Aerial view of Spernal and Windmill Hill
News

A first for the purple emperor in the Forest

1 July 2025
 by 
Sam Macvie, Biodiversity Data and Survey Officer
The purple emperor is the UK’s second-largest butterfly, with females having a wingspan of over 9cm across. However, the male is arguably a more impressive butterfly, with upper wings that reflect a blueish-purple hue. Find out more about how this rare butterfly is faring in the Forest - we have exciting news!
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Rhinos in the Forest

15 December 2023
 by 
Ed Leszczynski, Forest Projects Officer
The lesser horseshoe bat is rare in the UK and sadly declining in number, so we are delighted to have discovered them in the Forest.
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Behind the scenes: Woodland management during the winter months

15 December 2023
 by 
Melissa Dryland, Assistant Forest Ranger
Tree planting is an important job for our forestry team during the winter months. After all, woodland creation is at the heart of what we do. But it is only part of our mission. We are equally committed to conserving our wonderful Forest. Read on to find out what else we are doing this season.
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The Heart of England Forest focuses on the State of Nature 2023

28 November 2023
 by 
Sophie Leszczynska, Biodiversity Manager
The State of Nature report monitors the abundance and distribution of more than 10,000 species in the UK and the British Overseas Territories with data reaching back to the 1970’s. Information published this year highlights the overall condition of nature in the UK. Sophie Leszczynska, Biodiversity Manager at the Heart of England Forest, explains more...
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Harvest mice in the Forest

28 November 2023
 by 
Sam Macvie, Biodiversity Data and Survey Officer
What do we know about Britain's smallest mouse? And why are we keen to see whereabouts they are living and breeding in the Forest? Sam Macvie, our Biodiversity Data and Survey Officer explains more.
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Isopods in the Forest

22 November 2023
 by 
Avery Hill, Assistant Biodiversity Officer
Assistant Biodiversity Officer, Avery, takes us on a journey through time to meet our 100-million-year-old minibeast: the woodlouse.
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Celebrations and mysticism of the winter solstice

22 November 2023
 by 
Ed Leszczynski, Forest Projects Manager
Ed Leszczynski, Forest Projects Manager, explores the traditions and myths that surround the winter solstice and encourages exploration of the Forest at this special time of year.
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