ForestSceneWINTER 2014

You can now find The National Forest onFacebook, and we tweet @NatForestCo www.nationalforest.org

>> page 5 >> page 6 Photographs courtesy of APF, Christopher Beech, Darren Cresswell, The Claymills Pumping Engines Trust, Jacqui Rock, Beth Walsh, Peter Wood.

The National Forest CompanyBath Yard, Moira, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE12 6BAT: 01283 551211 E: enquiries@nationalforest.orgW: www.nationalforest.org

Large print version available Tel: 01283 551211

Burton upon Trent

Swadlincote

Ashby de la Zouch

Coalville

Derby

Birmingham Leicester

Nottingham

Letterbox or Inbox?Don’t forget to let us know if you would prefer to read Forest Sceneonline. Email forestscene@nationalforest.org Thank you![

Coming of age

>> ]

The new strategy for the‘coming of age’ decade ofThe National Forest (2014-2024) was launched in thesummer at an event held inthe stunning setting of theRiding School at the NationalTrust’s Calke Abbey.

“After nearly twenty years ofinvestment and growth on theground, The National Forest ishere to stay,” said CatherineGraham-Harrison, Chair of theNational Forest Company (NFC).“It is visible in the landscape andvalued by a very wide range ofpeople and organisations.”

Over one hundred guestsenjoyed a presentation thatincluded three young studentsfrom Ibstock Community Collegetalking about their experience ofgrowing up in The NationalForest, and an interview withNational Forest Ambassador

Adrian Phillips, one of theearly visionaries for theinception of the forest in 1987. He said: “Three thingsaccount for the success of The National Forest. Firstly, it is a national exemplar – other areas can learn from yourexperience; secondly, you have abold vision and you stick to it;thirdly, it is about people andnature – and the most importantword here is ‘and’.”

The students spoke of theimportance of the naturalenvironment around where theylive: playing wide games in theforest, and being able to exploremiles away from their homesbecause they “know all thepaths – we’ve grown up withthem”. They spoke of encounterswith wildlife and the importanceof time out in the woods withtheir dad or grandfather, and thefriendliness of the local

communityif you were

lost. They said thatnot losing views of the

forest was very important tothem and they challengedplanners and developers to takethis into account into the future.

Sophie Churchill, Chief Executivefor the NFC, introduced the newstrategy. She said: “Our newstrategy highlights theopportunities for the forest as itcomes of age. The decade willbe a crucial period to lay downthe legacy of the forest, andsecure it for future generations.”She thanked the very manypartners and volunteers whohave been crucial to its successand invited even deepercollaboration to make the mostof what has been created so far.

}

On The National Forest’s‘Woodland Edge’ blog, youcan read Audrey Vaughan’sstory about how she cameto be a volunteer in TheNational Forest.

Audrey helps look after HicksLodge, the National Forest CycleCentre. Her early love of cyclinghad been rekindled when a friendtook her to try out the new cycletrails there. When the ForestryCommission opened the café,she had found her perfect place:cake and cycling!

10,000tree planters

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ntat

ree

We are very excited that this winter we willwelcome the 10,000thperson to take part in oneof our Plant a Tree events.Plant a tree is one of the waysindividuals help us create TheNational Forest. The scheme hasbeen running for over ten yearsand we have had the pleasure ofmeeting wonderful people from allover the country – if not the world– and of hearing many movingand inspiring stories about whypeople want to plant a tree.

We have captured something ofwhat it’s like to plant a tree withus in a short film you can watchon our website:www.nationalforest.org/sponsor/plantatree

As well as planting the tree, the event is often a greatopportunity to get together withfamily and friends. Here’s whatsome people have said about theexperience:“It was very special to actuallyplant the trees, a chance for awonderful day together.”

“We planted a tree for Germanfriends celebrating their GoldenWedding, as it was difficult topost a suitable gift. They were sotouched with the idea, theyphoned us with grateful thanks.No-one had ever done that forthem. Of course we planted anEnglish Oak!”

“We didn’t want a traditionalwedding list as we felt we hadalready got all the possessionstwo people could possibly needand lived in a very small flat at thetime. We also wanted at least partof the wedding to be carbonneutral. We felt by asking peopleto contribute to planting trees wecould create a bit more of a lastingreminder of our wedding and alsoone that we and others could visit.We chose The National Forest asit was somewhere that had aconnection to both our families.”

“An exhilarating experience, tothink my tree will be part of aforest of the future.”

Each tree costs £25 whichreflects the true cost ofcreating and developing thenew woodland, includingfuture care and maintenanceof the site. Buy your gift at www.nationalforest.org/sponsor/plantatree

THE GOOD LIFE – planting in the spring at Nanpantanwith Holland & Barrett.

The National Forest Companywelcomes Simon West as itsnew Head of Forestry.

Simon has a broad range of forestry experience and has heldseveral posts with the Forestry Commission, some working onpartnership projects with The National Forest.

He said: “I’m really excited about coming to work in The NationalForest which as England’s leading sustainable woodland projecthas seen woodland cover rise from six to almost 20%. I lookforward to working with colleagues to see this rise further and seewoods created earlier come into active management.”

Simon is already getting busy with The National Forest’s ChangingLandscapes, Parklands and Freewoods schemes and reminds alllandowners within the 200 square miles of the forest that if theyare interested in considering woodland creation or management,the NFC has a range of grant schemes to suit their needs.

New face atthe forest

Boothorpe woodland, a mile to the north of the village of Moiraand two miles to the south of Swadlincote, nestles on bothsides of a beautiful valley with a number of knolls, ridges andfolds, which typically characterise the attractive, rollinglandscape of the Ashby Woulds.

Tree planting is now complete, with oak, lime, field maple, birch andwild cherry flourishing as well as woody shrubs like hazel, holly, guelderrose and hawthorn.

Thirteen light standard trees were planted in small groups in theextensive parkland area, strategically positioned to give a randomappearance! In addition to native oak and lime trees, more ornamentalspecies and varieties were chosen for their form and colour to createan attractive parkland habitat, with each tree protected by a traditionalpost and rail tree crate.

A hay crop was again taken off the site this summer and options arebeing considered about how the parkland can best be managed in thefuture. Grazing by rare-breed cattle could be an option for example.

The site has been created with generousfinancial support from Reabrook Limited,as well as the enthusiasm and hard workof their staff volunteers. Thank you.

National Forest sponsor Dean &Smedley Family Pharmaciesraised £1,200 with a successfulFun Run held at Rosliston ForestryCentre earlier this year. Nearly onehundred people signed up foreither the four-mile Fun Run or thegentle one mile woodland walk.The money raised will help theSouth Derbyshire Environmental >> See more on page 3

The National Forest – transforming 200 square miles of central England

Spotlight on a growingwoodland – Boothorpe

FUN RUN RAISES £1,200 for environmental educationEducation Project based atRosliston provide tools andstaffing for family and communityevents like ‘Drop in Gardening’and ‘Wildlife Watch’.Lucy Dean (second from right)said: “We are so thrilled with thisresult! The day itself wentfantastically well, and we owe ourthanks to everyone who worked

really hard to bring in thisgenerous amount of sponsorship.It was great to work with such adedicated group of people as theEnvironmental Education Team atRosliston Forestry Centre, and wehope that the money raised by theparticipants and their supporterswill go a long way in helping theteam’s valuable work.”

I was somewhere I’d neverbeen before. I thought: I’m getting wet, I’m gettingcold – I’m enjoying myself!

Audrey says she is not a naturalvolunteer, but loves what hasbeen created at Hicks Lodge somuch that she was interested tofind out more about how shecould help look after the site.

She has learnt about tree pruningand management, planted treesand cleared away old treeguards, and discovered a worldof wildlife she would never haveknown existed. “We have fun, welearn a lot – it’s all aboutdiscovery!” With her previous artand design skills she evendesigned the group’s new logo.

Read more about Audrey’s storyand about volunteering in TheNational Forest on the NationalForest blog ‘Woodland Edge’www.nationalforest.org/newsroom

‘ ‘

Plant a Tree is a perfect present for anyone wholoves trees and wildlife. It makes a great Christmasgift (you know, those people who are impossible to buy for?) and for birthdays, weddings andanniversaries at any time of the year. You can buyPlant a Tree online, with a personalised certificateto download and print, making it a perfect lastminute gift – even on Christmas Day.

