Welcome to Oak Tree Wood

We are pleased to now be able to share the plan for Oak Tree Wood, as approved by the Forestry Commission for the 19.63 hectares (48.5 acres) of land to the east of Oak Tree Lane, formerly part of Reins Farm. Many thanks to those of you who took the time to attend our session in February and share feedback and ask questions during the consultation period.

The creation of Oak Tree Wood this winter follows the newly planted woodland created last winter at Eastern Hill, also originally part of Reins Farm - Eastern Hill | Heart of England Forest

About Oak Tree Wood

The planting of 26,000 trees, a broadleaf mix of oak, hornbeam, hazel, small-leaved lime, amongst others, with a series of permissive footpaths linking to the public rights of way in place, will create new homes for wildlife and establish a new community asset, enhanced further by the layout of an orchard to the north of the site.

Surveying the site has identified four ghost ponds, which historically would have held water but have since been lost or filled for agricultural development and land reclamation over 50 years ago. Following detailed surveying of elevation levels and surface flow, two have been identified as suitable for restoration and an opportunity to create a ‘scrape scape’ – a series of shallow scrapes alongside the restoration of the original ghost pond.  

Work will be starting soon, including preparation of the site and installation of the deer fencing. Subject to ground and weather conditions, we are expecting to see trees being planted in the new year.

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.