Trees, Forests & Woodlands in Leicestershire

Trees woods and hedgerows are important features of the Leicestershire landscape. Woods, especially those containing trees native to the area, are important and provide habitats for many animal, bird, plant and insect species.

Leicestershire County Council, in partnership with the Forestry Commission and other organisations, ensure that existing woodlands are safeguarded and managed in a sustainable manner. The planting of locally native species is particularly encouraged, especially where it would create and enhance wildlife habitats and areas where there has been a loss of hedgerows, trees and wooded areas.

The Council can offer advice and information on trees, woodland and tree-related issues to local organisations and the public. Where woodland/forests are on council owned land the local authority has a responsibility to maintain them in a way which is beneficial to the local environment and ensures public safety.

Some woodland provides walks along footpaths, picnic areas, car parks and other amenities, they also provide a pleasant environment in which to enjoy nature and improve healthy lifestyles.

The Council recognises the need for measures to protect and enhance the particular character of Charnwood Forest. Find out more about this and plans for the future of Charnwood Forest here.
See Charnwood Forest for more information.

The National Forest is 200 square miles of woodland in the heart of England, across parts of Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Staffordshire.
See The National Forest website for more information.

Leicestershire County Council run a Free Tree Scheme for farmers and rural landowners as part of Leicestershire County Council’s tree planting initiative. The scheme is aimed at replacing lost trees in rural areas of the county.
See Free Trees for more information.

Tree Preservation Orders are made to protect trees that contribute to the amenity of the area. The County Council manages 200 Orders that were made prior to 1974. Following this date the responsibility for making new Orders passed to the District Councils. Should you wish to carry out pruning works to a tree firstly contact your District Council Planning Department who will be able to tell you if the tree is protected by a District or County Order or is located within a Conservation Area.
See Tree Preservation Orders for more information

The Tree Management Strategy recognises the tree resource under the stewardship of the County Council and identifies a standard for its management which ensures its long-term conservation and development for the people of Leicestershire and future generations.
See Tree Management Strategy for more information.

The Landscape and Woodland Strategy provides guidelines for conserving and enhancing distinctive landscapes and expanding the woodland cover of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland in ways appropriate to each landscape character area.
See Landscape and Woodland Strategy for more information

A Feasibility Study for the Creation of Community Forest in the Central Leicestershire Area which was conducted during May 2006.
See Community Forest Study for more information.

Leicestershire Highways’ Forestry section is an approved contractor of the Arboricultural Association. Services available include hedge maintenance, tree management, tree felling, and landscaping. Services are provided on behalf of Leicestershire County Council and for businesses and private individuals.
See Commercial Forestry Services for more information.