The journey begins
We are starting work to develop the facilities at Haldon Forest Park. The first stage is to create a new operations yard, which includes staff workshops, storage, office space, a deer larder, and a new electricity sub-station. These are the ‘behind the scenes’ spaces that support the management of Haldon Forest Park and the wider forest area.
While building the operations yard, we will also make some upgrades to site infrastructure, such as drainage and power, and install a new automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) system in the car park. These improvements will be ready for when we develop the remainder of the site in future.
What does this mean for your visit?
Haldon Forest Park remains open throughout this project. We are working hard to minimise disruption to your visit but there might be times when we have to divert trails or close some areas of the car park to allow us to work safely. All changes will be clearly signposted when you arrive. Please read and follow all signs for your safety.
Sustainability at Haldon Forest Park
The operations yard is designed to be carbon neutral in operation. The buildings are designed to minimise heat loss and will use technologies such as solar panels and air source heat pumps to generate power and heating for hot water. These features will reduce our carbon emissions and demand on the national grid.
Wherever possible, we will use local supply chains, manufacturers, and labour to minimise the embodied and operational carbon of construction.
What will happen next?
The operations yard is the first stage of our plans to develop the facilities at Haldon Forest Park. This must be built first because it is our ‘base of operations’ for managing the park and forest. Our plans also include a new visitor centre with an improved visitor reception, expanded cafe, more toilets and parking, and extended hire facilities for cycles.
We don’t know when we will be able to move on to the next phase of our plans, but Forestry England remains committed to improving Haldon Forest Park to make sure it continues to provide physical and mental health benefits for people of all interests and abilities.
Where can I find out more?
Follow us on Facebook for the latest site updates. If you have any questions about changes to Haldon Forest Park, contact us at haldon.rangers@forestryengland.uk.
