top of page

National Forest, United Kingdom

Writer: William BoltonWilliam Bolton

In the late 1980s, the concept of creating a new forest for the UK was conceived. An area of 200 square miles covering parts of Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Staffordshire was selected as the location for The National Forest, having a history of industrial decline and huge opportunities for environmental, economic and social regeneration.


In 1995, the National Forest Company was established by government to lead the creation of The National Forest though a combination of partnership development, grants to landowners, restoration of former industrial sites and community engagement. More than eight and a half million trees later, and starting from a relatively low woodland cover of 6%, forest cover has now reached more than 20% of the land area. The eventual aim is to achieve around one third forest cover throughout the whole forest area.


In the late 1980s, the concept of creating a new forest for the UK was conceived. An area of 200 square miles covering parts of Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Staffordshire was selected as the location for The National Forest, having a history of industrial decline and huge opportunities for environmental, economic and social regeneration.


In 1995, the National Forest Company was established by government to lead the creation of The National Forest though a combination of partnership development, grants to landowners, restoration of former industrial sites and community engagement. More than eight and a half million trees later, and starting from a relatively low woodland cover of 6%, forest cover has now reached more than 20% of the land area. The eventual aim is to achieve around one third forest cover throughout the whole forest area.



 
 
 

Comments


SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER

Thanks for subscribing!

Newsletters are sent out periodically. By signing up to our newsletters, you agree to receiving RCS communications.

Please refer to our privacy policy to see how we use your data.

OTHER USEFUL LINKS :

Royal Commonwealth Society is a registered charity in England and Wales (226748), incorporated by Royal Charter.
 

Registered office: 65 Basinghall Street, London, EC2V 5DZ

Email: communications@royalcwsociety.org

Terms of Use | Privacy & Cookie Policy | Powered by Yell Business

© Royal Commonwealth Society 2025

bottom of page