Credit: iStock.com
Boosting wildlife
We hope this transformation will significantly increase the number and range of wildlife. There is already evidence of badgers and water voles, and surveys show more than 40 types of bird and five bat species.
Mead appeal, Derbyshire
With your help we can achieve our vision for Derbyshire's Young People's Forest and begin to realise its amazing potential.
Picture the scene – a former opencast mine transformed into a haven for wildlife and people.
Almost 1.3 million people live within 20 minutes’ drive of the Mead site, in Heanor, Derbyshire, where our Young People’s Forest will take shape.
Our vision for Mead
Did you know?
There is already a fantastic network of paths installed at Mead.
Transforming the landscape
Known to have belonged to the Vikings over 1,000 years ago, the site has changed hands many times since. After beginning in the 18th century, coal mining only ended here in 2015. The scarred landscape has been restored to farmland with paths, fencing and the occasional pond, but though it’s now a green and pleasant contrast to its past appearance, the former mine is barren with low ecological value.
This blank canvas has much more to offer people and wildlife. Now that we own the whole site, we’ll plant more than 250,000 trees to create thriving new woodland, fringed with hedgerows and scattered with biodiverse ponds, open spaces and swathes of glorious species-rich grassland.
Credit: WTML
Connecting habitats
Connected with neighbouring Shipley Country Park and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust’s Woodside Farm, visitors could enjoy more than 500 hectares of wildlife friendly and publicly accessible land.
Empowering children and young people
The Young People’s Forest is a fantastic opportunity to inspire the younger generation on a massive scale. We want children and young people to really engage with the project and feel that the wood is truly theirs.
This special place will become a giant outdoor classroom for children and young people aged 10-20. They’ll be involved right from the start, planting trees, learning about nature and designing, delivering and taking part in activities. It will be life changing.
Visit for yourself
You can help
We’re delighted to have raised sufficient funds to secure the entire site in to Woodland Trust ownership.
We have received fantastic support from Pears Foundation, the Pears #iwill Fund, the Veolia Environmental Trust and Biffa Award, as well as Nationwide Building Society and a gift left by a Trust supporter in their will. This funding has helped the project get off to a flying start. Local members and supporters have also played a crucial part.
But to totally fulfil our vision in the long term, creating vibrant habitats and engaging young people every step of the way, we will still need to raise around £631,000.
Donate to the appeal
Whatever you choose to give, donating online is secure, quick and cost effective, so more money goes directly towards achieving our vision for this important site.