Celebrating 100 years of forestry 1919-2019

In September 1919 the Forestry Commission was founded to restore the nation’s woods and forests following the First World War, and the passing of the Forestry Act.

We are England’s largest land manager looking after over 1,500 forests. We deliver internationally renowned research in sustainable forestry and help other landowners make their woodlands more productive, better for wildlife, and prepared for the challenges of a changing climate.

Kate Humble looking up at canopy

Forests for wellbeing

Seeking adventure, making memories or finding escape... What does spending time in the forest mean for you?
Forestry Commission staff inspecting trees for aphids

Google Expeditions

Bringing forests to life for the next generation through virtual tours
Woman writing in a notepad by a pond
New literary work published inspired by the nation's forests
Broadleaf autumn canopy

Tributes to Trees

Written submissions from across the country to celebrate trees and forests
Nissen Hut sculpture through the trees

Nissen Hut

A sculpture by Turner Prize winner Rachel Whiteread marking 100 years of forestry
Future Forest sculpture
A dramatic sculptural installation reflecting the role forests play in protecting our environment
Carol Ann Duffy
A new work by one of the country’s leading poets
Big Forest Find

The Big Forest Find

England's largest survey of forest wildlife in your local forest
Photo of Resilience Garden
A garden for 2019 to celebrate the forests of the future
Bedgebury Cherry Blossom avenue

Centenary avenues and glades

Commemorative trees planted across the country
Volunteers planting trees in the forest
A film installation by artist Amanda Loomes, revealing stories from the working forest
People running in an event
A series of 10km running events in our forests across the country