EventsUntil 31 Dec Eating In:cooking and eating athome. Exhibition at Snibston Discovery Museum01530 278444

Until 1 May 2015Battledress: the impact ofthe First World War onwomen’s fashion. Exhibitionat Snibston DiscoveryMuseum 01530 278444

NOVEMBER

6 ‘Give to Gain’Environmental Volunteering‘matchmaking’ event atRepton Village Hall forbusinesses and communities01283 535039

16 National Forest Food &Drink Fair Rosliston ForestryCentre 01283 563483

29-24 Dec Various datesConkers Winter Wonderland01283 216633

DECEMBER

6-7 Stories with SantaNational Memorial Arboretum01283 563483

6-7 Christmas Craft ShowCalke Abbey 01332 863822

6-7 Christmas Gift and FoodFair National MemorialArboretum 01283 563483

6-21 Weekends onlyLights and Labyrinths atCalke Abbey 01332 863822

7 Christmas with Mummersand Carols at Donington leHeath Manor House 01530831259

13-14 Christmas trees on sale and Farmers Market (14th only) at Sence ValleyForest Park 01889 586593

20 Candle-lit Carols NationalMemorial Arboretum 01283563483

21 Christmas Fine Food FairCalke Abbey 01332 863822

JANUARY

18 & 22 Ranger-led TreeRamble Calke Abbey 01332863822

19 & 28 Hidden Garden & Waking the House CalkeAbbey 01332 863822

MAY

16-17 Moira Canal Festival07966 428127

16-28 National Forest WalkingFestival 01283 563483

The National Forest is about people and nature, and the mostimportant word here is ‘and’‘ ‘

As we enter a new decade for theforest, the National Forest Companywill be celebrating ‘20’ in a big way:

l 2015 is the company’s 20thanniversary

l 2015 will also be the year we reach 20% forest cover throughoutthe 200 square miles of the forest.

This reflects the substantialcommitment of our partners, largeand small, to help us realise theoriginal vision of the forest, from themere 6% when we started out. Theaverage forest cover throughout theUK is 13% – and we still have manymore trees to plant!

There will be all kinds of ways for you to help us celebrate and we willbe asking you to tell us what theforest means to you, your specialplaces and how you have seen theforest change.

Keep an eye on the websitewww.nationalforest.org for moredetails. Help us make the most of the forest!

National ForestCompany reaches twenty...

National Forest Master Craftsman, Peter Wood of GreenwoodDays, is the World Champion Bodger after winning the Log toLeg race at the prestigious APF forestry show this year.

In a Log to Leg race, bodgers (pole lathe turners) take splitgreenwood logs and, using traditional tools such as an axe, shavinghorse and pole lathe, turn them into a matching pair of chair legs.They work against the clock and under the watchful eye of thejudges – and often with a lively audience shouting for their favourites.

As can be seen in the UK Championships held each year at the National Forest Wood Fair, the event is fiercelycompetitive from the moment of timber selection throughto the race to get the legs on to the judges’ table.

Out in the woods Peter runs a large range of traditional craft courses including Windsor chair-making and willow weaving. Christmas and birthday gift vouchersare available and all the coursescan be booked online atwww.greenwood-days.co.uk

Cookery courses at Seasoned Cookery School at Catton Hall:www.seasonedcourses.com/about-us/catton-hall

Bushcraft and survival skills with Woodland Survival Crafts:www.woodlandsurvivalcrafts.com

Drystone walling and other country crafts with TCV:www.tcv.org.uk/midlands/tcv-national-forest

Visual art workshops with the G8 artists group:www.g8artists.co.uk

Chocolate Heaven workshops at the Bittersweet ChocolateCompany: www.bittersweetchocolates.co.uk

Find out more about science, astronomy, archery and drumming at Rosliston Forestry Centre: www.roslistonforestrycentre.co.uk

Or try these:

>> [>> page 3 >> page 4

Sophie’s column

>> page 2

Leave a legacy to The National Forest and create a green and living memory.See www.nationalforest.org/sponsor/legacy/

It’s still 20C out there as I writethis and so far autumn hasbeen unusually still, dry andbalmy. The harvest was earlyand I’ve even picked somesloes before anyone asimpatient as I am beats me tomy local supply. One of ourcatch phrases in the office is‘on the front foot’ and I like topractice what I preach, in thisrespect at least.

In June we launched the next ten years for the forest, celebratingwhere we are and, similarly, running to meet the future. The fruits ofthe last decade include more forest sites, well looked after,increasingly joining up and contributing to an emerging forestedlandscape. More people can open their front door and know theyare in a special, green place, which they are proud to show to theirvisitors.

So, given that platform, in 2014 – 2024 the tasks are clear:

l Make the most of the green asset created so far and

l Secure it for the future.

Everything we will do together in this decade will lay down anenduring legacy. This perennially ambitious enterprise will come ofage in every respect.

There will be new – and intensified – challenges, such as the risksto tree health and pressures on budgets. But these are dwarfed bywhat there is to go at. Every bit of rabbit fencing removed –needed ten years ago but not now – completely changes the feelof a woodland; and every business employee encouraged to takepart in volunteering or team building out in the woods is likely tovalue the experience of working in a wood for years to come.These actions, fostered by one and all, whatever your link with theforest, will multiply exponentially over the next ten years andbeyond, proving the transformative power of the forest.

The next decade will be as exciting and significant as any theforest has had so far. I shall be leaving the wonderful NFC team atChristmas to give someone else the opportunity to shape thefuture with them, the Board, our partners and the landscape (whichwill surely continue to guide us). I’m more than delighted that theperson is John Everitt, CEO of Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, withwhom I have already enjoyed working: if he has just a portion ofthe fun I have had, he will be very happy indeed.

My warmest wishes to all readers of Forest Scene – and thank you.

][ plantatree to remember a loved one. Many people find comfort in planting a tree to remember and celebrate the life of a special person. [ ]You can become a Friend of The National Forest.

Help us look after the woodlands, improve access to the forest and provide inspiringenvironmental education projects for young people.

>>

Sophie Churchill OBE, Chief Executive, National Forest Company

The two main themesfor the coming of agedecade are:l To make the most of the

green asset created so far

l To secure it for the future.

There will be continuing creation of The National Forest,with more trees being planted.Other habitats as well aswoodland will continue to becreated to develop a mosaic ofgreen spaces and will becounted as part of the ultimatemap of the forest.

Forest management will beincreasingly important,systematic and long-term. It willtake in all aspects of the forest,including non-wooded greenareas and visitor attractions. Theaim is to make the most of theforest in every way: a greatlandscape, supporting highquality recreation, heritage andwildlife. The commercial value ofthe forest will be realised,

Claymills VictorianPumping Station is alovingly restored piece ofindustrial heritage, run by aTrust and a group ofdedicated volunteers,situated in Stretton, justoutside Burton upon Trent.

The site encompasses gleamingworking steam beam engines,boilers, a steam-driven workshopand blacksmith’s forge. Imaginevast brick boiler rooms filled withbillowing steam and the satisfyingclank of well-oiled steel and brass.

A working museum it may be, butClaymills is also moving with thetimes. It is a centre for LearningOutside The Classroom and runs

A series of five family-friendly trails has been created atsites throughout South Derbyshire, including one atRosliston Forestry Centre. Teddy’s adventures at Rosliston include looking at the changingshapes of the trees and the undergrowth in the woodlands; huntingfor spiders, worms, woodlice and ladybirds; and watching fordragonflies and pond skaters on the pond. Children are encouragedto play in the natural play area, walk slowly as a snail, jump like arabbit and investigate the woodlands, wobble boards and willowdomes they find along the way.

When they have finished the Teddy Walk, teddies, children and theircarers will find they have completed a fun mile walk round theforestry centre grounds, with loads to interest them along the way.

Learn a craft with aworld champion!

Above right: Peter Wood

Right: World championship legs: Peter produced these in an unbelievable 7 minutes 26 seconds!

