The largest English site we've ever acquired is being restored to its full glory thanks to your donations.
As the first planting site of the Northern Forest, Smithills shows that the project is about more than planting 50 million trees – it's about delivering real benefits for people and communities across northern England.
Damaged by centuries of industrial use, Smithills is a landscape on the edge. But thanks to incredible funding success, the process of restoration has begun. All in all, we have 686 hectares (1,700 acres) of open countryside, streams and woodland in our care.
And it’s all made possible through generous public donations and the crucial support of organisations that made our initial acquisition of the Smithills Estate possible, as well as those who continue to support our ongoing restoration work.
Credit: Sarah Woollam / WTML
The last piece of land we purchased includes Barrow Bridge, a woodland area of steep cloughs and streams. Its trees and soil are part of important, vibrant habitat for wildlife. Hidden within are several historical features, such as the 63 Miners’ Steps, once climbed daily by local minors making their way up to work on the moorlands in the nineteenth century. At the opposite end of the site stand two stone-built cairns known as Two Lads – an iconic local landmark steeped in history and folklore. Many locals believe it is an ancient neolithic burial site of two lads who perished on the moors. In 2026, Two Lads will be going through a restoration project supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Credit: John MacPherson / WTML
In 1896, more than 30 years before the famous Kinder Scout mass trespass, 10,000 people took to the moors of Smithills to demand their right to access. Today, we continue that legacy by conserving and improving public access to nature. We've installed 1.6km (1mi) of flagged moorland paths and are working to improve path networks, accessibility and implement a site access plan. We hope this work will encourage more people to explore and enjoy this beautiful place on Bolton's doorstep.
Credit: Libby Owen / WTML
Twite, little owl and adder – all species once found on the Estate but are now missing in action. Through planting trees, restoring ancient woodland, conservation grazing and re-wetting blanket bog, we're already seeing increased numbers of important species such as brown hare, raven, crossbill, willow tit, blackcap and many more.
Credit: Joel Goodman / WTML
In the summer of 2018, the Winter Hill fire engulfed the top end of Smithills Estate, causing serious damage to our moorlands and destroying newly planted trees. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we were able to begin restoring what was lost. Recovery work is ongoing, focusing on recovering the damage done to the bog and preventing future incidents. Wildfires remain a significant and growing threat, intensified by climate change. We're working closely with the fire service to ensure minimal loss of peat.
The Estate recently completed a five-year Heritage Fund project. We're now looking at new projects to continue building our community, restore more of the bog and develop resilient woodlands. Our plans to revitalise the landscape include:
We can't do any of this without you. By donating to our Smithills fund, you'll make it possible for our work to continue.
Whatever you choose to give, donating online is secure, quick and cost effective, so more money goes directly towards supporting our work at Smithills Estate.
Call us on 0330 333 3300 between 8.30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, and our friendly team will be there to assist.
Send a cheque to our head office at Smithills Estate Appeal, Woodland Trust, Kempton Way, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 6LL. Please make cheques payable to the Woodland Trust.
