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Conifer trees in springtime

Part of the Suffolk Coasts and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Tunstall Forest has a range of beautiful scenery you can explore.

Tunstall Forest consists of coniferous plantations, broadleaved belts and heathland areas which link up with both Tunstall and Blaxhall Common. These areas are great for ground nesting birds such as the Nightjar and Woodlark, so keep your eyes peeled for these species.

 

Forests of Rothbury 3 Simonside

Hepburn Wood captures the inherent qualities of Northumberland perfectly – broad, sweeping vistas and tranquil landscapes.

Walking, mounting biking and horse riding are welcome in Hepburn Wood.

 

Holystone Woods, Rothbury

Holystone is tucked away in a quiet corner of Coquetdale. The peace and tranquillity of the area attracted a religious order that built a nunnery here in the twelfth century, around which Holystone village grew.

The nunnery has long gone, but the tranquil surroundings remain, offering beautiful walks.

There are waterfalls, crags and plenty of aged broadleaved woodlands which are a delight to walk in at any time of year.

Forests of Rothbury, Simonside

The Simonside Hills lie within Northumberland National Park on the northern-most edge of Harwood forest and have beckoned walkers for years because of their wild and rugged beauty. The range dominates the skyline forming a dramatic southern backdrop to the middle reaches of the River Coquet.

The climb up the hills to the top (430m) is rewarded with the whole panorama of the Cheviots to the north and from the top of Simonside itself, the whole Northumbrian coastline is revealed.

Sunlight through Conifers

Part of the Suffolk Coasts and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Dunwich Forest consists of a mixture of coniferous and broadleaved woodland and is accessible from Dunwich village.

The forest links into some wonderful conservation areas of marshland and wetland and is great for walkers.

Horse riders are also welcome in the forest. Please be aware that husky training takes place within the northern part of the forest before 10.30am and after 4pm.

Conifer tree top from below

Broaks Wood is home to a unique variety of tree species and includes a spectacular example of a Giant Redwood Grove, the world's tallest growing tree species!

Beech tree leaves close up

Chalkney Wood is an attractive example of ancient woodland that is currently transitioning to a site of native tree species.

Visitors are welcome to explore the woodland on foot. 

Forests of Rothbury,  view from top of Simonside

Thrunton Wood is planted on and around two steep escarpments of sandstone – Thrunton Crag in the north, and Long Crag /Coe Crag to the south. These lofty crags provide spectacular viewpoints from which to admire the Northumbrian scenery.

Two exhilarating walks allow you to explore the miles of trails as they wind through the maturing forest and across open moorland.

Mountain biking and horse riding are welcome in this wood.

Ancient Woodland near Wooler

Wooler and the surrounding lands endured frequent raids by marauding Scots between the fourteenth and sixteenth century and later by the border raiders or 'Reivers'.

Wooler Common's recent past is less bloodthirsty and has a network of public and permissive paths.

An easy access trail encircles two picturesque ponds at the heart of this mixture of mature woodland and open common.

Mounting biking and horse riding are welcome.

Firestone

Located on the Isle of Wight, the rich woodland of Firestone Copse provides the perfect year-round destination for your next forest adventure. A wheelchair accessible trail allows excellent, ever-changing views of English Oak and Ash as well as coniferous Douglas, Cedar and Scots Pine.

Parkhurst Forest

Parkhurst Forest consists of both ancient woodland and heathland.

Located on the Isle of Wight, it is a haven for wildlife including the red squirrel and many species of bird such as garden warbler, nightjar, woodcock, green and great spotted woodpecker and long-eared owl.

Bluebells Hazelborough

Hazelborough Wood is an ancient oak woodland with a network of grassy rides for walking.

It showcases beautiful bluebells in spring time and wildlife spotting all year round.

Thieves Wood

Thieves Wood provides the scenery for an exciting day out with a walking trail that starts from the car park, offering easy access into the wood. 

The Robin Hood Way, a long distance trail that runs through Nottinhamshire exploring the legend of Robin Hood, also passes through the wood.

There is also a refreshment cabin in the car park where you can stock up on snacks in preparation for your adventure!

Basing wood

Basing Wood is a light airy wood consisting of broadleaves and conifers, both young and old, with many paths to explore.

The wood is full of interesting wildlife including a healthy population of the protected great crested newt. It also provides an important habitat for butterflies, in particular the declining purple emperor.

Some of the more common wildlife you may see in Basing Wood includes fallow, roe and muntjac deer, foxes, rabbits and many species of birds.

Three wooden picnic benches in a forest clearing surrounded by trees

There are numerous informal trails and paths along the forest roads and tracks, some surfaced, some not.

The car park is set amongst majestic larch and includes a large grassed area for games and picnicing.

Pond in forest

Pleasley Park is a lovely mix of broadleaved and coniferous trees. Its 74 hectares offer delightful walks amongst a variety of trees. There is a pond to discover too.