Young engineers atClaymills VictorianPumping Station

In order to help look after the growing woodlands in The NationalForest, the NFC is running a programme of talks and practicalwoodland management sessions this winter. The programme is opento woodland owners, managers and other interested individuals in andaround the forest, and the subjects covered include high pruning andthinning and managing for fuel and for local markets.

Details are at: www.nationalforest.org/woodlands/events.php

GROW A TREE FROM SEED:Did you know you can grow yourown tree from a seed and comeand plant it in The National Forest? Take a lovely woodland walk this autumnand look out for acorns to collect. Bringthem home and follow the instructions onour Tree from Seed pages:www.nationalforest.org/involved/seed.php

Woodland management

IT WAS A BLESSING IT HADN’T RAINED IN THE NIGHT. But come six o’clock in the morning big spots were splashing on themarquees as exhibitors drove onto site.

Spirits were not dampened, however. Staff were well togged-up, andformer TV newsreader and National Forest Ambassador KayAlexander arrived, looking weatherproof and sparkling, set to be ourcompere and roving presenter for the day.

Despite the forecast, around 2,000 people paid their money and camein through the gate. We were delighted to welcome not only localpeople, but first time visitors who had made their way up or down theM1, or across the county: everyone was dressed for the weather anddetermined to make the most of all that the Wood Fair had to offer.

Visitors said: “We’ve had a greatday!” “Hasn’t everyone done well in the rain?”

Many of the exhibitors sold more,chatted more, signed up morepeople for workshops. Clouds can have silver linings, it seems!

Wood Fair sponsor Vitaxintroduced many people to theirbiodegradable pots and slugtreatments – with much hilarityabout it being “just the weather to bring them out.” Luckily no one rushed home to try and catchthe pesky things there and then!

Richard Drakeley, TourismDevelopment Officer, NFC, said:“Despite the rain, the tenthanniversary National Forest WoodFair was a fantastic success.Undaunted by the weather, andheartened by our supportivevisitors and exhibitors, all of us at the National Forest Companyand our partners at LeicestershireCounty Council were delighted with the day. We would like to saythank you to everyone who hassupported us over the years andwe’ll see you again next year.”

Tenth anniversaryNational ForestWood Fair

Young Engineers courses, isinvolved with the government’sScience, Technology, Engineeringand Mathematics project andoffers work experience for youngpeople considering engineering asa career.

And these youngsters start young!Pictured above is Zoe, all of sixand a half years old. Her mother isan airline pilot and her fatherrestores steam engines, so thingsmechanical are no doubt in hergenes, but she has alreadymastered the use of basic toolsand helped take an engine apart –and then got it to work again.

“It’s amazing how quickly theseyoungsters learn,” said RoyBarratt, a Claymills volunteer.

“When presented with a challenge our young people reallyknuckle down.

“The experience of seeing youngand old working and learningtogether at Claymills has beenterrific and certainly gives me hopefor the pumping station’s future.”

The Trust has installed a newActivity Centre in order to expandthe educational facilities andprovide more family-friendlyactivities on steaming weekends.To find out more about ClaymillsVictorian Pumping Station seewww.claymills.org.uk

THENATIONALFORESTSTRATEGY2014 – 2024}

>> Continued from front page without compromising its publicpurpose.

The strategy highlights theimportance of a greatexperience on the ground, foreveryone in the forest. Attentionwill be given to effectivemarketing and information,making it easier for visitors andlocals to enjoy the forest thatmeets their interests.

During this next ten-year periodthe NFC will move to become acharity, capable of entrepreneurialactivity, and will eventually move tobecome independent from Defra,its current sponsor governmentdepartment. This will be achievedthrough new business models and income generation.

]

LONG STANDING PARTNERSHIPGOES FROM

STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

Lex Autolease, the UK’slargest fleet funding andmanagement specialist, hasworked closely with theNational Forest Companysince 2006. The partnershipnow enters an exciting newphase: the NFC is delightedthat Lex Autolease hasagreed to extend thepartnership until 2016.

“The key aim of thepartnership is to supportthe transformation of theforest landscape, createecological benefits, connectcommunities and supportthe local economy to thriveover the long term,” saidSophie Churchill, CEO,National Forest Company.

The partnership has alreadycreated two new woodlands,a community programme tosupport engagement by

local people and a newmulti-user trail linking localcommunities with the Heartof the Forest area. LexAutolease colleagues havevolunteered regularly toplant trees, prune youngtrees, create new pathwaysand carry out other siteworks.

Tim Porter, ManagingDirector of Lex Autolease,commented:

“I’m really proud thatcolleagues in LexAutolease continue tomake such a significantand practical investment inthe environment andcommunities in which weoperate, to help realise ourvision of becoming theleading environmentally-responsible vehicle leasingbusiness in the UK.”

Calke Explore!Woodland at CalkeAbbey which had neverbefore had publicaccess was transformedin the summer into awoodland experienceand play space.

Read more about the ivycottage, a grass trumpetand climbing inside agiant bird’s nest on theNational Forest blog‘Woodland Edge’.

The NFC is successful in gainingsupport from a wide range of fundersincluding many business sponsors.As the forest matures there will be increasing opportunities for others to be part of a nationalsuccess story.

The National ForestStrategy 2014-2024 isavailable online atwww.nationalforest.org

In anutshell:

Adrian Phillips (right) interviewed at the strategy launch event by NFC’sCharles Robinson

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National Forest Master Craftsman, Peter Wood of GreenwoodDays, is the World Champion Bodger after winning the Log toLeg race at the prestigious APF forestry show this year.

In a Log to Leg race, bodgers (pole lathe turners) take splitgreenwood logs and, using traditional tools such as an axe, shavinghorse and pole lathe, turn them into a matching pair of chair legs.They work against the clock and under the watchful eye of thejudges – and often with a lively audience shouting for their favourites.

As can be seen in the UK Championships held each year at the National Forest Wood Fair, the event is fiercelycompetitive from the moment of timber selection throughto the race to get the legs on to the judges’ table.

Out in the woods Peter runs a large range of traditional craft courses including Windsor chair-making and willow weaving. Christmas and birthday gift vouchersare available and all the coursescan be booked online atwww.greenwood-days.co.uk

Cookery courses at Seasoned Cookery School at Catton Hall:www.seasonedcourses.com/about-us/catton-hall

Bushcraft and survival skills with Woodland Survival Crafts:www.woodlandsurvivalcrafts.com

Drystone walling and other country crafts with TCV:www.tcv.org.uk/midlands/tcv-national-forest

Visual art workshops with the G8 artists group:www.g8artists.co.uk

Chocolate Heaven workshops at the Bittersweet ChocolateCompany: www.bittersweetchocolates.co.uk

Find out more about science, astronomy, archery and drumming at Rosliston Forestry Centre: www.roslistonforestrycentre.co.uk

Or try these:

>> [>> page 3 >> page 4

Sophie’s column

>> page 2

Leave a legacy to The National Forest and create a green and living memory.See www.nationalforest.org/sponsor/legacy/

It’s still 20C out there as I writethis and so far autumn hasbeen unusually still, dry andbalmy. The harvest was earlyand I’ve even picked somesloes before anyone asimpatient as I am beats me tomy local supply. One of ourcatch phrases in the office is‘on the front foot’ and I like topractice what I preach, in thisrespect at least.

In June we launched the next ten years for the forest, celebratingwhere we are and, similarly, running to meet the future. The fruits ofthe last decade include more forest sites, well looked after,increasingly joining up and contributing to an emerging forestedlandscape. More people can open their front door and know theyare in a special, green place, which they are proud to show to theirvisitors.

So, given that platform, in 2014 – 2024 the tasks are clear:

l Make the most of the green asset created so far and

l Secure it for the future.

Everything we will do together in this decade will lay down anenduring legacy. This perennially ambitious enterprise will come ofage in every respect.

There will be new – and intensified – challenges, such as the risksto tree health and pressures on budgets. But these are dwarfed bywhat there is to go at. Every bit of rabbit fencing removed –needed ten years ago but not now – completely changes the feelof a woodland; and every business employee encouraged to takepart in volunteering or team building out in the woods is likely tovalue the experience of working in a wood for years to come.These actions, fostered by one and all, whatever your link with theforest, will multiply exponentially over the next ten years andbeyond, proving the transformative power of the forest.

