Canal boat at Moira FurnaceFrom the rocky outcrops of Charnwood, over gently rolling hills, alongside meandering rivers curving through a patchwork of fields, canals, villages and lakes, through the parkland landscapes of former stately homes to the ancient forest of Needwood, the nation’s boldest environmental project is taking shape… welcome to the National Forest.

 

The National Forest is a hugely ambitious project, bringing together more than 400 new and ancient woodlands over an area of 200 square miles to create a new Forest for the nation. In just ten years, more than seven million trees have been planted and woodland cover has almost trebled, creating new habitats for wildlife and making the area an ideal location for bird and wildlife watching.

 

Walking in the National ForestWalking and cycling are great ways to experience the National Forest’s 700 miles of pathways, many of which have been designed to enable access for all. Many woodland sites also offer bridleways and other facilities for horse riders - with new trails opening up all the time as the bridleway network is extended, the Forest really is a great place to view from the saddle.

 

Sailing on Staunton Harold waterAnd it’s not just woodlands, as the National Forest has a wealth of waterways where you can participate in a wide range of activities from sailing, rowing and angling to windsurfing, barge trips and much more. The region’s rivers, canals, wetlands and lakes, together with stunning reservoirs such as Staunton Harold, Foremark, Blithfield and Thornton are also important habitats for an increasing number of birds and other wildlife.

 

For an insight into some of the region’s historical water connections, visit the inland canal port of Shardlow on the Trent and Mersey canal, one of only two such remaining ports in England. The heritage centre offers a fascinating insight into the workings of the port as well as the surrounding villages and associated canal trades.

 

Discover and Explore   Conkers Discovery Centre never fails to delight and has more than 100 indoor and outdoor activities based around forest life and the environment. Its unique blend of hands-on, educational and fun activities, including an assault course, precipice walk, nature trails and much more make the Centre a great attraction for all ages!   Conkers Discovery Centre   There’s a whole world of discovery and fun to be found at visitor attractions such as Snibston Discovery Park, based at the site of a former colliery, where you can try your hand at numerous fascinating indoor and outdoor science experiments.   Be sure not to miss the colliery tours, where former miners recount their stories of life underground, or the newly built Extra Ordinary gallery, which explores the inventions that have shaped our everyday lives.   Set amidst new woodland with meadows, lakes and play areas for children, Rosliston Forestry Centre not only has quiet places to enjoy the countryside and wildlife but also has an exciting range of outdoor activities, including archery, bird of prey demonstrations and orienteering, as well as laser clay shooting and woodland laser combat!

Calke Abbey, a baroque mansion, built in 1704 and set in an historical landscape park, has become famous as a graphic illustration of the country house in decline. Little restored, the house contains the spectacular natural history collection of the Harpur Crewe family, as well as a magnificent 18th century state bed, and interiors that are essentially unchanged since the 1880s.

 

The abbey is set in open parkland, which features a beautiful walled garden an interesting collection of garden buildings, including an orangery and unusual Auricula Theatre.

 

Melbourne HallMelbourne Hall was once the home of Victorian prime minister William Lamb and it was he who, as the second Viscount of Melbourne, gave his name to the city of Melbourne in Australia. The Hall's 18th century style garden has pools, vistas, a yew tunnel and Bakewell's wrought iron arbour.

 

There are good shopping facilities in the larger towns like Burton upon Trent, while attractive market towns and villages such as Ashby de la Zouch, Melbourne and Tutbury have a great range specialist outlets including gift shops, boutiques, galleries and antique shops. Many of the visitor centres also have their own gift shops so you’re sure to find something different to take home as a memento of your visit.

 

Sharpe's Pottery MuseumCall in at Sharpe's Pottery Museum in Swadlincote, a former 'yellow-ware' and toilet factory established in 1821, which exported its products worldwide. The visitor centre is housed in the newly restored pottery works and is a registered museum with exhibits and displays and the latest in interactive technology, which reveals the hidden treasures and fascinating facts behind a South Derbyshire pottery. 

 

T&G Green's famous blue and white CornishwareThe world famous blue and white striped Cornishware is made locally in Swadlincote (not Cornwall as most people might imagine!) at the TG Green pottery, where you can buy the company’s distinctive, award-winning tableware direct from the Factory Shop - and for something to put in it, take home some home-made beer made on site at the Coors (formerly Bass Museum) Brewery Visitor Centre! 

The National Memorial Arboretum is a living tribute to the wartime generations and a reminder of the 80 million lives lost in conflict during the 20th and 21st centuries. Visitors to the Arboretum can learn about the trees and their surroundings while reflecting on their special symbolism in this haven of peace and contemplation. In contrast, amaze yourself at the National Forest Maize Maze, near Burton upon Trent. Open during the summer months, the bridges, towers and quiz on this 3D maize puzzle will keep you occupied for hours!

 

The National Forest is packed with places for the whole family to visit and with much to see and do, from visiting the award-winning discovery centres, historic homes and castles to messing about on the waterways, watching wildlife or simply finding peace and solitude in the woodlands, it’s clear that the project isn’t just a great legacy for future generations, but a great destination for the present one!