Child holding a yellow flower
What’s on
An aerial view of the Arboretum, dusted in fresh snow.

Winter in the Heart of England Forest Arboretum

Saturday 31st January, 10:00 - 12:30

Experience the quiet beauty of winter on a 2.5-hour guided walk with Forest Rangers Sam and Lauren through the Dorsington Arboretum and surrounding woodlands. Discover striking tree silhouettes, evergreen colour, and subtle signs of wildlife as the forest settles into its colder season. Along the way, Sam and Lauren will share insights into native and international tree species, highlight winter’s unique features, and introduce you to the resilient wildlife that continues to thrive during this time of year.

£12 plus fees

December 2025

An aerial image of the Forest at Middle Spernal with a low sun

Winter Solstice Sunset Stroll

Sunday 21st December, 14:30 - 17:30

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.

From £20 plus fees

January 2026

An attendee holding a bird in the hand under close supervision of a licensed bird ringer

Bird Ringing with the Redditch Ringing Group

Saturday 24th January, 08:30 - 09:30

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! Get up close and observe how these skilled bird ringers carefully catch, identify, measure, and ring birds right here in the Heart of England Forest. You’ll learn about why bird ringing is crucial for conservation and gain insights into the lives of some of the Forest’s feathered residents.

£18 plus fees
A licensed bird ringer holding a bird in the hand and showing the group

Bird Ringing with the Redditch Ringing Group

Saturday 24th January, 09:30 - 10:30

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! Get up close and observe how these skilled bird ringers carefully catch, identify, measure, and ring birds right here in the Heart of England Forest. You’ll learn about why bird ringing is crucial for conservation and gain insights into the lives of some of the Forest’s feathered residents.

£18 plus fees
An aerial view of the Arboretum, dusted in fresh snow.
Guided Walk

Winter in the Heart of England Forest Arboretum

Saturday 31st January, 10:00 - 12:30

Experience the quiet beauty of winter on a 2.5-hour guided walk with Forest Rangers Sam and Lauren through the Dorsington Arboretum and surrounding woodlands. Discover striking tree silhouettes, evergreen colour, and subtle signs of wildlife as the forest settles into its colder season. Along the way, Sam and Lauren will share insights into native and international tree species, highlight winter’s unique features, and introduce you to the resilient wildlife that continues to thrive during this time of year.

£12 plus fees

February 2026

The statue of Felix Dennis along the Founder's Walk
Guided Walk

Your Forest and its Founder

Saturday 21st February, 10:00 - 12:30

Join us on a winter walking tour of the woodland around the former home of our founder, Felix Dennis, led by Public Engagement team member and former assistant to Felix, Toby. On this gentle walk and talk you'll learn about Felix’s background, what brought him to Dorsington, and when his love affair with trees started. This 2.5mile walk includes the first woodland planted by Felix, The Arboretum he created, and Dorsington Wood where he is buried.

£12 plus fees

March 2026

A group of people walking through a gate on the Founders Walk footpath
Guided Walk

Discover The Founders Trail: Wildlife & Heritage Walk

Saturday 14th March, 09:00 - 12:00

Explore the history and wildlife of Dorothy’s Wood and Dorsington on a guided educational walk with our Forestry team. Following the Founders Trail, you’ll discover a mosaic of woodland, habitats, and landscapes shaped by the Forest’s founder. Learn about the area’s cultural heritage, its thriving species, and ongoing conservation work. Led by a Forestry team member, the walk offers insights into wildlife, woodland management, and the Forest’s legacy, with plenty of opportunities for questions. Ideal for nature and history enthusiasts, this informative walk reveals Dorsington’s natural and historical character in a unique, engaging way.

from £10 plus fees
A close-up of a Brown Hairstreak Butterfly on a leaf.
Virtual Talk

