We are for your enjoyment and wellbeing

Man sitting on trunk

Yours to explore

From socialising with family and friends, to embarking on solo-adventures, forests are for everyone. 

Family traditions, coffee and cake, a quiet place to recharge. Whatever your reason for being in the forest, we’re glad you came.

Forests are dynamic environments to improve your physical and mental health.

There are so many activities to try at our forests that cater for all abilities and fitness levels.  From birdwatching and photography, to mountain biking and sled dog training. If we're not seeking an adrenalin fix our senses relax under the forest canopy as we’re filled with energy from experiencing the landscape, and fresh forest air.

Forests care for us. Together we care for forests.

In some of our woods you'll discover Wild Women Days, providing opportunities for groups of women to spend time immersed in nature, learning and foraging for edible plants, building fires and cooking meals together.

Tucked away from the bustle of cities, your local forest is full of opportunities to find your wild side. They're closer than you might think too - 99% of people in England live within an hour's drive of one of our forests.

Wild women

Visiting forests can help your blood pressure and pulse rate, and reduce cortisol levels.

Groups Westonbirt

People are more likely to be social with others in woodland activities than they might in everyday life. There are so many opportunities to socialise and be part of groups engaging in a range of woodland activities. 

From wildlife spotting groups, mountain bike trail builders and like-minded families, through to community programmes to help people with mental health conditions, addictions, behavioural difficulties, autism and dementia. In the quiet corners of our forests groups meet regularly to share the benefits of spending time and learning together. 

Women Yoga
Discover how to make the most of the nation's forests to improve health and wellbeing.
Autumn in birch woodland
Blog
06 September 2022
Forest bathing is an ancient Japanese process of relaxation - know in Japan as shinrin yoku. The simple method of being calm and quiet amongst the trees, observing nature around you whilst breathing deeply can help both adults and children de-stress and boost health and wellbeing in a natural way. Step by step guides to help you relax, reset and practice mindfulness in the great outdoors.
Beech tree leaves close up
Article
05 February 2020
Our new LGBTQ+ supporters network
Conifer trees in springtime
Article
11 December 2018
From our forests and local parks, to trees that line our streets and back gardens, Tributes to Trees is a celebration of trees and woodlands everywhere.