The next decade will be as exciting and significant as any theforest has had so far. I shall be leaving the wonderful NFC team atChristmas to give someone else the opportunity to shape thefuture with them, the Board, our partners and the landscape (whichwill surely continue to guide us). I’m more than delighted that theperson is John Everitt, CEO of Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, withwhom I have already enjoyed working: if he has just a portion ofthe fun I have had, he will be very happy indeed.

My warmest wishes to all readers of Forest Scene – and thank you.

][ plantatree to remember a loved one. Many people find comfort in planting a tree to remember and celebrate the life of a special person. [ ]You can become a Friend of The National Forest.

Help us look after the woodlands, improve access to the forest and provide inspiringenvironmental education projects for young people.

>>

Sophie Churchill OBE, Chief Executive, National Forest Company

The two main themesfor the coming of agedecade are:l To make the most of the

green asset created so far

l To secure it for the future.

There will be continuing creation of The National Forest,with more trees being planted.Other habitats as well aswoodland will continue to becreated to develop a mosaic ofgreen spaces and will becounted as part of the ultimatemap of the forest.

Forest management will beincreasingly important,systematic and long-term. It willtake in all aspects of the forest,including non-wooded greenareas and visitor attractions. Theaim is to make the most of theforest in every way: a greatlandscape, supporting highquality recreation, heritage andwildlife. The commercial value ofthe forest will be realised,

Claymills VictorianPumping Station is alovingly restored piece ofindustrial heritage, run by aTrust and a group ofdedicated volunteers,situated in Stretton, justoutside Burton upon Trent.

The site encompasses gleamingworking steam beam engines,boilers, a steam-driven workshopand blacksmith’s forge. Imaginevast brick boiler rooms filled withbillowing steam and the satisfyingclank of well-oiled steel and brass.

A working museum it may be, butClaymills is also moving with thetimes. It is a centre for LearningOutside The Classroom and runs

A series of five family-friendly trails has been created atsites throughout South Derbyshire, including one atRosliston Forestry Centre. Teddy’s adventures at Rosliston include looking at the changingshapes of the trees and the undergrowth in the woodlands; huntingfor spiders, worms, woodlice and ladybirds; and watching fordragonflies and pond skaters on the pond. Children are encouragedto play in the natural play area, walk slowly as a snail, jump like arabbit and investigate the woodlands, wobble boards and willowdomes they find along the way.

When they have finished the Teddy Walk, teddies, children and theircarers will find they have completed a fun mile walk round theforestry centre grounds, with loads to interest them along the way.

Learn a craft with aworld champion!

Above right: Peter Wood

Right: World championship legs: Peter produced these in an unbelievable 7 minutes 26 seconds!

Young engineers atClaymills VictorianPumping Station

In order to help look after the growing woodlands in The NationalForest, the NFC is running a programme of talks and practicalwoodland management sessions this winter. The programme is opento woodland owners, managers and other interested individuals in andaround the forest, and the subjects covered include high pruning andthinning and managing for fuel and for local markets.

Details are at: www.nationalforest.org/woodlands/events.php

GROW A TREE FROM SEED:Did you know you can grow yourown tree from a seed and comeand plant it in The National Forest? Take a lovely woodland walk this autumnand look out for acorns to collect. Bringthem home and follow the instructions onour Tree from Seed pages:www.nationalforest.org/involved/seed.php

Woodland management

IT WAS A BLESSING IT HADN’T RAINED IN THE NIGHT. But come six o’clock in the morning big spots were splashing on themarquees as exhibitors drove onto site.

Spirits were not dampened, however. Staff were well togged-up, andformer TV newsreader and National Forest Ambassador KayAlexander arrived, looking weatherproof and sparkling, set to be ourcompere and roving presenter for the day.

Despite the forecast, around 2,000 people paid their money and camein through the gate. We were delighted to welcome not only localpeople, but first time visitors who had made their way up or down theM1, or across the county: everyone was dressed for the weather anddetermined to make the most of all that the Wood Fair had to offer.

Visitors said: “We’ve had a greatday!” “Hasn’t everyone done well in the rain?”

Many of the exhibitors sold more,chatted more, signed up morepeople for workshops. Clouds can have silver linings, it seems!

Wood Fair sponsor Vitaxintroduced many people to theirbiodegradable pots and slugtreatments – with much hilarityabout it being “just the weather to bring them out.” Luckily no one rushed home to try and catchthe pesky things there and then!

Richard Drakeley, TourismDevelopment Officer, NFC, said:“Despite the rain, the tenthanniversary National Forest WoodFair was a fantastic success.Undaunted by the weather, andheartened by our supportivevisitors and exhibitors, all of us at the National Forest Companyand our partners at LeicestershireCounty Council were delighted with the day. We would like to saythank you to everyone who hassupported us over the years andwe’ll see you again next year.”

Tenth anniversaryNational ForestWood Fair

Young Engineers courses, isinvolved with the government’sScience, Technology, Engineeringand Mathematics project andoffers work experience for youngpeople considering engineering asa career.

And these youngsters start young!Pictured above is Zoe, all of sixand a half years old. Her mother isan airline pilot and her fatherrestores steam engines, so thingsmechanical are no doubt in hergenes, but she has alreadymastered the use of basic toolsand helped take an engine apart –and then got it to work again.

“It’s amazing how quickly theseyoungsters learn,” said RoyBarratt, a Claymills volunteer.

“When presented with a challenge our young people reallyknuckle down.

“The experience of seeing youngand old working and learningtogether at Claymills has beenterrific and certainly gives me hopefor the pumping station’s future.”

The Trust has installed a newActivity Centre in order to expandthe educational facilities andprovide more family-friendlyactivities on steaming weekends.To find out more about ClaymillsVictorian Pumping Station seewww.claymills.org.uk

THENATIONALFORESTSTRATEGY2014 – 2024}

>> Continued from front page without compromising its publicpurpose.

The strategy highlights theimportance of a greatexperience on the ground, foreveryone in the forest. Attentionwill be given to effectivemarketing and information,making it easier for visitors andlocals to enjoy the forest thatmeets their interests.

During this next ten-year periodthe NFC will move to become acharity, capable of entrepreneurialactivity, and will eventually move tobecome independent from Defra,its current sponsor governmentdepartment. This will be achievedthrough new business models and income generation.

]

LONG STANDING PARTNERSHIPGOES FROM

STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

Lex Autolease, the UK’slargest fleet funding andmanagement specialist, hasworked closely with theNational Forest Companysince 2006. The partnershipnow enters an exciting newphase: the NFC is delightedthat Lex Autolease hasagreed to extend thepartnership until 2016.

“The key aim of thepartnership is to supportthe transformation of theforest landscape, createecological benefits, connectcommunities and supportthe local economy to thriveover the long term,” saidSophie Churchill, CEO,National Forest Company.

The partnership has alreadycreated two new woodlands,a community programme tosupport engagement by

local people and a newmulti-user trail linking localcommunities with the Heartof the Forest area. LexAutolease colleagues havevolunteered regularly toplant trees, prune youngtrees, create new pathwaysand carry out other siteworks.

Tim Porter, ManagingDirector of Lex Autolease,commented:

“I’m really proud thatcolleagues in LexAutolease continue tomake such a significantand practical investment inthe environment andcommunities in which weoperate, to help realise ourvision of becoming theleading environmentally-responsible vehicle leasingbusiness in the UK.”

Calke Explore!Woodland at CalkeAbbey which had neverbefore had publicaccess was transformedin the summer into awoodland experienceand play space.

Read more about the ivycottage, a grass trumpetand climbing inside agiant bird’s nest on theNational Forest blog‘Woodland Edge’.

The NFC is successful in gainingsupport from a wide range of fundersincluding many business sponsors.As the forest matures there will be increasing opportunities for others to be part of a nationalsuccess story.

