Forestry England's new national membership welcomes more people to the nation’s forests
Forestry England is offering the chance for people to explore the beauty of the nation’s forests and support their future with a new, national annual membership which launches today. Becoming a national member lets visitors show their love for the nation’s forests and the desire to enjoy them as much as they like. Benefits include free car parking at many of the forests with great facilities for a wonderful experience, including visitor centres; walking, cycling and art trails; play equipment and cafes.
By paying once a year for membership, visitors can explore forests and woodlands close to home as often as they like all year round and use it to have adventures further afield when staying in other parts of the country. Members can register up to two cars when they join, and bring family or friends each time they visit giving the chance for shared time and fun with loved ones.
With over 1,500 forests and woodlands across England in its care, which saw 363 million visits last year, the new membership scheme is one way Forestry England is welcoming more people to discover and enjoy these special places.
Katy David, Forestry England Head of Supporter Development, said;
“Spending time in forests and woodlands gives all of us a wonderful way to connect with nature and boost our health and wellbeing, and we welcome everyone to experience these benefits for themselves and start their own forest adventures.
"The nation’s forests are a living treasure for us all and among the most popular natural spaces in the country. National members have the perfect chance to visit forests they’ve always wanted to explore and share a whole day out with family or friends, paying once a year for adventures in every season.
“We are thrilled to launch our national membership giving people a new way to enjoy exceptional value on great days out at beautiful woodlands across the country and forests and support our work."
As well as supporting over 1,500 forests and woodlands across England, members get free parking where parking charges apply, as well as other benefits including a regular newsletter with exclusive content and offers, including advanced tickets to their Forest Live summer concerts. Membership is also a great way to support the future of the nation’s forests and Forestry England’s critical work ensuring they are places where wildlife can thrive, and they remain an important source of sustainably grown timber contributing to a green economy.
People can buy Forestry England national membership, which costs £94 per year per household, by visiting the website or any Forestry England visitor centre. Memberships support the care of forests and woodlands to ensure they flourish beyond our lifetimes and remain great places to enjoy. National membership runs alongside Forestry England local membership which is aimed at people who like to visit only a specific, usually local, forest.
For more information about Forestry England and how to become a member please visit the Forestry England website.
Notes to editor
- Forestry England manages and cares for the nation’s 1,500 woods and forests, with over 363 million visits per year. As England’s largest land manager, we shape landscapes and enhance forests for people to enjoy, wildlife to flourish and businesses to grow. We are continuing the work we have already started to make the nation’s forests resilient to climate change and by 2026 we will:
- create at least 6,000 more hectares where we integrate wilding activities in our productive forests.
- increase the diversity of visitors to the nation’s forests and have one million hours of high-quality volunteer time given to the nation’s forests.
- plant at least 2,000 hectares of new, high quality, predominantly broadleaf woodlands
For more information visit forestryengland.uk. Forestry England is an agency of the Forestry Commission.
- To ensure forests are well looked after with good visitor facilities, visitors have to pay to park at some Forestry England sites across the country. National members will not be charged for car parking at these forests. Forestry England Westonbirt, The National Arboretum in Gloucestershire has special access restrictions for national members. An arrangement with this site enables members to enjoy a one-day ‘family pass’ to visit the arboretum during each membership year. National members will receive a beautiful welcome pack, a map and a seasonal calendar setting out what’s on offer and recommending visiting highlights across the nation’s forests.
Media Contact:
Naomi Fuller, Media Relations Officer | media@forestryengland.uk |T: 07825 255618|