of how to design and establish woodland which creates new landscapes, welcomes walkers, and promises to produce quality timber in the future.”
Ceep (pictured left): Clearly demonstrating that The National Forest is about so much more than the trees, Community Education Enterprise Projects (CEEP) won the community woodland award. CEEP works with young adults and adults with learning or social difficulties and trains them in skills such as forestry, charcoal making, gardening, and animal husbandry, to help them find work in the future and support their development while they are with the project.
The Government has set a target for 66% of the nation’s woodlands to be in management by 2018; in The National Forest this target has been met a year early, 66% of the woodlands being in management at the time of writing. As part of our 25th anniversary celebrations last year, we established the National Forest Woodland Management Awards, as featured in the last issue of Forest Scene. We wanted to show you the winners:
>> conTinued FRom FRonT page
The event was attended by over 70 people, who also had the chance to view archival films about the local coal mining and TG Green pottery, as well as artworks created by Youth Landscapers earlier on in the project. The film is available to view at blacktogreen.org.uk and look out for further screening events over the summer. Black to Green is supported by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund, to connect people with the rapid landscape change which has taken place across the heart of The National Forest over the last 25 years.
>>
To see more about the winning schemes visit: nationalforest.org/woodlands
HOW grOW A Tree FrOm SeeD HeLped one ReadeR oF FoReST Scene… REGULAR READERS OF FOREST SCENE WILL HAvE HEARD OF OUR GROW A TREE FROM SEED SCHEME.
>> people are invited to collect acorns in the autumn, pot them up and pledge them to us. we then know how many trees are being grown and can plan how much space we will need to accommodate them. after two years, when the trees are just the right age to plant out, we invite our tree growers to join us at a special event to plant their tiny trees in a woodland in The national Forest. We have many long-standing supporters of the Forest through this scheme but this year we were inspired by one story in particular.
your chance to invest in a pioneering social enterprise and productive community woodland in The national Forest whistlewoodcommon.org
>> page 3
Calke Abbey’s outdoor hub gets the go ahead...
grangewood (pictured right):
There are over 400 new and mature woodlands in the Forest, covering over 10,000 hectares, and it is vital that the trees are managed well. Whether through pruning and thinning to produce commercial timber in decades to come, thinning the ride edges to make the woods attractive places for people to walk or opening up the canopy to let light in and encourage wildflowers and wildlife, looking after the trees and woodlands is an essential part of developing the Forest beyond its first 25 years.
polly arrives to plant the oak saplings she has grown
Paula Knight has written a moving memoir called The Facts of Life, about what it is to be a woman who doesn’t have children. Polly, the main character, finds solace in collecting and growing acorns as part of the Grow a Tree from Seed scheme: “After being unable to grow life in my body, it felt restorative and hopeful to make a contribution towards new ecosystems and communities – to help regenerate what used to be a damaged and barren landscape.” The Facts of Life is a beautifully produced graphic novel, and
]
>>
We asked Wayne Busby, Director of Go Ultra, how he came to be so keen on setting up madcap endurance events!
although some of the issues and imagery presented are quite challenging, it is a thoughtful and thought-provoking book that many people will find rewarding to read. “It is a privilege for the Forest to be part of this story. Here at the National Forest Company, we know the Forest is about people as much as trees, but this poignant account has quite taken our breath away,” said Sue Anderson, Community Liaison Officer for the NFC. The Facts of Life is published by Myriad myriadeditions.com
[
The National Trust’s Calke Abbey is one of the most popular attractions in The National Forest, and it has recently obtained planning approval for an exciting project which will provide a new outdoor visitor hub. The hub will provide much-needed facilities for visitors who want to get outdoors, be active and get closer to nature.
In 2007, he lost a good friend to cancer, and to raise money for the local hospice that had cared for him, Wayne cycled from Land’s End to John O’Groats. “From then on, I started undertaking various challenges and found a real passion for endurance based events (especially ultra-running). My weekends consist of long training runs, and I just love the buzz of ultradistance events.
With over 600 acres (around 245 hectares) of inspiring parkland, the new hub will offer growing numbers of visitors the opportunity to explore and enjoy the ancient landscape away from the main site, and will also reduce pressures on the historic house and gardens.
The new hub will be located between the park entry point and the existing visitor facilities, outside the historic park and Natural Nature Reserve to avoid impacting these important areas, while retaining good access to the estate. At the heart of the hub a café, toilets and cycle hire facilities will provide visitors with the opportunity to relax and enjoy the great outdoors.
“Half of our visitors are coming to explore the parkland rather than the house and gardens,” explains Stewart Alcock, General Manager at Calke Abbey.
Work is expected to start on site in early 2018 and updates on the project’s development will be available on Calke Abbey’s website.
>>
“When I launched Go Ultra Events in 2016 I wanted to deliver events that I would want to do personally and make endurance events more accessible to all fitness levels and capabilities. This is why we offer at all our events, the option for solo entries, pairs or teams so everyone can experience it whether they run, jog or walk it.”
“The Outdoor Hub will hopefully become the destination of choice for visitors who want to come to Calke to experience the wonderful landscape of the park and Natural Nature Reserve, to take up the large network of walks on the estate and increasingly take part in cycling.”