The National ForestStrategy 2014-2024 isavailable online atwww.nationalforest.org

In anutshell:

Adrian Phillips (right) interviewed at the strategy launch event by NFC’sCharles Robinson

Woo

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g en

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The

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National Forest Master Craftsman, Peter Wood of GreenwoodDays, is the World Champion Bodger after winning the Log toLeg race at the prestigious APF forestry show this year.

In a Log to Leg race, bodgers (pole lathe turners) take splitgreenwood logs and, using traditional tools such as an axe, shavinghorse and pole lathe, turn them into a matching pair of chair legs.They work against the clock and under the watchful eye of thejudges – and often with a lively audience shouting for their favourites.

As can be seen in the UK Championships held each year at the National Forest Wood Fair, the event is fiercelycompetitive from the moment of timber selection throughto the race to get the legs on to the judges’ table.

Out in the woods Peter runs a large range of traditional craft courses including Windsor chair-making and willow weaving. Christmas and birthday gift vouchersare available and all the coursescan be booked online atwww.greenwood-days.co.uk

Cookery courses at Seasoned Cookery School at Catton Hall:www.seasonedcourses.com/about-us/catton-hall

Bushcraft and survival skills with Woodland Survival Crafts:www.woodlandsurvivalcrafts.com

Drystone walling and other country crafts with TCV:www.tcv.org.uk/midlands/tcv-national-forest

Visual art workshops with the G8 artists group:www.g8artists.co.uk

Chocolate Heaven workshops at the Bittersweet ChocolateCompany: www.bittersweetchocolates.co.uk

Find out more about science, astronomy, archery and drumming at Rosliston Forestry Centre: www.roslistonforestrycentre.co.uk

Or try these:

>> [>> page 3 >> page 4

Sophie’s column

>> page 2

Leave a legacy to The National Forest and create a green and living memory.See www.nationalforest.org/sponsor/legacy/

It’s still 20C out there as I writethis and so far autumn hasbeen unusually still, dry andbalmy. The harvest was earlyand I’ve even picked somesloes before anyone asimpatient as I am beats me tomy local supply. One of ourcatch phrases in the office is‘on the front foot’ and I like topractice what I preach, in thisrespect at least.

In June we launched the next ten years for the forest, celebratingwhere we are and, similarly, running to meet the future. The fruits ofthe last decade include more forest sites, well looked after,increasingly joining up and contributing to an emerging forestedlandscape. More people can open their front door and know theyare in a special, green place, which they are proud to show to theirvisitors.

So, given that platform, in 2014 – 2024 the tasks are clear:

l Make the most of the green asset created so far and

l Secure it for the future.

Everything we will do together in this decade will lay down anenduring legacy. This perennially ambitious enterprise will come ofage in every respect.

There will be new – and intensified – challenges, such as the risksto tree health and pressures on budgets. But these are dwarfed bywhat there is to go at. Every bit of rabbit fencing removed –needed ten years ago but not now – completely changes the feelof a woodland; and every business employee encouraged to takepart in volunteering or team building out in the woods is likely tovalue the experience of working in a wood for years to come.These actions, fostered by one and all, whatever your link with theforest, will multiply exponentially over the next ten years andbeyond, proving the transformative power of the forest.

The next decade will be as exciting and significant as any theforest has had so far. I shall be leaving the wonderful NFC team atChristmas to give someone else the opportunity to shape thefuture with them, the Board, our partners and the landscape (whichwill surely continue to guide us). I’m more than delighted that theperson is John Everitt, CEO of Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, withwhom I have already enjoyed working: if he has just a portion ofthe fun I have had, he will be very happy indeed.

My warmest wishes to all readers of Forest Scene – and thank you.

][ plantatree to remember a loved one. Many people find comfort in planting a tree to remember and celebrate the life of a special person. [ ]You can become a Friend of The National Forest.

Help us look after the woodlands, improve access to the forest and provide inspiringenvironmental education projects for young people.

>>

Sophie Churchill OBE, Chief Executive, National Forest Company

The two main themesfor the coming of agedecade are:l To make the most of the

green asset created so far

l To secure it for the future.

There will be continuing creation of The National Forest,with more trees being planted.Other habitats as well aswoodland will continue to becreated to develop a mosaic ofgreen spaces and will becounted as part of the ultimatemap of the forest.

Forest management will beincreasingly important,systematic and long-term. It willtake in all aspects of the forest,including non-wooded greenareas and visitor attractions. Theaim is to make the most of theforest in every way: a greatlandscape, supporting highquality recreation, heritage andwildlife. The commercial value ofthe forest will be realised,

Claymills VictorianPumping Station is alovingly restored piece ofindustrial heritage, run by aTrust and a group ofdedicated volunteers,situated in Stretton, justoutside Burton upon Trent.

The site encompasses gleamingworking steam beam engines,boilers, a steam-driven workshopand blacksmith’s forge. Imaginevast brick boiler rooms filled withbillowing steam and the satisfyingclank of well-oiled steel and brass.

A working museum it may be, butClaymills is also moving with thetimes. It is a centre for LearningOutside The Classroom and runs

A series of five family-friendly trails has been created atsites throughout South Derbyshire, including one atRosliston Forestry Centre. Teddy’s adventures at Rosliston include looking at the changingshapes of the trees and the undergrowth in the woodlands; huntingfor spiders, worms, woodlice and ladybirds; and watching fordragonflies and pond skaters on the pond. Children are encouragedto play in the natural play area, walk slowly as a snail, jump like arabbit and investigate the woodlands, wobble boards and willowdomes they find along the way.

When they have finished the Teddy Walk, teddies, children and theircarers will find they have completed a fun mile walk round theforestry centre grounds, with loads to interest them along the way.

Learn a craft with aworld champion!

Above right: Peter Wood

Right: World championship legs: Peter produced these in an unbelievable 7 minutes 26 seconds!

Young engineers atClaymills VictorianPumping Station

In order to help look after the growing woodlands in The NationalForest, the NFC is running a programme of talks and practicalwoodland management sessions this winter. The programme is opento woodland owners, managers and other interested individuals in andaround the forest, and the subjects covered include high pruning andthinning and managing for fuel and for local markets.

Details are at: www.nationalforest.org/woodlands/events.php

GROW A TREE FROM SEED:Did you know you can grow yourown tree from a seed and comeand plant it in The National Forest? Take a lovely woodland walk this autumnand look out for acorns to collect. Bringthem home and follow the instructions onour Tree from Seed pages:www.nationalforest.org/involved/seed.php

Woodland management

IT WAS A BLESSING IT HADN’T RAINED IN THE NIGHT. But come six o’clock in the morning big spots were splashing on themarquees as exhibitors drove onto site.

Spirits were not dampened, however. Staff were well togged-up, andformer TV newsreader and National Forest Ambassador KayAlexander arrived, looking weatherproof and sparkling, set to be ourcompere and roving presenter for the day.

Despite the forecast, around 2,000 people paid their money and camein through the gate. We were delighted to welcome not only localpeople, but first time visitors who had made their way up or down theM1, or across the county: everyone was dressed for the weather anddetermined to make the most of all that the Wood Fair had to offer.

Visitors said: “We’ve had a greatday!” “Hasn’t everyone done well in the rain?”

Many of the exhibitors sold more,chatted more, signed up morepeople for workshops. Clouds can have silver linings, it seems!

Wood Fair sponsor Vitaxintroduced many people to theirbiodegradable pots and slugtreatments – with much hilarityabout it being “just the weather to bring them out.” Luckily no one rushed home to try and catchthe pesky things there and then!

Richard Drakeley, TourismDevelopment Officer, NFC, said:“Despite the rain, the tenthanniversary National Forest WoodFair was a fantastic success.Undaunted by the weather, andheartened by our supportivevisitors and exhibitors, all of us at the National Forest Companyand our partners at LeicestershireCounty Council were delighted with the day. We would like to saythank you to everyone who hassupported us over the years andwe’ll see you again next year.”

Tenth anniversaryNational ForestWood Fair

Young Engineers courses, isinvolved with the government’sScience, Technology, Engineeringand Mathematics project andoffers work experience for youngpeople considering engineering asa career.

And these youngsters start young!Pictured above is Zoe, all of sixand a half years old. Her mother isan airline pilot and her fatherrestores steam engines, so thingsmechanical are no doubt in hergenes, but she has alreadymastered the use of basic toolsand helped take an engine apart –and then got it to work again.

