The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Wood

Welcome to our exciting new flagship Diamond Jubilee Wood, a glorious site created to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s historic 2012 Diamond Jubilee.

Set in the heart of The National Forest in Leicestershire this beautiful landscape will be open to everyone to enjoy.

We are planting 300,000 trees over 3 years, and with 200,000 already in the ground we are well on our way to achieving this aim. The new wood  will buffer and link existing wildlife habitats and join them together into the largest continuous woodland under single ownership in The National Forest.  In just 12 years the trees we plant will have matured and created an area of outstanding natural beauty and an abundance of open green spaces for all to enjoy.

Make your mark and become part of history

Help us create this beautiful woodland and inspire generations to come.

The Land

This diverse and sweeping landscape is ripe for woodland creation. The land boasts 186 hectares (460 acres) of mixed fields, arable grassland and species-rich hedgerows.  A beautiful lake is located in the east of the site and 7 hectares of ancient woodland remain in the north - the jewel in the crown - where precious plants and wildlife thrive.

Wildlife

Already a variety of species nest in the nearby areas.   In the open land birds including skylarks and starlings can be found, spotted flycatchers may be seen hunting along the hedgerows and swarms of butterflies and insects are abundant throughout the ancient woodland and nearby clearings. 

Archaeology

The area has a system of enclosures and droveways dating back to the Late Bronze Age, Iron Age and Roman times. A Roman road once made it's uncompromising route across the site. Archaeological finds include:

• A bronze axe was found on the site dating back to 1400BC
• Roman pottery
• Flint knives
• Samples of querns.

Thank You

Without the support from members of the public, Woodland Trust members, UK Coal, The National Forest Company and our corporate and funding partners we would never have been able to embark on such a wonderful journey.  Thank you.

Our plans

This woodland will be a wonderful outdoor experience for everyone to enjoy; each time you return you can expect to see new and exciting developments take shape.

Walking trails will lead you on special journeys throughout the wood.  The routes are currently unsurfaced (and therefore not yet suitable for wheelchairs or buggies or for less-abled people who are not able to walk long distances) but we will be starting an extensive programme of surfacing works to create all ability, fully waymarked trails around the site later in 2013.

Alongside the lake a bird hide, protected wetland habitat and pond dipping platform will help you discover new wildlife and plants.  Benches will be placed at key points around the site so visitors can admire the stunning views of the woodland and beyond.

Large scale inspirational environmental artworks will also be introduced later in the year to connect the wood with the wider natural environment and local history.  We’re working with contemporary British artist Rosie Leventon to achieve this.

Visiting the site

You are welcome to visit the site now that we have started planting. 

Fencing works and tree planting started in November 2012 and we are grateful to everyone who has helped us mark the start on this project during a very wet autumn!

There is currently no parking provision for vehicles at the site.  There is no vehicular access on School Lane adjacent to the site. The nearest area of official parking is at Sence Valley Country Park. From this point, please follow public rights of way to access the site. Unfortunately this route may not be suitable for less-abled people who are not able to walk long distances.

A car park will be built on Heather Lane starting early in 2013

If you have any further questions, please contact us on 0845 293 5858 or email jubileewoods@woodlandtrust.org.uk.