
Hedgerow Berry Bootleggers - Drink Making from Forest Foraging
Just for adults, join us for an early autumn stroll around the woodlands surrounding our Outdoor Education Centre at Gorcott Hill. You will be collecting berries from the established hedgerows before heading back to use your foraging finds to inspire your choice of drink, using the recipe card suggestions as a guide. Outdoor Learning Officer Ellie will provide you will all you need to create something that will tickle your taste buds - however if you like the idea of a stronger option like sloe gin, rosehip vodka, blackberry whiskey or hawthorn gin then please do bring 250-350ml of your spirit of choice.
All the materials needed for the drink making workshop is included, apart from any spirit alcohol you choose to bring. This event is not suitable for dogs.
September 2026
Next Generation Young Foresters
Young Foresters is a free monthly club for 11 - 18 year olds who want to get hands-on in the Heart of England Forest. Whether you're already passionate about wildlife or just looking for something different to try, everyone is welcome.
Together, we'll explore woodlands, learn about the natural world,and take part in real conservation projects that help wildlife and tackle climate change.
Hedgerow Berry Bootleggers - Drink Making from Forest Foraging
All the materials needed for the drink making workshop is included, apart from any spirit alcohol you choose to bring. This event is not suitable for dogs.
Just for adults, join us for an early autumn stroll around the woodlands surrounding our Outdoor Education Centre at Gorcott Hill. You will be collecting berries from the established hedgerows before heading back to use your foraging finds to inspire your choice of drink, using the recipe card suggestions as a guide. Outdoor Learning Officer Ellie will provide you will all you need to create something that will tickle your taste buds - however if you like the idea of a stronger option like sloe gin, rosehip vodka, blackberry whiskey or hawthorn gin then please do bring 250-350ml of your spirit of choice.
Evening Volunteering Taster Session
Join us for an evening volunteering at our tree nursery near Coughton, supporting our tree nursery team by transplanting young seedlings into individual cells. Each year, we grow thousands of trees from seed collected across the Forest. The seeds are first sown in trays by species, then, once established, each seedling is carefully transferred into its own pot or cell to grow on until it's ready for planting in the Forest.
Perfect if you want to support the Forest, but are unable to volunteer during the day or at weekends.
This project is made possible by the National Lottery Heritage fund.
Autumn in the Heart of England Forest Arboretum
Experience the magic of autumn’s vibrant beauty on a 2-hour guided walk with the Forestry team through the Dorsington Arboretum and surrounding woodlands, where the trees are putting on their most spectacular display of the year. Along the way, you will discover seasonal wildlife, stunning landscapes, and learn about the ecological importance of trees. A perfect outing for photographers, families, and nature lovers to enjoy the forest’s breathtaking autumnal display.
Evening Volunteering Taster Session
Join us for an evening volunteering at our tree nursery near Coughton, supporting our tree nursery team by transplanting young seedlings into individual cells. Each year, we grow thousands of trees from seed collected across the Forest. The seeds are first sown in trays by species, then, once established, each seedling is carefully transferred into its own pot or cell to grow on until it's ready for planting in the Forest.
Perfect if you want to support the Forest, but are unable to volunteer during the day or at weekends.
This project is made possible by the National Lottery Heritage fund.
Evening Volunteering Taster Session
Ahead of tree planting our volunteer teams help us to select the trees from our nursery, and prepare them for delivery to our planting sites. We will be removing young saplings from their growing trays, and wrapping them in bundles with trees from the same species. An exciting step forward for our saplings, from seed to tree!
Perfect if you want to support the Forest, but are unable to volunteer during the day or at weekends.
This project is made possible by the National Lottery Heritage fund.
October 2026
Next Generation Young Foresters
Young Foresters is a free monthly club for 11 - 18 year olds who want to get hands-on in the Heart of England Forest. Whether you're already passionate about wildlife or just looking for something different to try, everyone is welcome.
Together, we'll explore woodlands, learn about the natural world,and take part in real conservation projects that help wildlife and tackle climate change.
Leaf Bowl Making - with finalist Dave from C4's The Great Pottery Throwdown
Immerse yourself in nature and creativity during this hands-on pottery workshop right here in the Heart of England Forest. Guided by The Great Pottery Throwdown finalist David Short. You’ll start with a woodland walk to gather leaves, watch a demonstration of slab-building and texturing techniques, and then transform your collected leaves into a beautifully unique clay bowl using coloured slips for added detail.
Mini Foresters Does Halloween!
Celebrate Halloween with a spooktacular Mini Foresters adventure in the Heart of England Forest! Little explorers and their grown‑ups can dive into autumn magic with creepy‑cute nature crafts, a thrilling scavenger hunt, and mysterious forest discoveries. Gather around the campfire for delicious Halloween S’mores and enjoy a ghostly tale beneath the trees. Packed with creativity, outdoor fun, and seasonal surprises, this enchanting woodland session is the perfect way to enjoy a wonderfully wild Halloween together.
WildTribe Holiday Club - October Half Term
WildTribe is a holiday adventure for children aged 5-11 who love the outdoors. Activities include den building, bug hunting, campfire cooking, arts and crafts, bushcraft, and wildlife spotting. Sessions are led by experienced staff, who are specialists in supporting children with a range of needs. Sessions are run in two groups (ages 5-7 and 7-11), ensuring activities match abilities. WildTribe provides safe, fun, and memorable holiday experiences for children.
WildTribe Holiday Club - October Half Term
WildTribe is a holiday adventure for children aged 5-11 who love the outdoors. Activities include den building, bug hunting, campfire cooking, arts and crafts, bushcraft, and wildlife spotting. Sessions are led by experienced staff, who are specialists in supporting children with a range of needs. Sessions are run in two groups (ages 5-7 and 7-11), ensuring activities match abilities. WildTribe provides safe, fun, and memorable holiday experiences for children.
WildTribe Holiday Club - October Half Term
WildTribe is a holiday adventure for children aged 5-11 who love the outdoors. Activities include den building, bug hunting, campfire cooking, arts and crafts, bushcraft, and wildlife spotting. Sessions are led by experienced staff, who are specialists in supporting children with a range of needs. Sessions are run in two groups (ages 5-7 and 7-11), ensuring activities match abilities. WildTribe provides safe, fun, and memorable holiday experiences for children.
November 2026
Next Generation Young Foresters
Young Foresters is a free monthly club for 11 – 18 year olds who want to get hands-on in the Heart of England Forest. Whether you're already passionate about wildlife or just looking for something different to try, everyone is welcome.
Together, we'll explore woodlands, learn about the natural world,and take part in real conservation projects that help wildlife and tackle climate change.
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.
Next Generation Young Foresters
Young Foresters is a free monthly club for 11 - 18 year olds who want to get hands-on in the Heart of England Forest. Whether you're already passionate about wildlife or just looking for something different to try, everyone is welcome.
Together, we'll explore woodlands, learn about the natural world,and take part in real conservation projects that help wildlife and tackle climate change.
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.
January 2027
Embossed Coffee Cup Making with the Great Pottery Throw Down's Dave Short
Join us for a unique pottery workshop in the serene Heart of England Forest, where nature meets creativity! Guided by Pottery Throw Down finalist David Short, you’ll craft your very own set of four embossed coffee cups, beautifully decorated with patterns inspired by woodland leaves. This workshop blends the calming beauty of nature with the joy of pottery, offering a unique opportunity to create something personal and meaningful. Whether you're new to pottery or an experienced maker, you’ll leave with newfound skills and a unique, handmade set of coffee cups.