“It’s amazing how quickly theseyoungsters learn,” said RoyBarratt, a Claymills volunteer.

“When presented with a challenge our young people reallyknuckle down.

“The experience of seeing youngand old working and learningtogether at Claymills has beenterrific and certainly gives me hopefor the pumping station’s future.”

The Trust has installed a newActivity Centre in order to expandthe educational facilities andprovide more family-friendlyactivities on steaming weekends.To find out more about ClaymillsVictorian Pumping Station seewww.claymills.org.uk

THENATIONALFORESTSTRATEGY2014 – 2024}

>> Continued from front page without compromising its publicpurpose.

The strategy highlights theimportance of a greatexperience on the ground, foreveryone in the forest. Attentionwill be given to effectivemarketing and information,making it easier for visitors andlocals to enjoy the forest thatmeets their interests.

During this next ten-year periodthe NFC will move to become acharity, capable of entrepreneurialactivity, and will eventually move tobecome independent from Defra,its current sponsor governmentdepartment. This will be achievedthrough new business models and income generation.

]

LONG STANDING PARTNERSHIPGOES FROM

STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

Lex Autolease, the UK’slargest fleet funding andmanagement specialist, hasworked closely with theNational Forest Companysince 2006. The partnershipnow enters an exciting newphase: the NFC is delightedthat Lex Autolease hasagreed to extend thepartnership until 2016.

“The key aim of thepartnership is to supportthe transformation of theforest landscape, createecological benefits, connectcommunities and supportthe local economy to thriveover the long term,” saidSophie Churchill, CEO,National Forest Company.

The partnership has alreadycreated two new woodlands,a community programme tosupport engagement by

local people and a newmulti-user trail linking localcommunities with the Heartof the Forest area. LexAutolease colleagues havevolunteered regularly toplant trees, prune youngtrees, create new pathwaysand carry out other siteworks.

Tim Porter, ManagingDirector of Lex Autolease,commented:

“I’m really proud thatcolleagues in LexAutolease continue tomake such a significantand practical investment inthe environment andcommunities in which weoperate, to help realise ourvision of becoming theleading environmentally-responsible vehicle leasingbusiness in the UK.”

Calke Explore!Woodland at CalkeAbbey which had neverbefore had publicaccess was transformedin the summer into awoodland experienceand play space.

Read more about the ivycottage, a grass trumpetand climbing inside agiant bird’s nest on theNational Forest blog‘Woodland Edge’.

The NFC is successful in gainingsupport from a wide range of fundersincluding many business sponsors.As the forest matures there will be increasing opportunities for others to be part of a nationalsuccess story.

The National ForestStrategy 2014-2024 isavailable online atwww.nationalforest.org

In anutshell:

Adrian Phillips (right) interviewed at the strategy launch event by NFC’sCharles Robinson

Woo

dlan

d m

anag

emen

t tra

inin

g se

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n

Youn

g en

gine

ers

The

bodg

ers

turn

ed te

n bi

rthd

ay ‘c

andl

es’ f

or th

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‘cak

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ForestSceneWINTER 2014

You can now find The National Forest onFacebook, and we tweet @NatForestCo www.nationalforest.org

>> page 5 >> page 6 Photographs courtesy of APF, Christopher Beech, Darren Cresswell, The Claymills Pumping Engines Trust, Jacqui Rock, Beth Walsh, Peter Wood.

The National Forest CompanyBath Yard, Moira, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE12 6BAT: 01283 551211 E: enquiries@nationalforest.orgW: www.nationalforest.org

Large print version available Tel: 01283 551211

Burton upon Trent

Swadlincote

Ashby de la Zouch

Coalville

Derby

Birmingham Leicester

Nottingham

Letterbox or Inbox?Don’t forget to let us know if you would prefer to read Forest Sceneonline. Email forestscene@nationalforest.org Thank you![

Coming of age

>> ]

The new strategy for the‘coming of age’ decade ofThe National Forest (2014-2024) was launched in thesummer at an event held inthe stunning setting of theRiding School at the NationalTrust’s Calke Abbey.

“After nearly twenty years ofinvestment and growth on theground, The National Forest ishere to stay,” said CatherineGraham-Harrison, Chair of theNational Forest Company (NFC).“It is visible in the landscape andvalued by a very wide range ofpeople and organisations.”

Over one hundred guestsenjoyed a presentation thatincluded three young studentsfrom Ibstock Community Collegetalking about their experience ofgrowing up in The NationalForest, and an interview withNational Forest Ambassador

Adrian Phillips, one of theearly visionaries for theinception of the forest in 1987. He said: “Three thingsaccount for the success of The National Forest. Firstly, it is a national exemplar – other areas can learn from yourexperience; secondly, you have abold vision and you stick to it;thirdly, it is about people andnature – and the most importantword here is ‘and’.”

The students spoke of theimportance of the naturalenvironment around where theylive: playing wide games in theforest, and being able to exploremiles away from their homesbecause they “know all thepaths – we’ve grown up withthem”. They spoke of encounterswith wildlife and the importanceof time out in the woods withtheir dad or grandfather, and thefriendliness of the local

communityif you were

lost. They said thatnot losing views of the

forest was very important tothem and they challengedplanners and developers to takethis into account into the future.

Sophie Churchill, Chief Executivefor the NFC, introduced the newstrategy. She said: “Our newstrategy highlights theopportunities for the forest as itcomes of age. The decade willbe a crucial period to lay downthe legacy of the forest, andsecure it for future generations.”She thanked the very manypartners and volunteers whohave been crucial to its successand invited even deepercollaboration to make the mostof what has been created so far.

}

On The National Forest’s‘Woodland Edge’ blog, youcan read Audrey Vaughan’sstory about how she cameto be a volunteer in TheNational Forest.

Audrey helps look after HicksLodge, the National Forest CycleCentre. Her early love of cyclinghad been rekindled when a friendtook her to try out the new cycletrails there. When the ForestryCommission opened the café,she had found her perfect place:cake and cycling!

10,000tree plantersp

lant

atre

eWe are very excited that this winter we willwelcome the 10,000thperson to take part in oneof our Plant a Tree events.Plant a tree is one of the waysindividuals help us create TheNational Forest. The scheme hasbeen running for over ten yearsand we have had the pleasure ofmeeting wonderful people from allover the country – if not the world– and of hearing many movingand inspiring stories about whypeople want to plant a tree.

We have captured something ofwhat it’s like to plant a tree withus in a short film you can watchon our website:www.nationalforest.org/sponsor/plantatree

As well as planting the tree, the event is often a greatopportunity to get together withfamily and friends. Here’s whatsome people have said about theexperience:“It was very special to actuallyplant the trees, a chance for awonderful day together.”

“We planted a tree for Germanfriends celebrating their GoldenWedding, as it was difficult topost a suitable gift. They were sotouched with the idea, theyphoned us with grateful thanks.No-one had ever done that forthem. Of course we planted anEnglish Oak!”

“We didn’t want a traditionalwedding list as we felt we hadalready got all the possessionstwo people could possibly needand lived in a very small flat at thetime. We also wanted at least partof the wedding to be carbonneutral. We felt by asking peopleto contribute to planting trees wecould create a bit more of a lastingreminder of our wedding and alsoone that we and others could visit.We chose The National Forest asit was somewhere that had aconnection to both our families.”

“An exhilarating experience, tothink my tree will be part of aforest of the future.”

Each tree costs £25 whichreflects the true cost ofcreating and developing thenew woodland, includingfuture care and maintenanceof the site. Buy your gift at www.nationalforest.org/sponsor/plantatree

THE GOOD LIFE – planting in the spring at Nanpantanwith Holland & Barrett.

The National Forest Companywelcomes Simon West as itsnew Head of Forestry.

Simon has a broad range of forestry experience and has heldseveral posts with the Forestry Commission, some working onpartnership projects with The National Forest.

He said: “I’m really excited about coming to work in The NationalForest which as England’s leading sustainable woodland projecthas seen woodland cover rise from six to almost 20%. I lookforward to working with colleagues to see this rise further and seewoods created earlier come into active management.”

