Discover our innovative arts programme in a forest near you
Woodlands and forests are vital places for artists to engage with, to make and present new work. Since 1968 the nation’s forests have played host to a wide range of artworks and art forms.
Our programme supports artists, architects and designers to develop innovative ideas.
Contemporary arts in our forests include installations, trails, exhibitions and live performances. Explore the artworks and discover how the forest can shape our thinking. Find out more about the projects in our forests below.
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We the Forest book
Accompanied by specially commissioned illustrations, We the Forest draws on detailed Forestry England research and resources to bring to life the complexity of the forest ecosystem to young readers.
Discover the magic of forests in our stunning new book.
Into the Forest – A Climate-Sensitive Design Pilot
Into the Forest is a new Knowledge Exchange pilot developed in partnership with Forestry England, UAL Awarding Body, Central Saint Martins Forest School, and the University of the Arts London (UAL) Foundation Diploma in Art and Design.
Filmed at Forestry England Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest and the UAL School of Pre-degree Studies, the project brings climate-sensitive design into foundation-level education by immersing students directly in the forest environment.
Through a series of outdoor workshops led collaboratively by UAL tutors and Forestry England specialists, students engage with ecological knowledge, forest management practices and the material experience of the landscape. This learning is then carried back into the studio, informing new approaches to sustainable and environmentally aware creative practice.
Recognised by the UAL Awarding Body as a pilot initiative, Into the Forest demonstrates the value of cross-sector partnership and establishes a scalable model for climate-focused teaching across UAL-accredited Foundation courses nationwide.
A Room That Sings: A new immersive art installation coming soon to Dalby Forest
Dalby Forest has unveiled it's latest immersive art installation, A Room That Sings, created by renowned multimedia artist Nayan Kulkarni, with material created by artist Jez riley-French.
Since 2021, Nayan Kulkarni has been recording the forest’s diverse sounds, capturing noises from unexpected places — inside trees, fences, ant nests, and streams. These unique elements are woven into a soundscape that evolves over time. The composition reflects the organic rhythms of Dalby Forest, mixing real-world sounds with electronic elements.
Visitors are invited to step into A Room That Sings and immerse themselves into the Forest in a new way, offering a peaceful and thought-provoking retreat. The striking structure is made from Douglas Fir.
Designed by Kulkarni and funded by Arts Council England.
