Heartwood Forest, in the Heart of Hertfordshire

Situated in Sandridge, just 2.5 miles north of St. Albans, is the Woodland Trust’s Heartwood Forest – nearly one thousand acres of lush woodland, with its pretty flowered floor during the spring and summer months.

The Woodland Trust’s vision is for a UK which is rich in woods and trees, enjoyed and valued by everyone. The Trust aims to create new native woodland with the help of communities, schools, organisations and individuals, protecting ancient woods, restoring those which are damaged, and fighting for those under threat.

Described as one of their most exciting woodland-creation projects, Heartwood Forest is being transformed into the largest new native forest in England, with four small remnants of ancient woodland being linked by new woodland, thus increasing valuable habitats for wildlife.

More than 300,000 trees have been planted since 2009, with the same amount planned over the next few years. There are tree-planting days where anyone can join in with the planting, and volunteering opportunities where you can learn new skills, get active, and become part of a team.

The forest has a network of paths, which are public footpaths and bridleways, so the woodland can be explored by foot, bike or horse.  The site is easy to get to by car, and you can drive into the nearby car park, which is free to use.

One of the woodland’s stunning features is the beautiful forest floor of bluebells in the spring. Covering the woodland floor like a great blue blanket, it is a sight to behold! There are also a number of rare butterflies who have made the forest their home - great for the enthusiast or the amateur, to try to spot as you wander the paths. With wildlife, great views, and events throughout the year, it really is a great place to visit.