
Tree Planting at Eastern Hill Wood, Astwood Bank
Sessions every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday until the end of March.
Help us to plant brand new woodland over at Eastern Hill Wood, growing the Heart of England Forest for the benefit of people and wildlife. As we draw towards the end of the planting season we need your help to get the final 7,000 trees into the ground, we have plenty still to do, but the more, the merrier!
No previous tree planting experience is necessary and over 12s are welcome with an accompanying adult.
December 2026
Christmas Wreath Making in the Heart of England Forest
Welcome the festive season with a creative Christmas Wreath Workshop in the Heart of England Forest. Join Outdoor Learning Officer Elly for a relaxed woodland experience where you’ll gather natural materials and learn to weave a willow base before decorating it with your foraged finds and extra seasonal touches. Set in beautiful surroundings, this hands‑on session offers a fun and inspiring way to craft your own unique wreath and enjoy the magic of the Forest in the run‑up to Christmas.
Mini Foresters Does Christmas!
Join us for a magical festive adventure in the Forest, full of Christmas cheer, creativity, and outdoor fun - perfect for little adventurers and their grown-ups. Get hands-on with nature as you create nature inspired Christmas crafts, follow a winter wildlife scavenger hunt, and gather around the crackling campfire for hot chocolate, toasted S’mores, and a cosy Christmas story under the trees.
Reading the Forest: Identifying Trees in Winter
Enjoy a beginner‑friendly winter tree identification experience in the Heart of England Forest. The session begins with a short indoor introduction to key features used in colder months, including buds, bark, twigs, and overall tree shape. You’ll then head out on a guided walk through the woodland at Middle Spernal to put your new skills into practice. As you explore young plantations and mature trees, you’ll learn how to recognise many broadleaf species without leaves, building confidence all year round.
Winter Solstice Sunset Stroll
As the winter sun sets, join us for a tranquil stroll through the Forest taking in the natural beauty of our west-facing viewpoint, perfect for capturing the final golden light of the year’s shortest day. Join us for a warming glass of mulled wine before heading out. After watching the sunset, we’ll return for festive refreshments and a hot drink at Middle Spernal Farm. The perfect way to unwind from the holiday hustle.