78 Forests to Explore in England

Melton Country Park is an area of open space 137 acres in size, 10 minutes walk from the center of Melton Mowbray. The park has a visitor center, cafe, sensory garden, nature trail, climbing forest, memorial garden, stepping stones, bridges, bird hides, a dam, a troll bridge, sports grounds, and cricket fields. A park run and junior parkrun takes place every week.

Mere Sands Wood is a true wildlife haven. We're thrilled to finally have the opportunity to offer new visitor facilities; just what such a wonderful and well-loved nature reserve deserves. Mere Sands Wood is also a wildflower and fungi haven. Spring and summer bring orchids, yellow-wort and yellow bartsia, while autumn and winter usher in fly agaric, earthballs and common stinkhorn. It covers 105 acres, and includes a visitors centre, two nature trails, six wildlife hides, and one viewing platf

Mortimer Forest is the ideal place to explore and get away from it all. There are a number of walking trails on offer which take in spectacular views, archaeological features and a variety of habitats. Although originally made up of ancient royal chases and deer parks, the forest we see today was largely planted by the Forestry Commission in the 1920s.

The National Trust Ashridge Estate is a huge area of woodlands and downland near Berkhamsted with many walking and cycling routes and a visitor centre with shop and cafe. There is a year-round programme of guided walks and events.

Hatfield Forest is a 403.2-hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest in Essex, three miles east of Bishop's Stortford. The Forest is an ideal place for a quiet stroll away from the main lakeside area. Wander along the main plains or head off into the trees and explore the rides. It is owned and managed by the National Trust. A medieval warren in the forest is a Scheduled Monument.

The New Forest Wildlife Park, a collection of indigenous species in their natural surroundings and a great day out for all the family. Stroll round the wooded grounds to discover 4 species of otters including the Giant Otters for the Amazon, owls, wolves, lynx, Eurasian bison, mouflon, pine marten, deer and so much more.

Paxton Pits Nature Reserve is a rich area of wildlife habitats in the heart of the Ouse Valley covering 78 hectares of lovely lakes, riverside, meadow, reedbed, scrub, grassland and woodland. It offers a great learning experience for visiting education and community groups as well as families - including a chance to get up close to local wildlife on the surrounding nature reserve throughout the year.

The Peak Forest Canal is one of Britain’s most scenic waterways, running through the magnificent landscape to the edge of the Peak District. The main objective of the canal was to improve the transportation of bulk manufactured goods and raw materials, particularly limestone from the quarries at Dove Holes, high up in the Peak Forest.

Plessey Woods Country Park is set in 100 acres of enchanting woodland, wild-flower-clad meadows and romantic riverside as the River Blyth runs through the park. Its intricate network of paths and trails make this a great spot for walkers, cyclists, horse-riders and picnickers. The beautiful riverside walk along the River Blyth offers a chance of spotting otters and kingfishers. It was one of the iconic attraction in this area which offers a peaceful life.

Port Lympne Reserve is a breeding sanctuary for rare and endangered animals. Europe’s largest collection of life size dinosaurs is currently rampaging in the forest of Port Lympne Reserve. The exhibit allows you to wander around these magnificent models and try your hand at digging for fossils.

Potteric Carr is a wild oasis just waiting to be explored. Now nestling between motorway and railway, it's a remnant of the vast fenland that once stretched all the way across the Humber basin to the coast. During summer, the meadows are full of butterflies and abuzz with insects, while winter brings the magic of thousands of starlings creating incredible aerial displays.

A wonderful place for a woodland walk surfaced paths run through the 47-acre Arboretum at the heart of the site which is decorated with cherry and magnolia blossom in spring and afire with rich autumn colors of maples and oaks in autumn. Queenswood is a fragment of the vast ancient oak wood that once stretched to the Welsh borders and beyond. It frequently reverted to the source of all estates, "the crown" intermittently, and changed its name from 'Kings Wood' to 'Queenswood' in the reign of Qu

Rendlesham Forest is situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.There's something for everyone, including children's play areas, a bike park for experienced riders, sculptures to discover in Tangham Wood and plenty of places for a picnic. It was one of the iconic attraction in this area and also you cans pend some good time in the middle of nature enjoying the beauty of this place and also can have some adventurous tricks too.

Rye Meads is a 58.5-hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest in Rye House, Hertfordshire. It is one of series of wetlands and reservoirs situated along the River Lea. This delightful wetland reserve beside the River Lee is a firm favourite with walkers, birdwatchers and photographers thanks to its many trails and hides. The HMWT site is an ancient flood meadow that has a variety of habitats including reedbed, marshy grassland and fen. It is grazed by ponies and water buffalo.

St Aidan's is a natural park of 400 hectares located between Leeds and Castleford in West Yorkshire, England. The land was previously an open-pit coal mining area that was flooded in 1988 after the riverbank collapsed. The nature park was opened to the public in May 2013 under the care of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.

RSPB The Lodge nature reserve and gardens is one of the best places in the county to visit wildlife friendly gardens in attractive natural landscapes. Gardeners will enjoy the beautiful gardens around The Lodge, which are the UK headquarters of the Royal Society for the Protections of Birds. The reserve sits on the Greensand Ridge, overlooking the River Ivel valley and includes areas of broadleaved and coniferous woodland.

Salcey Forest is an oasis of nature and history. This magnificent woodland has many miles of ancient wood banks, building remains and ancient trees. The 'druids', or veteran oaks, are rare and amazing wildlife habitats. The perfect location for a day out in the forest. It has got walking trails, cycle trails, a children's adventure play area, a horse riding trail, and an onsite café selling tasty homemade meals and cakes in a warm, friendly environment.

Savernake Forest is the only privately owned forest in England and is among the oldest woodland areas in the country. The forest stretches south from the historic market town of Marlborough, covering some 4500 acres. The history of the forest goes back for a thousand years or more! Its long history has left us with an outstanding legacy of old trees, rich landscapes and diverse habitats. One of the country's oldest trees, the Big Bellied Oak, is very noticeable on the side of the A346.

A beautiful 60ha country park created by Leicestershire County Council on a former opencast colliery site near Heather. It includes the River Sence and three major lakes, which attract a wide variety of wildfowl. Large areas of the site are planted with Corsican pine, larch and poplars, which will provide an income when they are thinned in about 20 years. It is excellent for birdwatchers. Surfaced trails provide access for walkers, cyclists, riders and disabled visitors. A varied events programm