National Woodlands brings neglected land, woodland restoration, responsible leisure, education, heritage and community stewardship together — so green spaces can be loved, used and protected for public benefit.
"Woodland and community green space are best protected when people value them, understand them and feel connected to them. Our job is to make that connection happen."
Across England and Wales, parcels of land lie neglected, disputed, unused or inaccessible. Some have simply fallen out of use. Others have become overgrown, derelict or forgotten. Some carry no obvious owner. Many have real value — to local people, to wildlife, to community memory — but no one is taking care of them.
National Woodlands exists to change that. We identify land of community value, work with owners, public bodies, councils and other stakeholders, and bring it back into beneficial use — as restored woodland, nature reserves, quiet recreational green space, or places for education and community life.
We do this lawfully, transparently and carefully — one site at a time.
Every site we work with benefits from all four of these principles working together.
We identify neglected, disputed, unused or derelict land and work constructively with all parties to bring it back into community benefit.
Learn moreWe restore woodland, plant trees at scale, improve habitats, protect biodiversity and create long-term stewardship plans for every site.
Learn moreWe create and manage responsible public access for quiet recreation, family visits, walking and community enjoyment — where appropriate and sustainable.
Learn moreWe support outdoor learning, school visits, wellbeing walks, heritage discovery and community programmes that connect people with woodland.
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There is a common assumption that woodland should be locked away from people — fenced off, undisturbed, left to nature. National Woodlands takes a different view.
Woodland that is loved is woodland that is protected. Communities that use green space will defend it, fund it and fight for it. Children who have learned in a wood will grow into adults who value one. Volunteers who have planted a tree will care about what grows.
Conservation and community are not opposites. Used responsibly, human connection is one of the most powerful tools we have for protecting the natural world.
National Woodlands is the trading name of NATIONAL WOODLANDS ORG CIC — a Community Interest Company registered in England and Wales. The CIC structure means our work is legally required to deliver community benefit. We are not driven by profit or shareholder return.
Any surplus generated is reinvested directly into acquiring, restoring and managing more land and woodland for community benefit. That is not a promise — it is a legal obligation built into our constitution.
If National Woodlands makes a surplus, every penny is reinvested into acquiring, restoring, protecting and managing land and woodland for community benefit.
This is written into our CIC constitution — not just a commitment, but a legal requirement.
Struggling with neglected land? We can help explore options.
We work constructively with local authorities and public bodies.
Support land rescue, woodland creation and community green space.
Get involved in real practical work that makes a difference.
NATIONAL WOODLANDS ORG CIC is formally registered and ready to begin identifying and restoring land for community benefit.
Read moreOur team is beginning the careful, lawful process of investigating potential sites for restoration and community use.
Read moreWe are looking for people who care about their local green spaces and want to help make a practical difference.
Get involvedNational Woodlands is at the beginning of a long journey. We need communities, landowners, funders, councils, volunteers and partners to walk it with us.
