10 forests and woodlands to visit

Forests are the lifeblood of the planet, fact. To mark International Day of Forests this month, HOLLY LOUISE EELLS shares some of our top wooded spots to visit

1. BLACKDOWN HILLS

Forestry England manages and cares for the nation’s 1,500 woods and forests, including the Blackdown Hills. It boasts an impressive collection of forests located across the SomersetDevon border. Breathtaking panoramic views, miles of forested walk-ways, ancient monuments, varied habitats, and spectacular wildlife, it does not come as a surprise it has been characterised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’

2. DOMMETT WOOD

Predominantly beech and oak, the mature woodland of Somerset Wildlife Trust’s Dom-mett Wood has some impressively large and ancient trees to show off and it is also the site of one of the Trust’s largest replanting projects too. For example, did you know in 2005, 2.5 hectares of wildlife unfriendly conifers were felled and replaced with native broadleaved species?

3. ST AUDRIES (DEERPARK)

If you are looking for a hidden gem, visit St Audries. The small woodland is managed sustainably for timber, but a side effect of the work is that recently cleared forest areas attract the elusive nightjar.

4. EAST HARPTREE