Wayne and his family spend a lot of time in the Forest; running in places like Bradgate Park, Beacon Hill and Thornton Reservoir. “It was actually as I was reading the information board and looking at the map during a family visit to Beacon Hill that the idea for the National Forest Way 75 was born!”
>>
goultraevents.co.uk
Wayne’s love for the outdoors makes for a great partnership with The National Forest, so much so that go Ultra events has pledged to donate a contribution from every entry fee to support the NFC in creating a forest for all to enjoy. Here are the top three things that wayne loves about the Forest: 1) The accessibility the Forest offers 2) The natural beauty and the diversity of its landscape and surroundings 3) There’s something for everyone whether you’re a cyclist, runner, walker, family, dog walker etc.
nationaltrust.org.uk/calke-abbey
eLecTRic papeR SuppoRTS THe FoReST The National Forest Company is delighted to announce a new supporter for The National Forest: Electric Paper Ltd. The company is funding the planting of 600 trees in a grove in the Charnwood area of The National Forest. “We are extremely proud to be joining this exciting project," Eric Bohms, Managing Director of Electric Paper, commented. "We at Electric Paper aspire to be fully sustainable, protect woodlands
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
and find new ways of making our operations increasingly eco-friendly. We strongly believe in caring for and nurturing the environment for future generations.” Electric Paper is the market leader in software provision for higher education module evaluation and surveys. Like The National Forest, it holds sustainability as a core value and is pleased to be able to make a contribution to offset their usage of paper.
]
>>
With a client base of over half of the UK Universities, Electric Paper also intends to promote the initiative across their existing clients, hoping to inspire others within the sector to plant additional trees in the area. A fantastic new partner for The National Forest. For more information visit: evasys.co.uk
[
Leave a legacy to The national Forest and create a green and living memory. See nationalforest.org/sponsor/legacy/
]
William’s column It is now a year since I took over the Chair of the National Forest Company and a very enjoyable year it has been. The National Forest is a wonderful place and what has been achieved over the past 25 years is exceptional.
TouRiSm BuSineSS FoRum
Diminutive Peppa Wood was joint winner of the woodland management award. Owner Darren Abell shows a commitment to woodland management and the development of woodland products that completely belies its small scale of 2.2 hectares. Every bit of wood harvested is used. Peppa Wood demonstrates the benefits that ‘non-traditional’ landowners can enjoy by being involved in managing their own small woodland.
Joint winner of the woodland management award, Catton Estate extends over 514 hectares. Owner Robin Neilson embraced the concept of The National Forest in its very early days. He has planted woodlands nearly every year since 1995, and pro-actively manages these and his mature woodland for multiple benefits (wildlife, shooting, event access and timber, plus the estate’s own biomass boiler).
WOODlAND mANAgemeNT
our appearances on BBc Breakfast certainly got people talking about us and resulted in increased sales of plant a Tree. BBc Radio Leicester attended the most recent plant a Tree event and interviewed the parents of one young supporter, Kate, who at 20 weeks was probably the youngest tree planter on the field. Her parents have planted trees with us over the last 12 years: to mark the anniversary of their meeting, their wedding, and now the birth of their child. Stories like this bring the Forest to life.
we are also increasing access within the Forest and 80% of the woods that have been planted have public access. it is vital that communities feel involved in their local woodland and we are encouraging that through volunteer schemes and our creating a Forest for Learning project. i am always delighted to meet local people involved in the Forest and hope to meet more over the coming months and years.
i am also delighted to say that at a time when most of the country is lamenting the lack of new trees being planted, over the last year 15% of all new planting in england has been in The national Forest. even as it becomes increasingly challenging, we are still planting trees and will continue to do so at significant levels.
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Sir william worsley, chair, national Forest company
Over 120 people representing tourism businesses throughout the Forest’s 200 square miles attended the event to celebrate the achievements of the first 25 years of The National Forest and the development of a vibrant visitor economy, which has seen a 16% growth in visitor numbers since 2003 (the first year figures were recorded). The overall theme of the Forum was growth and collaboration and many of the partners attending the event were the very same who had taken a great leap of faith in supporting The National Forest in the early days. The event was a wonderful opportunity to reflect and celebrate the achievements so far and share the vision for the future of the Forest, as laid out in the draft National Forest Tourism Growth Plan. The plan, to be launched later this year, identifies ways in which tourism businesses can help express and harness the ‘personality’ of the Forest, this “special woodland place”, and benefit from building the brand in this way. Richard Drakeley, Tourism Development Manager for the NFC, expanded on this further as he introduced the #forestlife campaign. By aligning businesses within the Forest and outside the boundary more closely with The National Forest brand, everyone can benefit as the distinctiveness of the Forest is developed. As well as picking up useful facts and figures, delegates valued the opportunity to network and share best practice. It was also encouraging to see established businesses sharing their knowledge and tips for success with newcomers to the industry. The National Forest Tourism Business Forum was supported by Pear Communications and partner local authorities East Staffordshire Borough Council, North West Leicestershire District Council and South Derbyshire District Council. To see the presentations and read the draft tourism growth plan, visit: visitnationalforest.co.uk/industry
Kate and her parents Nick and Kathryn Harker
>> >> page 2
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Kay Alexa nder MB E chaired the Forum
LookING AFTER THE WooDLANDS IN THE NATIoNAL FoREST IS BECoMING AS IMPoRTANT AS PLANTING THE TREES. one of the highlights at the end of last year was our woodland management awards. woodland management is extremely close to my heart, and i am proud to say that we hit the government’s target of 66% of woods being actively managed a year early. managing the woods we have planted is very important if in time they are going to produce beautiful trees and a great forest. our target is to get 80% of the woods in The national Forest in active management by 2020.