Simon is already getting busy with The National Forest’s ChangingLandscapes, Parklands and Freewoods schemes and reminds alllandowners within the 200 square miles of the forest that if theyare interested in considering woodland creation or management,the NFC has a range of grant schemes to suit their needs.

New face atthe forest

Boothorpe woodland, a mile to the north of the village of Moiraand two miles to the south of Swadlincote, nestles on bothsides of a beautiful valley with a number of knolls, ridges andfolds, which typically characterise the attractive, rollinglandscape of the Ashby Woulds.

Tree planting is now complete, with oak, lime, field maple, birch andwild cherry flourishing as well as woody shrubs like hazel, holly, guelderrose and hawthorn.

Thirteen light standard trees were planted in small groups in theextensive parkland area, strategically positioned to give a randomappearance! In addition to native oak and lime trees, more ornamentalspecies and varieties were chosen for their form and colour to createan attractive parkland habitat, with each tree protected by a traditionalpost and rail tree crate.

A hay crop was again taken off the site this summer and options arebeing considered about how the parkland can best be managed in thefuture. Grazing by rare-breed cattle could be an option for example.

The site has been created with generousfinancial support from Reabrook Limited,as well as the enthusiasm and hard workof their staff volunteers. Thank you.

National Forest sponsor Dean &Smedley Family Pharmaciesraised £1,200 with a successfulFun Run held at Rosliston ForestryCentre earlier this year. Nearly onehundred people signed up foreither the four-mile Fun Run or thegentle one mile woodland walk.The money raised will help theSouth Derbyshire Environmental >> See more on page 3

The National Forest – transforming 200 square miles of central England

Spotlight on a growingwoodland – Boothorpe

FUN RUN RAISES £1,200 for environmental educationEducation Project based atRosliston provide tools andstaffing for family and communityevents like ‘Drop in Gardening’and ‘Wildlife Watch’.Lucy Dean (second from right)said: “We are so thrilled with thisresult! The day itself wentfantastically well, and we owe ourthanks to everyone who worked

really hard to bring in thisgenerous amount of sponsorship.It was great to work with such adedicated group of people as theEnvironmental Education Team atRosliston Forestry Centre, and wehope that the money raised by theparticipants and their supporterswill go a long way in helping theteam’s valuable work.”

I was somewhere I’d neverbeen before. I thought: I’m getting wet, I’m gettingcold – I’m enjoying myself!

Audrey says she is not a naturalvolunteer, but loves what hasbeen created at Hicks Lodge somuch that she was interested tofind out more about how shecould help look after the site.

She has learnt about tree pruningand management, planted treesand cleared away old treeguards, and discovered a worldof wildlife she would never haveknown existed. “We have fun, welearn a lot – it’s all aboutdiscovery!” With her previous artand design skills she evendesigned the group’s new logo.

Read more about Audrey’s storyand about volunteering in TheNational Forest on the NationalForest blog ‘Woodland Edge’www.nationalforest.org/newsroom

‘ ‘

Plant a Tree is a perfect present for anyone wholoves trees and wildlife. It makes a great Christmasgift (you know, those people who are impossible to buy for?) and for birthdays, weddings andanniversaries at any time of the year. You can buyPlant a Tree online, with a personalised certificateto download and print, making it a perfect lastminute gift – even on Christmas Day.

EventsUntil 31 Dec Eating In:cooking and eating athome. Exhibition at Snibston Discovery Museum01530 278444

Until 1 May 2015Battledress: the impact ofthe First World War onwomen’s fashion. Exhibitionat Snibston DiscoveryMuseum 01530 278444

NOVEMBER

6 ‘Give to Gain’Environmental Volunteering‘matchmaking’ event atRepton Village Hall forbusinesses and communities01283 535039

16 National Forest Food &Drink Fair Rosliston ForestryCentre 01283 563483

29-24 Dec Various datesConkers Winter Wonderland01283 216633

DECEMBER

6-7 Stories with SantaNational Memorial Arboretum01283 563483

6-7 Christmas Craft ShowCalke Abbey 01332 863822

6-7 Christmas Gift and FoodFair National MemorialArboretum 01283 563483

6-21 Weekends onlyLights and Labyrinths atCalke Abbey 01332 863822

7 Christmas with Mummersand Carols at Donington leHeath Manor House 01530831259

13-14 Christmas trees on sale and Farmers Market (14th only) at Sence ValleyForest Park 01889 586593

20 Candle-lit Carols NationalMemorial Arboretum 01283563483

21 Christmas Fine Food FairCalke Abbey 01332 863822

JANUARY

18 & 22 Ranger-led TreeRamble Calke Abbey 01332863822

19 & 28 Hidden Garden & Waking the House CalkeAbbey 01332 863822

MAY

16-17 Moira Canal Festival07966 428127

16-28 National Forest WalkingFestival 01283 563483

The National Forest is about people and nature, and the mostimportant word here is ‘and’‘ ‘

As we enter a new decade for theforest, the National Forest Companywill be celebrating ‘20’ in a big way:

l 2015 is the company’s 20thanniversary

l 2015 will also be the year we reach 20% forest cover throughoutthe 200 square miles of the forest.

This reflects the substantialcommitment of our partners, largeand small, to help us realise theoriginal vision of the forest, from themere 6% when we started out. Theaverage forest cover throughout theUK is 13% – and we still have manymore trees to plant!

There will be all kinds of ways for you to help us celebrate and we willbe asking you to tell us what theforest means to you, your specialplaces and how you have seen theforest change.

Keep an eye on the websitewww.nationalforest.org for moredetails. Help us make the most of the forest!

National ForestCompany reaches twenty...

ForestSceneWINTER 2014

You can now find The National Forest onFacebook, and we tweet @NatForestCo www.nationalforest.org

>> page 5 >> page 6 Photographs courtesy of APF, Christopher Beech, Darren Cresswell, The Claymills Pumping Engines Trust, Jacqui Rock, Beth Walsh, Peter Wood.

The National Forest CompanyBath Yard, Moira, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE12 6BAT: 01283 551211 E: enquiries@nationalforest.orgW: www.nationalforest.org

Large print version available Tel: 01283 551211

Burton upon Trent

Swadlincote

Ashby de la Zouch

Coalville

Derby

Birmingham Leicester

Nottingham

Letterbox or Inbox?Don’t forget to let us know if you would prefer to read Forest Sceneonline. Email forestscene@nationalforest.org Thank you![

Coming of age

>> ]

The new strategy for the‘coming of age’ decade ofThe National Forest (2014-2024) was launched in thesummer at an event held inthe stunning setting of theRiding School at the NationalTrust’s Calke Abbey.

“After nearly twenty years ofinvestment and growth on theground, The National Forest ishere to stay,” said CatherineGraham-Harrison, Chair of theNational Forest Company (NFC).“It is visible in the landscape andvalued by a very wide range ofpeople and organisations.”

Over one hundred guestsenjoyed a presentation thatincluded three young studentsfrom Ibstock Community Collegetalking about their experience ofgrowing up in The NationalForest, and an interview withNational Forest Ambassador

Adrian Phillips, one of theearly visionaries for theinception of the forest in 1987. He said: “Three thingsaccount for the success of The National Forest. Firstly, it is a national exemplar – other areas can learn from yourexperience; secondly, you have abold vision and you stick to it;thirdly, it is about people andnature – and the most importantword here is ‘and’.”

The students spoke of theimportance of the naturalenvironment around where theylive: playing wide games in theforest, and being able to exploremiles away from their homesbecause they “know all thepaths – we’ve grown up withthem”. They spoke of encounterswith wildlife and the importanceof time out in the woods withtheir dad or grandfather, and thefriendliness of the local

communityif you were

lost. They said thatnot losing views of the

forest was very important tothem and they challengedplanners and developers to takethis into account into the future.

Sophie Churchill, Chief Executivefor the NFC, introduced the newstrategy. She said: “Our newstrategy highlights theopportunities for the forest as itcomes of age. The decade willbe a crucial period to lay downthe legacy of the forest, andsecure it for future generations.”She thanked the very manypartners and volunteers whohave been crucial to its successand invited even deepercollaboration to make the mostof what has been created so far.

