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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Number of birds recorded in the Forest soars!

28 February 2025
 by 
Tony Kelly, Bird ringer - Redditch Ringing Group
The Redditch Ringing Group (RRG) has been ringing birds in the Forest since 2018. As of the end of last year, the group has now ringed over 13,000 birds in the Forest (13,644 to be exact) from 54 species!
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Escape outdoors with Young Foresters 

28 February 2025
 by 
Elly Outdoor Learning Officer and Jonathan, Volunteer Manager
Young Foresters is a fun and educational club for young people between the ages of 11-18. Do you know a young nature enthusiast? Then why not ask them to come and join us! 
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Floodplain meadows

27 February 2025
 by 
Emma Kersley, Biodiversity Officer (Grasslands)
Floodplain meadows are rare and important habitats. These grasslands support an amazing number of wildflower species and provide homes to many much-loved wildlife species such as birds, invertebrates, amphibians and mammals.
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Are we seeing signs of spring too soon?

12 February 2025
 by 
Heart of England Forest
Worrying reports from across the United Kingdom state that with spring happening almost a month ahead of schedule it could be detrimental to our ecosystems. We share our insights and concerns for woodlands and future biodiversity.
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275,000 trees planted in the last three years thanks to project

11 February 2025
 by 
Heart of England Forest
Over 275,000 trees have been planted in the West Midlands as part of an ambitious three-year project to deliver tree planting across our local landscape and community spaces. 
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Frog and toad spotting in the Forest

30 January 2025
 by 
Heart of England Forest
Help us protect frogs and toads in the Forest by taking part in our spawn sighting survey.
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