What attracted you to visit the Forest?

Living in Alcester means I have easy access to various parts of the Heart of England Forest, and the availability of car parking is also useful to bring the family or to meet up with others. I bring my Nordic Walking group regularly to the Forest, too.

 

What does the Forest mean to you?

The Forest is a fantastic open, airy place and it changes so much throughout the seasons. I enjoy the fresh and new growth in spring and all the wildlife, in particular butterflies, in the summer. The autumn colours are stunning and the freshness in the winter months is equally enjoyable. Walking in the Forest relieves any stress and leaves me feeling refreshed and energised. We are very lucky to have it on our doorstep to be able to simply be outdoors throughout the year.

 

Do you have a favourite part of the Forest?

I haven’t visited all the different parts yet, but my favourite areas are Barton and Dorsington. The trail starting from Dorothy’s Wood car park is very varied with a few inclines through the woods, and also takes you along the River Avon. It is simply gorgeous and great exercise, especially as I always take my Nordic Walking poles with me.

 

How much time do you spend in the Forest?

How much time I spent in the Forest varies during the year, but I spent a lot of time during the summer months especially, visiting at least once a week.

 

Have you learnt anything new from visiting the Forest?

I have learnt more about butterflies and insects and also different plants during my visits in the Heart of England Forest. I use a phone app to help me identify the different species I spot when walking.

 

Has the pandemic changed how you feel about the Forest?

I had been spending a lot of time in the great outdoors prior the pandemic already, however, with so many restrictions in place for indoor activities it has made me appreciate having access to the Forest even more now than before.

The mostly wide and very well maintained waymarked paths are also great for social distancing when we come walking in a group. Warwickshire and Worcestershire are very fortunate indeed to have the Heart of England Forest.

 

Visiting the Forest

The Forest stretches along the Warwickshire / Worcestershire border, taking in Shakespeare’s Forest of Arden and the ancient Forest of Feckenham, from south Birmingham to the north Cotswolds. It’s a beautiful and very special part of the world, rich in history and legends, rolling green countryside, rivers, and busy market towns. Plan your visit to the Forest.