The National Forest is thrilled to announce the return of the National Forest Walking Festival, marking its 16th year of celebrating the beauty and accessibility of this unique and ever-growing landscape.

Taking place from May 16 to 26, the festival invites walkers of all ages and abilities to explore a transformed environment that perfectly blends nature, community, and sustainability.

Spanning 200 square miles across Leicestershire, Derbyshire, and Staffordshire, the National Forest is a bold and visionary project connecting two ancient forests—Charnwood and Needwood—through a mosaic of newly planted woodlands, meadows, hedgerows, and waterways.

What was once a landscape scarred by coalfields and clay pits has been reimagined as a thriving green space, teeming with wildlife and biodiversity.

Today, the National Forest stands as a beacon of regeneration and sustainability. Through planting trees, caring for woodlands, and managing habitats, the Forest and its partners continue to demonstrate how nature and people can thrive together.

As the world calls for more trees, the Forest provides a thriving example of how the natural environment can drive recovery and inspire a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future.

This year's Walking Festival showcases the incredible diversity of the National Forest through a wide range of guided walks and outdoor experiences. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or taking your first steps into nature, the festival has something for everyone:

• Gentle, Accessible Walks: More than 20 routes under three miles, ideal for families, those with limited mobility, or anyone seeking a relaxed exploration. Buggy-friendly parkland trails and well-surfaced paths ensure accessibility for wheelchairs, trampers, and mobility scooters.
• Sensory Experiences: Thoughtfully curated walks designed to engage the senses, offering a unique way to connect with nature for those with sensory needs.
• Beginner Adventures: Guided nature-bimbles, like the stroll around Beacon Hill to explore tree life and wildlife, perfect for those new to walking.
• Challenging Treks: Energetic ten-mile routes through iconic landscapes, such as Calke Abbey and its reservoirs, for those seeking adventure and spectacular views.

This year's walks are made possible thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers who lead and support the festival's events.

These passionate individuals bring their local knowledge, enthusiasm, and love for the National Forest to guide walkers on routes that showcase the best of the region.

Whether offering insights into the area's history, pointing out hidden wildlife, or ensuring everyone feels welcome and safe, their commitment lies at the heart of the festival.

Zoe Sewter, volunteer and wellbeing officer at the National Forest, said: “The festival wouldn't be possible without the dedication of its incredible volunteers.

“Their hard work ensures that the National Forest Walking Festival continues to grow, bringing together communities and celebrating the Forest's remarkable transformation from industrial land to vibrant green spaces.

“The Walking Festival embodies the spirit of the National Forest, a living testament to the power of nature to inspire policy, research, and practice.

“Each step taken during the festival is a celebration of how people and nature can not only coexist but can thrive together.”

Join the fun this May to experience the magic of the National Forest Walking Festival and discover the inspiring story of a landscape that has been reimagined, replanted, and regenerated. Whether it's a gentle stroll or an invigorating hike, every walk is a step towards a greener future.

For more information about the festival and to explore the full programme of events, visit www.thenationalforestwalkingfestival.org.uk

~ENDS~

­Notes to Editor:

The National Forest Walking Festival is coordinated by South Derbyshire district council on behalf of the National Forest, with support from East Staffordshire borough council, and North West Leicestershire district council.

The National Forest covers 200 square miles of the counties of Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Staffordshire. Its creation began in the early 1990s, a radical vision to bring the benefits of trees, woodland and multi-use forestry to lowland England, where thousands of people live and work.  

The Forest provides a national demonstration of the value of the natural environment to drive regeneration and showcase policy and practice, research and development in the heart of the country. 

It was the first broadleaf forest to be created at scale in England for more than 900 years and is now seen as one of the boldest environmentally led regeneration initiatives in the country. It has transformed a post-industrial Midlands landscape – scarred by coal mining and heavy industry - from black to green. 

Year by year, the National Forest has been steadily turning what was once one of the least wooded areas of England into a multi-purpose, sustainable forest. More than nine million trees have been planted so far. Forest cover has increased from 6% to 25%, approaching double the national average for woodland cover. The aim is to reach around a third forest cover.   

Trees have been the catalyst for change and transformation. The National Forest is a positive response to the climate crisis and is putting in place the building blocks to deliver mitigation and adaptation to climate change. Through partnerships the National Forest is working to create wildlife habitats, reduce flooding, improve air quality, store carbon and create space for outdoor education, supporting the health and wellbeing of communities and enabling Forest-related businesses to thrive.

The National Forest Company (charity no: 1166563) leads the creation of the National Forest, working in partnership with landowners, local authorities, businesses and its communities. It has strong support from government, politicians and the public, and continues to be supported by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Contact: Carolyn Bointon

Telephone: 07855 976367

Email: cbointon@nationalforest.org

www.nationalforest.org