Two hard core running events, the go Ultra Insomnia 24 and National Forest Way 75, return to The National Forest this summer and we’re excited to help event organisers go Ultra events make it an even bigger and better year.
Catton estate (pictured left):
Ambitious plans to drive continued growth in the tourism sector were announced at the National Forest Tourism business Forum, held earlier this year at Calke Abbey.
i wrote in the last issue of Forest Scene about some of the many ways we marked our 25th anniversary. Later in the year we also took the Forest message to no less than Buckingham palace itself, as part of the Queen’s commonwealth canopy initiative. The national Forest has been invited to be the uK representative forest for this imaginative project to encourage tree planting throughout the commonwealth: we are very honoured.
Go Ultra
peppa Wood (pictured left):
Simon Boardman-Weston won the woodland creation award for Grangewood, near Netherseal. The judges called this “a textbook case of how to design and establish woodland which creates new landscapes, welcomes walkers, and promises to produce quality timber in the future.”
Ceep (pictured left): Clearly demonstrating that The National Forest is about so much more than the trees, Community Education Enterprise Projects (CEEP) won the community woodland award. CEEP works with young adults and adults with learning or social difficulties and trains them in skills such as forestry, charcoal making, gardening, and animal husbandry, to help them find work in the future and support their development while they are with the project.
The Government has set a target for 66% of the nation’s woodlands to be in management by 2018; in The National Forest this target has been met a year early, 66% of the woodlands being in management at the time of writing. As part of our 25th anniversary celebrations last year, we established the National Forest Woodland Management Awards, as featured in the last issue of Forest Scene. We wanted to show you the winners:
>> conTinued FRom FRonT page
The event was attended by over 70 people, who also had the chance to view archival films about the local coal mining and TG Green pottery, as well as artworks created by Youth Landscapers earlier on in the project. The film is available to view at blacktogreen.org.uk and look out for further screening events over the summer. Black to Green is supported by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund, to connect people with the rapid landscape change which has taken place across the heart of The National Forest over the last 25 years.
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To see more about the winning schemes visit: nationalforest.org/woodlands
HOW grOW A Tree FrOm SeeD HeLped one ReadeR oF FoReST Scene… REGULAR READERS OF FOREST SCENE WILL HAvE HEARD OF OUR GROW A TREE FROM SEED SCHEME.
>> people are invited to collect acorns in the autumn, pot them up and pledge them to us. we then know how many trees are being grown and can plan how much space we will need to accommodate them. after two years, when the trees are just the right age to plant out, we invite our tree growers to join us at a special event to plant their tiny trees in a woodland in The national Forest. We have many long-standing supporters of the Forest through this scheme but this year we were inspired by one story in particular.
your chance to invest in a pioneering social enterprise and productive community woodland in The national Forest whistlewoodcommon.org
>> page 3
Calke Abbey’s outdoor hub gets the go ahead...
grangewood (pictured right):
There are over 400 new and mature woodlands in the Forest, covering over 10,000 hectares, and it is vital that the trees are managed well. Whether through pruning and thinning to produce commercial timber in decades to come, thinning the ride edges to make the woods attractive places for people to walk or opening up the canopy to let light in and encourage wildflowers and wildlife, looking after the trees and woodlands is an essential part of developing the Forest beyond its first 25 years.
polly arrives to plant the oak saplings she has grown
Paula Knight has written a moving memoir called The Facts of Life, about what it is to be a woman who doesn’t have children. Polly, the main character, finds solace in collecting and growing acorns as part of the Grow a Tree from Seed scheme: “After being unable to grow life in my body, it felt restorative and hopeful to make a contribution towards new ecosystems and communities – to help regenerate what used to be a damaged and barren landscape.” The Facts of Life is a beautifully produced graphic novel, and
]
>>
We asked Wayne Busby, Director of Go Ultra, how he came to be so keen on setting up madcap endurance events!
although some of the issues and imagery presented are quite challenging, it is a thoughtful and thought-provoking book that many people will find rewarding to read. “It is a privilege for the Forest to be part of this story. Here at the National Forest Company, we know the Forest is about people as much as trees, but this poignant account has quite taken our breath away,” said Sue Anderson, Community Liaison Officer for the NFC. The Facts of Life is published by Myriad myriadeditions.com
[
The National Trust’s Calke Abbey is one of the most popular attractions in The National Forest, and it has recently obtained planning approval for an exciting project which will provide a new outdoor visitor hub. The hub will provide much-needed facilities for visitors who want to get outdoors, be active and get closer to nature.