Conservation success story: Brown Hairstreak Butterfly

Tuesday 24th March, 19:00 - 20:00

Discover how the Heart of England Forest has become a vital refuge for the rare Brown Hairstreak butterfly in this informative online talk. Claire will explore the species’ unique life cycle, why the Forest is a national stronghold, and how careful hedgerow management and targeted conservation efforts are helping its population grow. Learn how we survey for this elusive butterfly, the challenges it faces, and our future plans to support its recovery across the landscape. Perfect for nature lovers, conservation enthusiasts, and anyone curious about protecting threatened wildlife

 

 

Free

April 2026

Visitors walking through the bluebells at Alne Wood
Fundraiser

Bluebell Trail Fundraiser in the Heart of England Forest

Friday 24th April, 10:00 - 15:00

Nothing says spring like an ocean of beautiful bluebells. Join us on a Bluebell Open Day when you will be able to wander around Alne Wood, an ancient woodland usually closed to the public, where the forest floor bursts to life with colour every spring, and bask in the sight and scent of the Heart of England Forest’s very own ‘Bluebell Wood' - and don't forget your camera, Alne Wood really is a sight to behold at this time of year.

£8.50 plus fees
A sea of vibrant bluebells covering a Forest floor
Fundraiser

Bluebell Trail Fundraiser in the Heart of England Forest

Saturday 25th April, 10:00 - 15:00

Nothing says spring like an ocean of beautiful bluebells. Join us on a Bluebell Open Day when you will be able to wander around Alne Wood, an ancient woodland usually closed to the public, where the forest floor bursts to life with colour every spring, and bask in the sight and scent of the Heart of England Forest’s very own ‘Bluebell Wood' - and don't forget your camera, Alne Wood really is a sight to behold at this time of year.

£8.50 plus fees

May 2026

An array of wildflowers at The Arboretum
Guided Walk

Spring in the Heart of England Forest Arboretum

Saturday 2nd May, 10:00 - 12:30

Celebrate the arrival of spring on a 2.5-hour guided walk with Forest Ranger's Sam and Lauren through the Dorsington Arboretum and surrounding woodlands where fresh greenery, budding blossoms, and the vibrant sights and sounds of wildlife bring the forest to life. Along the way, they will share fascinating insights about native and international tree species, pointing out seasonal highlights, and introduce you to the wildlife that thrives in the forest during this time of year.

£12 plus fees
A Natterers bat in flight
Wildlife Walk

Bats and Biodiversity: Discover Alne Wood at Dusk

Wednesday 6th May, 19:30 - 21:30

Step into Alne Wood Park for an evening exploring the rich wildlife of this special woodland. Follow a gentle circular route through trees and grassland as you learn about the site’s biodiversity, habitat management, and the surveys guiding our conservation work. As dusk settles, we’ll pause in an open space to watch for bats emerging to hunt and use bat detectors to identify the species active here. A peaceful and insightful experience for nature lovers.

From £15 plus fees
Fingers holding a southern hawker dragonfly labial mask.
Virtual Talk

Life Beneath the Surface: Exploring Freshwater Invertebrates

Tuesday 12th May, 19:00 - 20:00

Virtually dive into the world of freshwater invertebrates and learn how these tiny creatures keep our waterways healthy and full of life. Step into the fascinating underwater world of ponds, streams, and rivers to uncover the tiny creatures that call them home. These small but mighty animals play a huge part in keeping our freshwater habitats healthy and thriving. If you’re curious about the life teeming just below the surface, or want to learn how to spot and identify some of these amazing species, then this online workshop is for you.

 

Free
A sunset view from Alne Wood Park Burial Ground
Guided Walk

Natural Burial: Sustaining Earth and Honouring Life

Thursday 14th May, 18:00 - 19:30

Please note that this event discusses death and funerals in a practical and direct manner, so that should be taken into consideration when deciding whether to attend.

Join one of the Alne Wood Park team on an early evening guided tour of Alne Wood Park Natural Burial Ground, exploring the significance of remembrance and ceremony through the lens of Natural Burial. This event will provide plenty of space for reflection and dialogue, with time for your questions at the end. It will also allow you to experience the peace and beauty of the site as Springtime starts to awaken the flora and fauna in and around the meadow.

Free