Welcome to Harvington Wood

We are pleased to now be able to share the plan as approved by the Forestry Commission for the 47 hectares (115 acres) of land we purchased at Manor Farm, Anchor Lane.

About Harvington Wood

Harvington Wood is part of a wider collaboration with the Environment Agency, enabling us to deliver ambitious habitat restoration that benefits nature, climate resilience, and local communities. Over time, it will store carbon and provide natural flood management.

We are planting 35,000 trees, a variety of broadleaf species including oak, rowan, hazel, and hornbeam. Where healthy, the existing trees, fairway woodland, and hedgerows are being retained to continue providing shelter, structure, and habitat, while 340m of new hedgerow will strengthen the woodland network as it matures. On the low-lying land closest to the river, the focus is on creating wet woodland planting, where willow, poplar, alder, and other wetter tree species will establish. The deer fencing will protect the young trees and help them establish naturally.

The open grassland, including the areas still showing traces of ridge and furrow – a traditional agricultural way of working, will be managed as hay meadows and grazing land. At the same time, the creation of scrapes and management of existing ponds, drains and ditches will support our wetland wildlife and help keep water on the site, slowing the flow to the river after heavy rain.

What's happening now

Work has already started, including the removal of some trees that were unhealthy, groundwork on creating the wetland features, and installation of the deer fencing.

Subject to ground and weather conditions, we are expecting to see trees being planted from mid-October, and the waymarking of the new permissive footpaths is expected to be undertaken in the new year, ready for our April 2027 completion.

Visiting the site

While day tickets are no longer available, river fishing will continue under licence to the newly formed Harvington Wood Angling Society, on the stretch to the west of the George Billington Lock.

We are extending footpaths beyond the long-standing Public Rights of Way, with permissive trails which will be waymarked through the area, while being mindful of avoiding sensitive wildlife areas.

Looking after Harvington Wood

To help the woodland thrive in its early years, we ask all visitors to:

• Stay on marked paths
• Keep dogs under close control
• Take litter home
• Respect wildlife and other visitors

Your support helps protect young trees and ensure the woodland grows into a healthy, long-lasting habitat.

How the woodland will grow

Woodland creation is a long-term investment in the landscape. Over the next 5 – 30 years, Harvington Wood will:

• Develop layered woodland structure
• Improve local air quality and carbon storage
• Provide increasingly valuable wildlife habitats
• Offer walking routes and natural spaces for the community

 We will continue to manage the site responsibly to support biodiversity, resilience, and public access.

Funding and project partners

The creation of Harvington Wood has been made possible through support from:

• Environment Agency
• Forestry Commission through the English Woodland Creation Offer

Their contribution has enabled us to create new woodland habitat, improve public access, and deliver long-term environmental benefits.
 

Get involved

We regularly run volunteer events, planting days, and opportunities to support conservation work across our sites.

To take part or learn more, please contact us at volunteer@heartofenglandforest.org or visit our volunteering web pages.

There are many ways you can support our work, from becoming a Friend of the Forest to dedicating a tree. Find out more.