Forests and woodland

Have you visited your local forest or woodland recently? There are many great walks to be had. So why not get out among the trees, get some fresh air, see some wildlife and keep fit all at the same time?

Visiting your local forest or woodland

Many forests and woodlands are open to the public and have clearly marked paths and trails. The majority of these are managed by the Forestry Commission, local authorities, county wildlife trusts or the Woodland Trust.

The Forestry Commission protects and expands Britain's forests and woodlands to increase their value to society and the environment. The Woodland Trust, meanwhile, is a UK conservation charity dedicated to the protection of our native woodland heritage. These bodies may provide facilities, such as car parking, to make your visit easier and more enjoyable.

When visiting your local forest or woodland, make sure you follow the Forest Code:

• Guard against all risk of fire
• Protect trees, plants and wildlife
• Leave things as you find them, take nothing away
• Keep dogs under control
• Avoid damaging buildings, fences, hedges, walls and signs
• Leave no litter

Nature and wildlife

The UK's forests and woodlands are home to some amazing wildlife, so keep your eyes open as you explore these natural habitats. You never know what you might see! If you're really interested in wildlife, you could also pay a visit to one of the 2,500 nature reserves that are dotted around the UK, many of which are owned or managed by the Wildlife Trusts. The Wildlife Trusts' website contains an A-Z database of over 650 species of flowers, trees, insects, butterflies, moths, birds and garden wildlife. This will help you to identify the plants and creatures you spot on your walks. Alternatively, you could visit one of the 150 nature reserves run by The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). These reserves are ideal for bird watchers and nature lovers. Some provide a wide range of facilities suitable for family days out, while others have only minimal services on offer. There are also 215 National Nature Reserves (NNRs) in England. Many of these areas contain special natural features and are home to some of our most important wildlife.

What's on

In addition to its regular activities, the Forestry Commission runs numerous events. Suitable for young and old alike, these include walks, family bike rides, open days, timber harvesting, wildlife watching and more.

You could also find out what the Woodland Trust is doing in your area. The Woodland Trust regularly holds guided walks, talks, tree planting and fundraising events in its woods across the UK. There are also a number of volunteering opportunities for those who want to donate their time and skills to one of the Trust's many projects.

Find more information about UK forests and woodland here.