It is bordered to the south and west by footpaths making it easily accessible for visitors.

 

Braydon Woods open landscape

Hear the calming rustle of leaves, breathe in the fresh air, see the playful flurry of the local birds and venture off the beaten track at Bonsley Common. Found approximately five miles north west of Blandford Forum, come and treat your senses with a scenic walk, the views alone are worth it.

Thetford Forest at sunset

Located within the Thetford Forest district, Harling Woods - also known as Thorpe Forest - offers great opportunities to get outdoors and escape to nature.

With open access to a range of paths and trails, a Forest Holiday site and endless woodland to explore, Harling Wood is a great place for a day out.

Visit safely

Throughout the year, various recreational events are held in the woodland. Please take note of any marshals and safety signage in place when you visit.

Whitwell Wood

The wood has a very high nature conservation status and it is has a wide range of flora including over 20 species that are indicators of ancient woodland. There are also numerous features of archaeological interest.

Visit the wood to discover the Ginny Spring Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It has been designated for its rich flora including some species rare in Derbyshire.

 

Woman in woodland

Comprising of mainly coniferous trees, Moreton Forest is located to the west of Poole.

Explore the varied scenery on the interesting public trails that run through Moreton Forest.

We advise visitors, particularly dog walkers, to keep their dogs under close control at all times and keep a safe distance from the livestock that graze here.

View across Blackdown Hills from viewpoint

Located near Shillingstone, Shillingstone Hill is a delightful, tranquil place to walk with truly spectacular views.

Goyt Valley frosty landscape

Stunning views across the Errwood Reservoir, picturesque natural scenery and endless rolling hills make Goyt Valley the perfect location for an adventurous day out in the Peak District. 

The Peak District National Park Authority, United Utilities and Forestry England work together to provide access and conservation management for the benefit of people and wildlife.

Waterfall over rocks

Located near Cromford, Shining Cliff is ancient woodland which was part of the royal hunting forest of Duffield Frith and is now designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

The wood supports a diverse bird community including warblers, flycatchers and bramblings. In the spring, coppiced sycamore trees provide a canopy for a carpet of bluebells, something that can't be missed.

sunlight through conifers along woodland path

Situated to the east of Puddletown, Affpuddle offers an interesting landscape of both forest and heathland as well as views across the Purbeck Hills.

Popular with local dog walkers, the forest can be explored on its open paths and bridleways. 

 

Walk in the forest

Tuetoes, Laughton Forest supports a wide range of habitats, rare plants, animals and birds, making it a great place to visit if you want an interesting walk!

Tree canopy with blue skies

Located within the South Downs National Park, West Harting down offers a network of paths and trails, making it very popular with dog walkers and horse-riders.  

The higher ground in the north of West Harting Down provides significant views out to the Solent and the Isle of Wight.

Solo mountain biker in a forest

The area on Combe Hill has a dedicated bike park, which is open to mountain bikers, please visit this website for more information and to book in advance.

The woodland offers a network of open paths and countryside views that local people can explore on foot. 

We are sorry but you cannot BBQ in our forests at this time. This is to help prevent forest fires.

Thin trail running through conifer woodland

With around five miles of hard surface road and great networks of unsurfaced tracks, Hemsted Forest makes for a great day out, whatever the season!

The forest houses a mixture of conifer and broadleaf woodland and is rich in different bird species.

 

Shirebrook Wood on a winter morning

With its mixture of mature broadleaf woodland, newly planted trees, large open meadows and a scenic wetland valley, Shirebrook Wood offers something for everybody. 

This reclaimed colliery site provides home to a variety of wildlife including songbirds, small mammals and plenty of butterflies. On a warm summer’s day you may even be lucky enough to spot the Dingy Skipper butterfly as you explore the wood! 

View of Pillar from Blengdale Forest viewpoint

Discover a variety of outdoor experiences at Blengdale Forest, from a gentle walk up the valley of the River Bleng to a cycle ride around the forest roads. 

From the highest points, Blengdale offers wild views of Wasdale, Haycock and the West Cumbrian Coast.

For some light refreshment stop off in Gosforth and sample the delicious Gosforth Bakery's pies, famous throughout Cumbria.

Overgrown beech woodland

Arley Wood provides a quiet setting for a pleasant woodland walk in the Warwickshire countryside. 

The wood is part of a PAWS (planted ancient woodland site) restoration project, which means that it will become a native broadleaf woodland once again.

Woman and dog looking out over field

Formerly two colliery sites, Silverhill Wood has been transformed into a beautiful woodland through a process of coal washing, engineering, landscaping, fertilising and planting. Its mixture of rich broadleaf and conifer trees, open meadows and ponds make it a woodland not to be missed! 

Why not explore the woodland on the orienteering course, speed through the trees on two wheels or stop by the dog selfie area!