Child holding a yellow flower
Events

Young Foresters in the Heart of England Forest

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Young Foresters is a volunteering and adventure club for young people aged 12-18. Our Young Foresters have many adventures in the Forest as well as taking part in a number of forestry and conservation tasks: take action to combat climate change, benefit from spending time outdoors, improve your physical and mental health, forge new friendships and gain valuable work experience.

December 2024

An aerial view over Middle Spernal during sunset
Winter Solstice Sunset Stroll with Festive Refreshments
Saturday 21 December, 14:30 - 17:30

Celebrate the shortest day of the year with a magical winter walk, led by our Volunteer Manager, Jonathan.

Join us for a warming glass of mulled wine before heading out on an easy-paced walk which through the enchanting woodlands of Spernal, with the chance to spot hidden signs of life amongst the stillness of the Forest in its winter slumber. After watching the sun set, we’ll return to for warm sausage rolls and a hot drink at Middle Spernal Farm. The perfect way to unwind from the holiday hustle.

The ticket price includes parking and refreshments. Should you wish to make an additional contribution to support the Forest’s future, charity tickets are also available and will support our Cold Days Warm Hearts appeal.

£22 plus fees

January 2025

A young foresters sawing a fallen tree branch
Young Foresters in the Heart of England Forest
Saturday 4 January, 10:00 - 12:30

Young Foresters is a volunteering and adventure club for young people aged 12-18. Our Young Foresters have many adventures in the Forest as well as taking part in a number of forestry and conservation tasks: take action to combat climate change, benefit from spending time outdoors, improve your physical and mental health, forge new friendships and gain valuable work experience.

The young people attend independently supported by our experienced staff.

£5 plus fees
A group of mini foresters and parents in the Forest
Mini Foresters in the Heart of England Forest
Saturday 4 January, 14:00 - 16:00

Mini Foresters is our monthly club for families with children between the ages 4-11 where children can enjoy activities in one of out wonderful woodland spaces. Each month the activities will change and reflect the seasons, the flora and fauna and the history and geography of the area. Come and join us for fires, dens, tool use, bushcraft skills, wildlife and the odd toasted marshmallow.

Our entry ticket includes up to five people, at least one of whom is an adult responsible for the group. We only have a limited number of tickets available as we want to ensure everyone has the best experience of the Forest.

£5 plus fees
A volunteer tree planting in the Forest
Introduction to volunteering with the Heart of England Forest - January 2025
Wednesday 8 January, 18:30 - 19:15

If you are interested in volunteering with the Heart of England Forest, helping us establish and protect a huge new forest for the environment, people and wildlife – why not join us to find out more.

This informal event will be led by a member of the team and a volunteer leader. You’ll have the opportunity to hear more about the volunteer programme, and what you can expect from volunteering with the charity. There will be opportunity to ask questions and we’ll update you on the current priorities and opportunities across the Forest.

Our amazing volunteers help us with all aspects of creating and managing the Forest, including tree planting, wildlife surveying and events.

Free
A woman holding a bird in the hand with an onlooker smiling
Bird Ringing with the Redditch Ringing Group
Saturday 18 January, 08:00 - 09:00

Ever wondered how birds are tracked and studied in the wild? Join us for a fascinating morning with the Redditch Ringing Group and get a behind-the-scenes look at bird conservation in action! This year, we’re excited to open the event to the public for the first time.

We have two consecutive separate sessions starting at 8am and then 9am. Each session will last about an hour and your ticket will include a welcome hot drink. This event is not suitable for dogs.

£18 plus fees
A licensed bird ringer holding a bird and showing the group
Bird Ringing with the Redditch Ringing Group
Saturday 18 January, 09:00 - 10:00

Ever wondered how birds are tracked and studied in the wild? Join us for a fascinating morning with the Redditch Ringing Group and get a behind-the-scenes look at bird conservation in action! This year, we’re excited to open the event to the public for the first time.

We have two consecutive separate sessions starting at 8am and then 9am. Each session will last about an hour and your ticket will include a welcome hot drink. This event is not suitable for dogs.

£18 plus fees
A couple of young foresters using tools in the Forest
Redditch Young Foresters in the Heart of England Forest
Saturday 25 January, 10:00 - 12:30

A volunteering and adventure club for young people aged 12-18. Our Young Foresters have many adventures in the Forest, as well as taking part in a number of forestry and conservation tasks. The club runs on the fourth Saturday of every month.

The Heart of England Forest site Gorcott Hill is a beautiful 62 acre site near Redditch. The site contains semi-natural woodland, hedgerows, grassland and ponds, as well as a vast array of wildlife.

£5 plus fees
A group of mini foresters and parents having fun in the Forest
Redditch Mini Foresters
Saturday 25 January, 14:00 - 16:00

Mini Foresters is our monthly club in the Forest where children can enjoy activities in our wonderful woodland at Gorcott Hill. Each month the activities will change and reflect the seasons, the flora and fauna and the history and geography of the area. Come and join us for fires, dens, tool use, bushcraft skills, wildlife and the odd toasted marshmallow,

The group is intended for families with children between the ages 4-11 and runs on the last Saturday of every month all year round. Our entry ticket includes up to 5 people, at least one of whom is an adult responsible for the group. 

£5 plus fees