Willesley Wood

Where was the first tree planted at the very beginning of the new National Forest? Many believe the spade was first plunged into the soil and a sapling planted at Willesley Wood, now an area at the heart of the National Forest. Since that point in time, millions of trees have now been planted, the forest cover increasing substantially, transforming our environment and mapping out a more sustainable future for us all. From a single tree, we have grown a forest, and with everyone’s support, we will keep growing that forest.

A woodland has now been on the site for decades, prior to that the land was mainly used for pasture and is in a larger area formerly used for coal mining. The more mature woodland on the site has previously been used for pit props and charcoal production. The site is now a mixture of older and new woodland, flower meadows and wetland, making a verdant home for many species, attracting a large number of butterflies and water birds.

• Disabled access
• Dog walking
• Information centre
• Orienteering
• Walking trails

• Local car parking available at Oakthorpe Picnic Site
• Local bus services to Donisthorpe