The National Forest, is an area of 520 km² (200 square miles) of Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire, in England, It stretches from Leicester in the east to Burton upon Trent in the west, and links the ancient forests of Needwood and Charnwood. Planting of the forest began in 1990.

National Forest Company

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The National Forest Company is a private company aiming to convert one third of the land within the boundaries of the National Forest (135 km², 33,000 acres) to woodland, by persuading landowners to alter their land-use. It is described as "a forest in the making" and it is hoped to increase tourism and forestry-related jobs in the area. By 2006, over 6 million trees had been planted, increasing the tree cover from 6% to 17%.

The transformation of the landscape is beginning to take effect as the first tiny whips to be planted in the early 90's are growing into substantial trees. Eventually it will be a mosaic of woodland, open spaces, agricultural farm land, villages and towns.

Attractions within The National Forest

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• At the centre of the National Forest, is Conkers, a visitor centre located just outside the village of Moira, Leicestershire.
• There is also a visitor centre with wildlife walks and playgrounds at Rosliston.
• The National Memorial Arboretum is located near Alrewas

A number of other tourist attractions lie within the National Forest area including the medieval castle at Ashby de la Zouch, Swadlincote Ski Centre, the stately home of Calke Abbey, and 19th century blast furnace, Moira Furnace.

As well as Ashby de la Zouch, the towns of Burton upon Trent, Swadlincote and Coalville are also located within the forest area.

External links

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• The National Forest
• Rosliston Forestry Centre

Derbyshire | Staffordshire | Leicestershire | Forests and woodlands of England | Organisations based in England