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Willesley Wood was one of the first woodlands created during the development phase of the National Forest. In 1991, it was chosen for the ceremonial planting of the project’s first tree by Michael Heseltine, who was then the Secretary of State for Environment.
Where was the first tree planted at the very beginning of the new National Forest? Many believe the spade was first plunged into the soil and a sapling planted at Willesley Wood, now an area at the heart of the National Forest.
Willesley Wood is part of the Leicestershire Coalfield area having a history of deep and open cast mining activity the latter ceasing in 1943 at Willesley when the land was then returned to agriculture.
Willesley Wood was the first site within the National Forest to be planted with trees over 25 years ago. This beautiful wood is now contains a mosaic of maturing woodland, flower meadows and wetland. The neighbouring Oakthorpe Picnic Site contains a mixture of habitats including woodland, semi improved grassland and wildflower areas.
That was nearly half a century ago and the wood is now a fascinating mosaic of maturing woodland, flower meadow and wetland; and home to a vast range of flora and fauna. Set in the heart of the National Forest, Willesley Wood is a jewel of a wood.
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- Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire, England
About Willesley Wood. Michael Heseltine planted the first tree in the development phase of the National Forest at this 42ha Woodland Trust site near Ashby in 1991. Young trees, mature woodland, meadow, reedbeds, lake and stream provide a range of habitats for birds, butterflies and mammals.
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Jan 22, 2024 · The ancient parish of Willesley, sitting between Ashby and Donisthorpe, consists of a collection of farms centred around the site of Willesley Hall, which was demolished in the 1950s, and the 14th century church which still stands on the site and is now the Leicestershire and Rutland Scout Camp.
