By creating, restoring and connecting habitats across the landscape, as well as undertaking long-term monitoring of the Forest through our wildlife surveys, we will make a difference and so can everyone else.

Volunteering activities

A range of activities and management is vital for the success and future of the Forest. Sadly, most of the important habitats for UK nature - including woodland, wetlands, and wildflower meadows are in poor condition.  

Learn more about, what we do, why we do it, and importantly how you can get involved; together we can make change happen. 

Woodland Restoration 

Woodland restoration is essential to preserving the natural balance and biodiversity of our Forest. This process involves selectively opening areas by managing overgrown scrub and dominant plant species such as bramble, rose, blackthorn, hawthorn, birch, aspen, bracken, and pendulous sedge. Cutting these back, we allow sunlight to penetrate the Forest floor, encouraging the germination of seeds in the ground’s seed bank. Additionally, we address the threat posed by invasive, non-native species, which can outcompete native plants and damage ecosystems. 
 
Over the winter, volunteers can join us in several woodland restoration activities, that promote diverse ground flora and understorey growth, creating a rich and varied woodland structure that supports an array of wildlife: 

• Glade Creation or Re-establishment 
  Clearing or coppicing scrub and dominant plants to form or restore open spaces within the woodland interior. 

• Woodland Ride Management 
  Maintaining linear open spaces through the woodland by selectively cutting back scrub and overgrowth. 

• Scallop Creation or Re-establishment 
  Creating “D”-shaped clearings along woodland rides to enhance structural diversity. 

Winter is a prime time for volunteers to help remove invasive species, digging them out to prevent the formation of harmful monocultures.

Pond Restoration 

Pond restoration ensures our Forest ponds remain vibrant ecosystems for plants and wildlife. Volunteers work to remove overgrown plants from pond edges and surfaces, such as bramble, hawthorn, blackthorn, bull rush, phragmites, and duckweed. By increasing sunlight exposure to the water, this effort supports the growth of pond vegetation, benefiting invertebrates, birds, and other wildlife.  

These restoration projects are critical for creating diverse habitats across the Forest.

Wildlife Survey Training 

Wildlife surveys provide essential data on the species in the Forest, helping us track population changes and shape long-term management strategies. Volunteers can take part in training opportunities to learn survey techniques, practice identifying species, and gain the skills to conduct independent surveys. 

This winter, we are offering: 

• Brown Hairstreak Egg Survey Training 

• Harvest Mouse Nest Survey Training

By joining these programs, volunteers contribute valuable records that enhance our understanding of the Forest’s biodiversity.

Livestock Checking 

Our livestock, including sheep, play a vital role in maintaining grassland biodiversity. Volunteers help by visually inspecting livestock, ensuring their health and wellbeing, checking field infrastructure, and confirming water availability. 

By collaborating with our Biodiversity Officer (Grasslands), volunteer livestock checkers help uphold high standards of animal welfare throughout the year.