Here at Forestry England we live and breathe forests. Not just the trees, but the wildlife and habitats that are found beneath the leafy canopies too. Our passionate teams use their knowledge and expertise to carefully manage all aspects of the nation's forests and to do what's needed to make a positive difference to the environment. Read on to discover some of our top conservation success stories from the nation's forests during 2024.
Peatland restoration project
This year was the final phase of our open habitat peatland restoration project. Peatlands are nature’s carbon storage banks, capturing and holding carbon from the atmosphere whilst also providing essential flood resilience.
By restoring these unique ecosystems, we’re not only tackling climate change but also creating habitats where biodiversity can flourish. This project is a testament to the power of natural solutions in addressing global challenges.
Ancient woodland restoration
Restoring ancient woodlands remains a cornerstone of our work. In 2024, we restored nearly 300 hectares of non-native woodland back to native species, making sure our forests remain resilient and rich in wildlife.
These restoration efforts are crucial for keeping our landscapes diverse and brimming with life, providing homes for everything from birds and bats to rare invertebrates and fungi.
Creating wilder forests
In 2024 we announced that we're transforming over 8,000 hectares across four distinct landscapes into wilder forests: Wild Kielder in Northumberland, Wild Newtondale in North Yorkshire, Wild Purbeck in Dorset, and Wild Neroche in Somerset. This transformation will allow natural processes to shape these areas and enhance their biodiversity.
Partnerships have been key in achieving our ambitions for these wild areas. At Wild Kielder, Forest Holidays became our first major biodiversity partner and they've already supported some innovative eDNA work. Most recently, Tesco have partnered with us to support the work to transform the landscape at Castle Neroche in Somerset.
Increasing pine marten numbers
This year we supported the reintroduction of pine martens to Grizedale Forest in Cumbria and to land in the Exmoor/Dartmoor region of the South West.
Once a common sight, these elusive creatures had disappeared from much of England. Now they're thriving once more, playing a key role in creating healthier, balanced ecosystems within our woodlands.
Beaver reintroduction in the Forest of Dean
The reintroduction of beavers to the Forest of Dean reached a major milestone in April 2024 when a family of six beavers was released into an enclosure in Wyre Forest.
We've been working across the country to bring the species back to the nation's forests. Following successful reintroductions in the Forest of Dean and Yorkshire, we teamed up with Natural England and experts at the Beaver Trust to bring beavers to the Wyre Forest National Nature Reserve.
Known as “nature’s engineers”, beavers transform their surroundings by building dams and creating ponds that improve water quality and provide habitats for many other species.
Progress with white-tailed eagles
The white-tailed eagles project has continued to gain momentum during 2024, with these majestic birds becoming an increasingly familiar sight in the skies over the Isle of Wight.
Through careful conservation efforts and public support, they are re-establishing their presence and helping to inspire a deeper connection to nature.
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