In 2007, he lost a good friend to cancer, and to raise money for the local hospice that had cared for him, Wayne cycled from Land’s End to John O’Groats. “From then on, I started undertaking various challenges and found a real passion for endurance based events (especially ultra-running). My weekends consist of long training runs, and I just love the buzz of ultradistance events.
With over 600 acres (around 245 hectares) of inspiring parkland, the new hub will offer growing numbers of visitors the opportunity to explore and enjoy the ancient landscape away from the main site, and will also reduce pressures on the historic house and gardens.
The new hub will be located between the park entry point and the existing visitor facilities, outside the historic park and Natural Nature Reserve to avoid impacting these important areas, while retaining good access to the estate. At the heart of the hub a café, toilets and cycle hire facilities will provide visitors with the opportunity to relax and enjoy the great outdoors.
“Half of our visitors are coming to explore the parkland rather than the house and gardens,” explains Stewart Alcock, General Manager at Calke Abbey.
Work is expected to start on site in early 2018 and updates on the project’s development will be available on Calke Abbey’s website.
>>
“When I launched Go Ultra Events in 2016 I wanted to deliver events that I would want to do personally and make endurance events more accessible to all fitness levels and capabilities. This is why we offer at all our events, the option for solo entries, pairs or teams so everyone can experience it whether they run, jog or walk it.”
“The Outdoor Hub will hopefully become the destination of choice for visitors who want to come to Calke to experience the wonderful landscape of the park and Natural Nature Reserve, to take up the large network of walks on the estate and increasingly take part in cycling.”
Wayne and his family spend a lot of time in the Forest; running in places like Bradgate Park, Beacon Hill and Thornton Reservoir. “It was actually as I was reading the information board and looking at the map during a family visit to Beacon Hill that the idea for the National Forest Way 75 was born!”
>>
goultraevents.co.uk
Wayne’s love for the outdoors makes for a great partnership with The National Forest, so much so that go Ultra events has pledged to donate a contribution from every entry fee to support the NFC in creating a forest for all to enjoy. Here are the top three things that wayne loves about the Forest: 1) The accessibility the Forest offers 2) The natural beauty and the diversity of its landscape and surroundings 3) There’s something for everyone whether you’re a cyclist, runner, walker, family, dog walker etc.
nationaltrust.org.uk/calke-abbey
eLecTRic papeR SuppoRTS THe FoReST The National Forest Company is delighted to announce a new supporter for The National Forest: Electric Paper Ltd. The company is funding the planting of 600 trees in a grove in the Charnwood area of The National Forest. “We are extremely proud to be joining this exciting project," Eric Bohms, Managing Director of Electric Paper, commented. "We at Electric Paper aspire to be fully sustainable, protect woodlands
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
and find new ways of making our operations increasingly eco-friendly. We strongly believe in caring for and nurturing the environment for future generations.” Electric Paper is the market leader in software provision for higher education module evaluation and surveys. Like The National Forest, it holds sustainability as a core value and is pleased to be able to make a contribution to offset their usage of paper.
]
>>
With a client base of over half of the UK Universities, Electric Paper also intends to promote the initiative across their existing clients, hoping to inspire others within the sector to plant additional trees in the area. A fantastic new partner for The National Forest. For more information visit: evasys.co.uk
[
Leave a legacy to The national Forest and create a green and living memory. See nationalforest.org/sponsor/legacy/
]
Look out for #forestlife – highlighting events, activities and experiences throughout The national Forest.
The National Forest Company Bath yard, moira, Swadlincote, derbyshire de12 6Ba T: 01283 551211 e: enquiries@nationalforest.org w: nationalforest.org
Derby
Burton upon Trent
Birmingham
Nottingham Leicester
Swadlincote Ashby de la Zouch
Large print version available Tel: 01283 551211
ForestScene SummeR 2017
Coalville
Events JUNe 24 armed Forces day, national memorial arboretum, 01283 245100 24 – 25 South derbyshire Festival of Leisure, 01283 595846
JUly
AUgUST 9 Teddy Bear’s picnic cycle Ride, Rosliston Forestry centre, 07966 490813 16 Family Bushcraft evening Rosliston Forestry centre, 01283 563483 21 The Sooty Show, conkers, visitconkers.com 21 – 25 out & active Holiday club Rosliston Forestry centre, 01283 563483 24 The Lost world, illyria Theatre, Rosliston Forestry centre, 01283 222848/ 01283 563483 26 – 27 insomnia 24, go ultra events, 07738 865461 28 countryside Show, Leicestershire county council, Beacon Hill country park
SepTember 2 Festival of Fireworks, catton Hall, festivaloffireworks.co.uk 2 Last night of the proms Rosliston Forestry centre, 01283 222848/ 01283 563483 9 national Forest way 75, go ultra events, 07738 865461 16 – 17 melbourne Festival of creative & performing arts, melbournefestival.co.uk
NEW REMEMBRANCE CENTRE AT THE NATIoNAL MEMoRIAL ARBoRETuM March saw the royal opening of the new £15.7m Remembrance Centre at the National Memorial Arboretum near Alrewas. The beautiful Arboretum, part of the Royal British Legion, covers 150 acres (60 hectares) of former gravel workings within The National Forest and, with over 330 memorials to the Armed Forces, Emergency Services and civilian organisations, is fast emerging as the national centre of remembrance. The stunning new centre, designed by Glenn Howells Architects, reinforces that status as a national destination and provides visitors
building and provide a calming and dignified entrance into the grounds. The riverside walk is delightful and children can explore the new Sensory Play Garden, part funded by the National Forest Company and officially opened on the same day as the new Remembrance Centre.
