Our biodiversity team, with the help of volunteers, has been out surveying grasslands across the Forest this spring and summer. The knowledge gained from gathering this information is aiding the management of these wonderful green spaces to further improve them.

The results of our third BioBlitz are now in, with over 350 different species recorded across an area of the Forest in 24 hours, giving a valuable snapshot of the rich biodiversity in our woodlands.

A seed source trial was established in England in 2019 aiming to test some possible seed sources for tree breeding of the wild service tree in Great Britain. One of the trial sites is right here in the Heart of England Forest – see how they are faring in the Forest five years into the trial.

We have recently partnered with National Grid Electricity Distribution to help us grow, connect, and protect the Forest for the benefit of people, wildlife, and the environment.

Assistant Biodiversity Officer Avery explains the lifecycle, common identification features and the importance of ladybirds in our ecosystem and how you can help to survey these small invertebrates.

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 reflecting a blueish purple. Find out more about how this rare butterfly is faring in the Forest.