}

On The National Forest’s‘Woodland Edge’ blog, youcan read Audrey Vaughan’sstory about how she cameto be a volunteer in TheNational Forest.

Audrey helps look after HicksLodge, the National Forest CycleCentre. Her early love of cyclinghad been rekindled when a friendtook her to try out the new cycletrails there. When the ForestryCommission opened the café,she had found her perfect place:cake and cycling!

10,000tree planters

pla

ntat

ree

We are very excited that this winter we willwelcome the 10,000thperson to take part in oneof our Plant a Tree events.Plant a tree is one of the waysindividuals help us create TheNational Forest. The scheme hasbeen running for over ten yearsand we have had the pleasure ofmeeting wonderful people from allover the country – if not the world– and of hearing many movingand inspiring stories about whypeople want to plant a tree.

We have captured something ofwhat it’s like to plant a tree withus in a short film you can watchon our website:www.nationalforest.org/sponsor/plantatree

As well as planting the tree, the event is often a greatopportunity to get together withfamily and friends. Here’s whatsome people have said about theexperience:“It was very special to actuallyplant the trees, a chance for awonderful day together.”

“We planted a tree for Germanfriends celebrating their GoldenWedding, as it was difficult topost a suitable gift. They were sotouched with the idea, theyphoned us with grateful thanks.No-one had ever done that forthem. Of course we planted anEnglish Oak!”

“We didn’t want a traditionalwedding list as we felt we hadalready got all the possessionstwo people could possibly needand lived in a very small flat at thetime. We also wanted at least partof the wedding to be carbonneutral. We felt by asking peopleto contribute to planting trees wecould create a bit more of a lastingreminder of our wedding and alsoone that we and others could visit.We chose The National Forest asit was somewhere that had aconnection to both our families.”

“An exhilarating experience, tothink my tree will be part of aforest of the future.”

Each tree costs £25 whichreflects the true cost ofcreating and developing thenew woodland, includingfuture care and maintenanceof the site. Buy your gift at www.nationalforest.org/sponsor/plantatree

THE GOOD LIFE – planting in the spring at Nanpantanwith Holland & Barrett.

The National Forest Companywelcomes Simon West as itsnew Head of Forestry.

Simon has a broad range of forestry experience and has heldseveral posts with the Forestry Commission, some working onpartnership projects with The National Forest.

He said: “I’m really excited about coming to work in The NationalForest which as England’s leading sustainable woodland projecthas seen woodland cover rise from six to almost 20%. I lookforward to working with colleagues to see this rise further and seewoods created earlier come into active management.”

Simon is already getting busy with The National Forest’s ChangingLandscapes, Parklands and Freewoods schemes and reminds alllandowners within the 200 square miles of the forest that if theyare interested in considering woodland creation or management,the NFC has a range of grant schemes to suit their needs.

New face atthe forest

Boothorpe woodland, a mile to the north of the village of Moiraand two miles to the south of Swadlincote, nestles on bothsides of a beautiful valley with a number of knolls, ridges andfolds, which typically characterise the attractive, rollinglandscape of the Ashby Woulds.

Tree planting is now complete, with oak, lime, field maple, birch andwild cherry flourishing as well as woody shrubs like hazel, holly, guelderrose and hawthorn.

Thirteen light standard trees were planted in small groups in theextensive parkland area, strategically positioned to give a randomappearance! In addition to native oak and lime trees, more ornamentalspecies and varieties were chosen for their form and colour to createan attractive parkland habitat, with each tree protected by a traditionalpost and rail tree crate.

A hay crop was again taken off the site this summer and options arebeing considered about how the parkland can best be managed in thefuture. Grazing by rare-breed cattle could be an option for example.

The site has been created with generousfinancial support from Reabrook Limited,as well as the enthusiasm and hard workof their staff volunteers. Thank you.

National Forest sponsor Dean &Smedley Family Pharmaciesraised £1,200 with a successfulFun Run held at Rosliston ForestryCentre earlier this year. Nearly onehundred people signed up foreither the four-mile Fun Run or thegentle one mile woodland walk.The money raised will help theSouth Derbyshire Environmental >> See more on page 3

The National Forest – transforming 200 square miles of central England

Spotlight on a growingwoodland – Boothorpe

FUN RUN RAISES £1,200 for environmental educationEducation Project based atRosliston provide tools andstaffing for family and communityevents like ‘Drop in Gardening’and ‘Wildlife Watch’.Lucy Dean (second from right)said: “We are so thrilled with thisresult! The day itself wentfantastically well, and we owe ourthanks to everyone who worked

really hard to bring in thisgenerous amount of sponsorship.It was great to work with such adedicated group of people as theEnvironmental Education Team atRosliston Forestry Centre, and wehope that the money raised by theparticipants and their supporterswill go a long way in helping theteam’s valuable work.”

I was somewhere I’d neverbeen before. I thought: I’m getting wet, I’m gettingcold – I’m enjoying myself!

Audrey says she is not a naturalvolunteer, but loves what hasbeen created at Hicks Lodge somuch that she was interested tofind out more about how shecould help look after the site.

She has learnt about tree pruningand management, planted treesand cleared away old treeguards, and discovered a worldof wildlife she would never haveknown existed. “We have fun, welearn a lot – it’s all aboutdiscovery!” With her previous artand design skills she evendesigned the group’s new logo.

Read more about Audrey’s storyand about volunteering in TheNational Forest on the NationalForest blog ‘Woodland Edge’www.nationalforest.org/newsroom

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Plant a Tree is a perfect present for anyone wholoves trees and wildlife. It makes a great Christmasgift (you know, those people who are impossible to buy for?) and for birthdays, weddings andanniversaries at any time of the year. You can buyPlant a Tree online, with a personalised certificateto download and print, making it a perfect lastminute gift – even on Christmas Day.

EventsUntil 31 Dec Eating In:cooking and eating athome. Exhibition at Snibston Discovery Museum01530 278444

Until 1 May 2015Battledress: the impact ofthe First World War onwomen’s fashion. Exhibitionat Snibston DiscoveryMuseum 01530 278444

NOVEMBER

6 ‘Give to Gain’Environmental Volunteering‘matchmaking’ event atRepton Village Hall forbusinesses and communities01283 535039

16 National Forest Food &Drink Fair Rosliston ForestryCentre 01283 563483

29-24 Dec Various datesConkers Winter Wonderland01283 216633

DECEMBER

6-7 Stories with SantaNational Memorial Arboretum01283 563483

6-7 Christmas Craft ShowCalke Abbey 01332 863822

6-7 Christmas Gift and FoodFair National MemorialArboretum 01283 563483

6-21 Weekends onlyLights and Labyrinths atCalke Abbey 01332 863822

7 Christmas with Mummersand Carols at Donington leHeath Manor House 01530831259

13-14 Christmas trees on sale and Farmers Market (14th only) at Sence ValleyForest Park 01889 586593

20 Candle-lit Carols NationalMemorial Arboretum 01283563483

21 Christmas Fine Food FairCalke Abbey 01332 863822

JANUARY

18 & 22 Ranger-led TreeRamble Calke Abbey 01332863822

19 & 28 Hidden Garden & Waking the House CalkeAbbey 01332 863822

MAY

16-17 Moira Canal Festival07966 428127

16-28 National Forest WalkingFestival 01283 563483

The National Forest is about people and nature, and the mostimportant word here is ‘and’‘ ‘

As we enter a new decade for theforest, the National Forest Companywill be celebrating ‘20’ in a big way:

l 2015 is the company’s 20thanniversary

l 2015 will also be the year we reach 20% forest cover throughoutthe 200 square miles of the forest.

This reflects the substantialcommitment of our partners, largeand small, to help us realise theoriginal vision of the forest, from themere 6% when we started out. Theaverage forest cover throughout theUK is 13% – and we still have manymore trees to plant!

There will be all kinds of ways for you to help us celebrate and we willbe asking you to tell us what theforest means to you, your specialplaces and how you have seen theforest change.

Keep an eye on the websitewww.nationalforest.org for moredetails. Help us make the most of the forest!

National ForestCompany reaches twenty...