The National Forest Company has enabled The Woodland Trust to purchase a further 51 hectares of land at Normanton in Leicestershire, next to the magnificent Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Wood, created in 2012 as the Trust’s flagship national site to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Spanning 186 hectares, the original site forms the largest continuous piece of woodland in single ownership in the Forest, and this new
if you live within the Forest, or have visited recently, you may well have noticed the large new amazon distribution centre which has been built close to ellistown. whatever your view on the development, whether you are concerned regarding the loss of green fields or grateful for the possible job opportunities, one aspect of the scheme that can be welcomed is the creation of a new community woodland. Local planning policies require all new development within The national Forest to include new woodland planting as part of the proposals. These innovative planning policies, which are unique throughout the country to the Forest, have contributed around 22% of all Forest creation to date. in this case, the developer, working with forestry consultant Lockhart garratt, has created a 7ha (17 acre)
The 300,000 trees planted on the original site are growing well, and the woodland features, including art works, a variety of trails and the lake with its attractive bird hide, make this a very attractive young woodland with local residents and visitors, with plenty of space to walk and enjoy spotting the wildlife – almost enough space to get lost in!
By linking with paths near existing housing, and with nearby public rights of way, people are encouraged to explore the new woodland through a network of surfaced paths. a longer trail has been created around the whole site, and this, along with a link to a further three kilometres of footpaths, gives local people a very decent long dog walk or shorter running route. in fact, the ease of
The new site features an edible hedgerow, community orchard and fruit bushes. It would take a long time to count the trees: 12,365 trees and shrubs have been planted on the site! Varied habitats as well as the trees, plus bird and bat boxes, will help many species of wildlife feel at home here.
access for exercise and healthy activity throughout this development has merited its inclusion as part of a case study on The national Forest in Sport england’s recent active design study: sportengland.org/ activedesign/ EFIELD Y WAK PENN OOD W ory of In Mem Councillor Parish friend d te o dev usted and a tr
>> >> page 5
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John Everitt, Chief Executive for the National Forest Company, said: “This is a very generous sum and we are extremely grateful to our partners Forest Holidays and their customers. Our work with Forest Holidays is a great example of how responsible businesses that value a sense of place can give back to the Forest.”
Forest Scene online 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!
pupils from blackfordby St margaret’s C of e primary School wrapped up warm and spent a frosty morning planting trees in the New year.
Chartered marketer David Bourque has joined the NFC as Director of Development. David has extensive marketing and campaign experience in the sport, healthcare, sustainable tourism and environmental sectors, and joins the National Forest Company at an exciting time in its development. In his first couple of months in post, he is getting out and about finding out more about the Forest. David said: “I’m enjoying finding out more about this amazing place and in the first instance am meeting businesses who share our sustainability aims and would like to benefit from working more closely with the NFC.” Contact David by email: dbourque@nationalforest.org or call 01283 554232.
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Charles Robinson is the new Head of Forestry at the NFC. Woodland owners throughout the Forest will already be familiar with Charles as he joined the National Forest Company four years ago to increase our woodland management work. He established the Woodland Management Grant scheme which has been hugely successful, enabling the Forest to meet government targets for woodland management a year early. Charles said: “I am delighted to take up the Head of Forestry role. I look forward to continuing to work with landowners and organisations to deliver forest creation and management across The National Forest.”
You can now find The National Forest on Facebook, and we tweet @NatForestCo
>> page 6
Caroline Scothern is the new project leader for the Creating a Forest for Learning initiative. A trained teacher and devotee of outdoors activities (she is currently raising money for The National Forest by undertaking the walk #1000miles in a year challenge), Caroline is also a Forest School facilitator and has extensive experience of working in a variety of formal and informal education settings. She said: “I believe passionately in the benefits of Outdoor Learning. This project aims to encourage and enable schools to provide outdoor learning, embed it in the curriculum and ensure that every primary schoolchild has the opportunity to experience it as an integral part of their education.”
‘Under the Trees, the Coal and the Clay’
This impressive amount has been raised in one year through charitable donations in support of The National Forest by Forest Holidays’ guests when booking short breaks and holidays in the company’s luxury log cabins at nine locations throughout the UK.
New faces at the NFC
Outside, Heroes’ Square and the tranquil Boyes Garden frame the views of the Arboretum from the
woodland between the amazon building and nearby ellistown. The woodland serves a number of purposes: it includes two ponds which will hold rainwater run-off from the development and slow down its flow from the site; over time, the trees will help to screen the building from the nearest houses; and the woodland provides a valuable recreational resource on the doorstep of local residents and new employees.
