Forestry England

Forestry England is the country’s largest land manager and the fourth largest in the Lake District National Park. For over 100 years we have been growing, shaping and caring for more than 1,500 of the nation’s forests for the benefit and enjoyment of all – for this generation and the next.

As Strategic Partners of Cumbria Tourism we are keen to work closely and support the visitor economy whilst providing sanctuaries for both people and wildlife through creating habitats and restoring natural processes.

Within Cumbria we manage two main forests for recreation, Grizedale and Whinlatter, as well as many smaller woodlands including rewilding projects in Ennerdale as part of the Wild Ennerdale partnership and at Hardknott alongside the University of Leeds.

Our forests are fantastic places to return to nature, with miles of waymarked trails waiting to be explored. Those looking for an adrenaline fix are spoilt for choice, with Whinlatter offering the longest purpose-built mountain bike trails in the national park, with popular trails also at Grizedale.

Grizedale is the UK’s first forest for sculpture, with over 50 unique artworks from some of the country’s leading artists. The visitor centre gallery hosts a wide range of exhibitions designed to make visitors stop, think and consider.

At Grizedale and Whinlatter we also work with partners to provide a comprehensive visitor offer, including treetop adventure (Go Ape), cycle hire (Cyclewise Whinlatter and Biketreks Grizedale) and catering (Café Ambio), as well as many other businesses providing everything from forest alpaca walks to yoga and forest bathing.