The Heart of England Forest

The Heart of England Forest is an exciting and ambitious charity. Our vision is to create and conserve a 30,000 acre Forest for the benefit of the environment, people and wildlife. To achieve this goal we will plant 13 million native broadleaf trees. The Forest already covers a mosaic of habitats across 7,000 acres of land in Worcestershire and Warwickshire, including 4,000 acres of new woodland and 600 acres of ancient woodland. So far, we have planted nearly 1.9 million trees.

Tree planting on this scale makes a significant positive environmental impact, creating a huge carbon sink and helping to mitigate climate change. Further environmental and social impacts of planting include water purification and flood alleviation.

Important as they are, the Forest is about more than trees. The variety of habitats found within the Forest optimises biodiversity for plants, animals and people, and includes new tree planting, mature woodland, grassland, heathland, farmland and wetland. Designing a 'joined-up' Forest provides vital green corridors for wildlife.

We are passionate about connecting people to the countryside and all the positives this brings to health, happiness and wellbeing. Our first accessible trail opened to the public in January 2020, designed to enable people who might find woodland visits difficult to benefit from time spent in the Forest.

Our work attracting people is vital to educate and involve the public in caring for the Forest, and to create future Forest guardians by inspiring younger generations. Ours schools programme allows primary-aged school children to learn outside the classroom, gaining new skills within a natural environment.

Our amazing army of volunteers helps us with all aspects of creating and managing the Forest including tree planting, wildlife surveying and assisting with our education programmes. We would struggle to achieve our vision without their invaluable contribution.