The first anniversary of the partnership between the National Forest Company (NFC) and Forest Holidays was marked in style with the presentation of a cheque for £17,190.
addition will make it an even more impressive site to explore.
new communiTy woodLand
OCTOber 7 willow Hurdle making, greenwood days, 01332 864529 27 Halloween Ball, conkers, visitconkers.com 28 – 31 Family Halloween nights, conkers, visitconkers.com
with a transformed experience. At the heart of the new centre a fascinating interactive exhibition entitled ‘Landscapes of Life’, and the accompanying site audio guide, introduces visitors to the Arboretum, its memorials and stories, making it the perfect start to a visit. A changing programme of temporary exhibitions across two additional gallery spaces, a new Learning Centre for schools and greatly improved restaurant and shop complete the new visitor centre.
The largest continuous woodland in The National Forest is set to get bigger!
The local community and parish council in Ellistown helped plant the trees, and the woodland itself has been named in memory of Penny Wakefield, a much loved local councillor.
2 Jane eyre, chapterhouse Theatre company, ashby de la Zouch castle, 03703 331181 7 Little Saplings Sensory play – regular event at national memorial arboretum, 01283 245100 8 – 3 Sep garden of imagination and calke explore at calke abbey, 01332 863822 9 ashby Show, cattows Farm, ashbyshow.com 15 – 4 Sept pirates of the maize maze, national Forest adventure Farm, 01283 533933 16 willow Lantern making greenwood days, 01332 864529 25 wildlifewatch Summer party Rosliston Forestry centre, 01283 563483 30 – 6 Aug Heather Scarecrow Festival, heatherscarecrow@gmail.com
Schoolchildren help plant the Forest
FiRST yeaR oF paRTneRSHip reApS rICH reWArDS
The children planted 88 trees with Colin and Jenny Carr, on their land at Blackfordby. It formed part of a National Forest ‘Freewoods Scheme’; creating a new wildlife wood with associated habitats including a pond, a glade and a small orchard. The head teacher at the school thanked the Carrs for inviting the children to plant the trees: “I’m sure it is something they will always remember.” In May, the school returned to the site to hold a celebratory Teddy Bear’s Picnic – they enjoyed seeing how well the trees were growing.
nationalforest.org
Photos courtesy of: Darren Abell, Colin Carr, Darren Cresswell, Lesley Hextall, Paula Knight, Christopher Mear, Jacqui Rock, Black to Green, Calke Abbey, Catton Estate, Forest Holidays, Go Ultra Events, National Memorial Arboretum
Bruce McKendrick, Chief Executive of Forest Holidays, said: “Our purpose is to create positive experiences in Britain’s amazing forests; connecting people, nature and local communities, so we are thrilled to partner with the National Forest Company and enable our guests across all of our nine locations across the UK to support the sustainable projects undertaken in The National Forest.” Following the cheque presentation, staff from both companies took time out to walk the 3.5 km loop between Moira, where both companies are based, and Hicks Lodge Cycle Centre.
Cheque presentation: from left, Leah Graham, Fundraising & Development Officer, NFC; David Bourque, Director of Development, NFC; Jill Grinsted, Director of Sales & Marketing, Forest Holidays; Gemma Chance, Partnerships Manager, Forest Holidays
The route took them along the Ashby Woulds Heritage Trail, originally the lifeblood of the mining industry rail network, and Newfields Trail, created last year to give local people a safe off-road route to the cycle centre at Hicks Lodge. This former opencast mine is now a thriving visitor centre with cycle hire and nine miles of safe off-road trails with lakes and woodland, providing wonderful habitats for a range of wildlife including skylark, short-eared owl, and wildfowl.
A short documentary film about the Heart of the Forest has been created by Youth Landscapers, a group of young people from Moira and Donisthorpe who have come together through Black to Green. The group worked with artist Jo Wheeler and film-maker Ian Nesbitt to capture the changing landscape and the stories of its transformation. The film features the thoughts and memories of local people who worked in the mines, pipe yards and potteries, as well as tales from the young people about what it’s like to grow up in the Heart of the Forest. Under the Trees, the Coal and the Clay was premiered at a community film screening organised by the young people and held at Moira Village Hall back in March.
>> Read moRe on page 3
The National Forest – transforming 200 square miles of central England
Look out for #forestlife – highlighting events, activities and experiences throughout The national Forest.
