This site was produced by: LOCAL AUTHORITY PUBLISHING
Publishers for local authorities throughout Great Britain. View more Official Guides at www.officialguides.co.uk

The National Forest is one of the most ambitious environmental projects ever undertaken in this country, and Ashby is one of the four main towns within the National Forest boundary.

The National Forest is transforming parts of Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire, creating a better place to live, work and visit. Through the planting of 30 million trees the Forest will become a major recreation and tourism resource, create new woodlands and wildlife habitats; offer alternative uses of farmland and eventually contribute to national timber supplies. Almost 3 million trees have been planted and over 100 major new forest sites have been made accessible for people to enjoy. Nature reserves, cycle routes and trails have also been developed to conserve the environment and enable people to explore the country side easily.

"Conkers", the new Heart of the National Forest Visitor Centre at Moira is the focal point to the Forest, with exhibitions, woodland walks, a canopy walkway, outdoor amphitheatre, lakeside restaurant and an adventure play area. In 2001 the second stage of the development opened - The National Forest Millennium Discovery Centre. This consists of 130 acres of landscaped grounds, lakes and a large visitor centre with new interactive exhibitions explaining the role trees play in our everyday lives.

Whilst every care has been taken in compiling this publication and the statements contained herein are believed to be correct, the publishers and promoters cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies. Reproduction of any part of this publication in any format, without permission, is strictly forbidden.