The National Forest Company Bath yard, moira, Swadlincote, derbyshire de12 6Ba T: 01283 551211 e: enquiries@nationalforest.org w: nationalforest.org
Derby
Burton upon Trent
Birmingham
Nottingham Leicester
Swadlincote Ashby de la Zouch
Large print version available Tel: 01283 551211
ForestScene SummeR 2017
Coalville
Events JUNe 24 armed Forces day, national memorial arboretum, 01283 245100 24 – 25 South derbyshire Festival of Leisure, 01283 595846
JUly
AUgUST 9 Teddy Bear’s picnic cycle Ride, Rosliston Forestry centre, 07966 490813 16 Family Bushcraft evening Rosliston Forestry centre, 01283 563483 21 The Sooty Show, conkers, visitconkers.com 21 – 25 out & active Holiday club Rosliston Forestry centre, 01283 563483 24 The Lost world, illyria Theatre, Rosliston Forestry centre, 01283 222848/ 01283 563483 26 – 27 insomnia 24, go ultra events, 07738 865461 28 countryside Show, Leicestershire county council, Beacon Hill country park
SepTember 2 Festival of Fireworks, catton Hall, festivaloffireworks.co.uk 2 Last night of the proms Rosliston Forestry centre, 01283 222848/ 01283 563483 9 national Forest way 75, go ultra events, 07738 865461 16 – 17 melbourne Festival of creative & performing arts, melbournefestival.co.uk
NEW REMEMBRANCE CENTRE AT THE NATIoNAL MEMoRIAL ARBoRETuM March saw the royal opening of the new £15.7m Remembrance Centre at the National Memorial Arboretum near Alrewas. The beautiful Arboretum, part of the Royal British Legion, covers 150 acres (60 hectares) of former gravel workings within The National Forest and, with over 330 memorials to the Armed Forces, Emergency Services and civilian organisations, is fast emerging as the national centre of remembrance. The stunning new centre, designed by Glenn Howells Architects, reinforces that status as a national destination and provides visitors
building and provide a calming and dignified entrance into the grounds. The riverside walk is delightful and children can explore the new Sensory Play Garden, part funded by the National Forest Company and officially opened on the same day as the new Remembrance Centre.
The National Forest Company has enabled The Woodland Trust to purchase a further 51 hectares of land at Normanton in Leicestershire, next to the magnificent Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Wood, created in 2012 as the Trust’s flagship national site to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Spanning 186 hectares, the original site forms the largest continuous piece of woodland in single ownership in the Forest, and this new
if you live within the Forest, or have visited recently, you may well have noticed the large new amazon distribution centre which has been built close to ellistown. whatever your view on the development, whether you are concerned regarding the loss of green fields or grateful for the possible job opportunities, one aspect of the scheme that can be welcomed is the creation of a new community woodland. Local planning policies require all new development within The national Forest to include new woodland planting as part of the proposals. These innovative planning policies, which are unique throughout the country to the Forest, have contributed around 22% of all Forest creation to date. in this case, the developer, working with forestry consultant Lockhart garratt, has created a 7ha (17 acre)
The 300,000 trees planted on the original site are growing well, and the woodland features, including art works, a variety of trails and the lake with its attractive bird hide, make this a very attractive young woodland with local residents and visitors, with plenty of space to walk and enjoy spotting the wildlife – almost enough space to get lost in!
By linking with paths near existing housing, and with nearby public rights of way, people are encouraged to explore the new woodland through a network of surfaced paths. a longer trail has been created around the whole site, and this, along with a link to a further three kilometres of footpaths, gives local people a very decent long dog walk or shorter running route. in fact, the ease of
The new site features an edible hedgerow, community orchard and fruit bushes. It would take a long time to count the trees: 12,365 trees and shrubs have been planted on the site! Varied habitats as well as the trees, plus bird and bat boxes, will help many species of wildlife feel at home here.
access for exercise and healthy activity throughout this development has merited its inclusion as part of a case study on The national Forest in Sport england’s recent active design study: sportengland.org/ activedesign/ EFIELD Y WAK PENN OOD W ory of In Mem Councillor Parish friend d te o dev usted and a tr
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John Everitt, Chief Executive for the National Forest Company, said: “This is a very generous sum and we are extremely grateful to our partners Forest Holidays and their customers. Our work with Forest Holidays is a great example of how responsible businesses that value a sense of place can give back to the Forest.”
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pupils from blackfordby St margaret’s C of e primary School wrapped up warm and spent a frosty morning planting trees in the New year.
Chartered marketer David Bourque has joined the NFC as Director of Development. David has extensive marketing and campaign experience in the sport, healthcare, sustainable tourism and environmental sectors, and joins the National Forest Company at an exciting time in its development. In his first couple of months in post, he is getting out and about finding out more about the Forest. David said: “I’m enjoying finding out more about this amazing place and in the first instance am meeting businesses who share our sustainability aims and would like to benefit from working more closely with the NFC.” Contact David by email: dbourque@nationalforest.org or call 01283 554232.
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Charles Robinson is the new Head of Forestry at the NFC. Woodland owners throughout the Forest will already be familiar with Charles as he joined the National Forest Company four years ago to increase our woodland management work. He established the Woodland Management Grant scheme which has been hugely successful, enabling the Forest to meet government targets for woodland management a year early. Charles said: “I am delighted to take up the Head of Forestry role. I look forward to continuing to work with landowners and organisations to deliver forest creation and management across The National Forest.”
You can now find The National Forest on Facebook, and we tweet @NatForestCo
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Caroline Scothern is the new project leader for the Creating a Forest for Learning initiative. A trained teacher and devotee of outdoors activities (she is currently raising money for The National Forest by undertaking the walk #1000miles in a year challenge), Caroline is also a Forest School facilitator and has extensive experience of working in a variety of formal and informal education settings. She said: “I believe passionately in the benefits of Outdoor Learning. This project aims to encourage and enable schools to provide outdoor learning, embed it in the curriculum and ensure that every primary schoolchild has the opportunity to experience it as an integral part of their education.”
‘Under the Trees, the Coal and the Clay’
This impressive amount has been raised in one year through charitable donations in support of The National Forest by Forest Holidays’ guests when booking short breaks and holidays in the company’s luxury log cabins at nine locations throughout the UK.
New faces at the NFC
Outside, Heroes’ Square and the tranquil Boyes Garden frame the views of the Arboretum from the
woodland between the amazon building and nearby ellistown. The woodland serves a number of purposes: it includes two ponds which will hold rainwater run-off from the development and slow down its flow from the site; over time, the trees will help to screen the building from the nearest houses; and the woodland provides a valuable recreational resource on the doorstep of local residents and new employees.
The first anniversary of the partnership between the National Forest Company (NFC) and Forest Holidays was marked in style with the presentation of a cheque for £17,190.
addition will make it an even more impressive site to explore.
new communiTy woodLand
OCTOber 7 willow Hurdle making, greenwood days, 01332 864529 27 Halloween Ball, conkers, visitconkers.com 28 – 31 Family Halloween nights, conkers, visitconkers.com
with a transformed experience. At the heart of the new centre a fascinating interactive exhibition entitled ‘Landscapes of Life’, and the accompanying site audio guide, introduces visitors to the Arboretum, its memorials and stories, making it the perfect start to a visit. A changing programme of temporary exhibitions across two additional gallery spaces, a new Learning Centre for schools and greatly improved restaurant and shop complete the new visitor centre.
The largest continuous woodland in The National Forest is set to get bigger!
The local community and parish council in Ellistown helped plant the trees, and the woodland itself has been named in memory of Penny Wakefield, a much loved local councillor.
2 Jane eyre, chapterhouse Theatre company, ashby de la Zouch castle, 03703 331181 7 Little Saplings Sensory play – regular event at national memorial arboretum, 01283 245100 8 – 3 Sep garden of imagination and calke explore at calke abbey, 01332 863822 9 ashby Show, cattows Farm, ashbyshow.com 15 – 4 Sept pirates of the maize maze, national Forest adventure Farm, 01283 533933 16 willow Lantern making greenwood days, 01332 864529 25 wildlifewatch Summer party Rosliston Forestry centre, 01283 563483 30 – 6 Aug Heather Scarecrow Festival, heatherscarecrow@gmail.com
Schoolchildren help plant the Forest
FiRST yeaR oF paRTneRSHip reApS rICH reWArDS
The children planted 88 trees with Colin and Jenny Carr, on their land at Blackfordby. It formed part of a National Forest ‘Freewoods Scheme’; creating a new wildlife wood with associated habitats including a pond, a glade and a small orchard. The head teacher at the school thanked the Carrs for inviting the children to plant the trees: “I’m sure it is something they will always remember.” In May, the school returned to the site to hold a celebratory Teddy Bear’s Picnic – they enjoyed seeing how well the trees were growing.
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Photos courtesy of: Darren Abell, Colin Carr, Darren Cresswell, Lesley Hextall, Paula Knight, Christopher Mear, Jacqui Rock, Black to Green, Calke Abbey, Catton Estate, Forest Holidays, Go Ultra Events, National Memorial Arboretum
Bruce McKendrick, Chief Executive of Forest Holidays, said: “Our purpose is to create positive experiences in Britain’s amazing forests; connecting people, nature and local communities, so we are thrilled to partner with the National Forest Company and enable our guests across all of our nine locations across the UK to support the sustainable projects undertaken in The National Forest.” Following the cheque presentation, staff from both companies took time out to walk the 3.5 km loop between Moira, where both companies are based, and Hicks Lodge Cycle Centre.
Cheque presentation: from left, Leah Graham, Fundraising & Development Officer, NFC; David Bourque, Director of Development, NFC; Jill Grinsted, Director of Sales & Marketing, Forest Holidays; Gemma Chance, Partnerships Manager, Forest Holidays
The route took them along the Ashby Woulds Heritage Trail, originally the lifeblood of the mining industry rail network, and Newfields Trail, created last year to give local people a safe off-road route to the cycle centre at Hicks Lodge. This former opencast mine is now a thriving visitor centre with cycle hire and nine miles of safe off-road trails with lakes and woodland, providing wonderful habitats for a range of wildlife including skylark, short-eared owl, and wildfowl.
A short documentary film about the Heart of the Forest has been created by Youth Landscapers, a group of young people from Moira and Donisthorpe who have come together through Black to Green. The group worked with artist Jo Wheeler and film-maker Ian Nesbitt to capture the changing landscape and the stories of its transformation. The film features the thoughts and memories of local people who worked in the mines, pipe yards and potteries, as well as tales from the young people about what it’s like to grow up in the Heart of the Forest. Under the Trees, the Coal and the Clay was premiered at a community film screening organised by the young people and held at Moira Village Hall back in March.
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The National Forest – transforming 200 square miles of central England