Detailed plans are being crafted to create more than three hundred hectares of new woodland in Staffordshire – which will make it the largest newly-planted forest in England in the last 20 years.
The site in Abbots Bromley could fit around 750 football pitches within it and Forestry England says it will be called Bagots Park Wood.
Bagots Park Wood from above 1 & 2Gate into Bagots Park Wood
It is hoped it will connect vital habitats already supporting animal species and plants such as the spotted marsh orchid.
It will also aim to improve the habitats of other wildlife including badgers, bats, newts and birds.
Paddy Harrop, central director of Forestry England, said: “Creating a woodland on this scale is a rare and exciting moment for us.
“It’s not since before 2005 that we’ve had an opportunity on this scale, and this project represents a major investment in the future of Staffordshire’s natural landscapes.
“Local people can look forward to spending time in this new woodland which will be a lasting natural asset for generations.”
Forestry England is now beginning its detailed planning and will work closely with communities and organisations as proposals take shape.
Draft designs will be shared later this year as part of a public consultation to help residents shape how the new woodland grows.
Using extensive site surveys and climate science, Forestry England says it will plant a mix of carefully selected tree species and weave open spaces throughout the site.
It says this approach will create a “mosaic of habitats able to adapt and thrive in a rapidly-changing climate”.
As the woodland grows, it will also lock up carbon, support wildlife and eventually contribute to a sustainable timber supply as part of the UK’s green economy.
Once the new woodland is established, Forestry England will open up a total of more than 600 hectares of woodland for local people to explore. This will include Bagots Park Wood, as well as over 300 hectares of additional land at the neighbouring Bagot Forest, which is already managed by Forestry England but has not previously been open to the public. With access to both sites, local people will be able to explore new and mature woodland side by side.
The project is funded through the government’s Nature for Climate Fund and forms part of Forestry England’s wider programme to create new, climate-resilient woodlands across the country. Since 2021 they have planted more than 2 million trees across 17 new woodlands covering more than 1,140 hectares. Each woodland is designed to withstand the threats from climate change, pests and diseases, and biodiversity collapse so they flourish in the future.
Sir Winston’s grandson, Lord Soames of Fletching said its removal was a “wicked thing to do” and questioned why access could not have been moved to accommodate the tree.
Campaigners have lost their fight to prevent the felling of a tree planted to commemorate the death of wartime Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill.
In the village of about 600 people campaigners had amassed more than 58,000 signatures on a petition to save the “Sir Winston” oak.
Despite a number of alternative suggestions for entrances to the site, including making a roundabout with the tree in the middle, Cossington Parish Council was told it would be felled “by the end of February”.
The oak, planted in memory of the famous politician, was removed on Friday to create an entrance to a new housing development in Cossington in Leicestershire.
The Reverend Dr John Yates and Jack Meadows, chairman of the parish council, at the planting in 1967
Villagers said they were devastated to see the tree, planted in 1967, cut down.
Developer Bellway said there was no alternative access to their 130-home development off Main Street.
Penny Weston-Webb
“I can’t bear to even see the site [of the tree],” said Penny Weston-Webb, 86, who was at the planting ceremony.
Weston-Webb, who cried after the tree was removed on Friday, said villagers had hoped to persuade the developer to spare the tree and find an alternative route into the estate.
“We have done everything to try to keep it. It’s such a shame to have lost a part of our village’s history. I am devastated, I really am,” she said.
Ms Weston-Webb added: “To a lot of people it was a memory of the Second World War. A lot of people from the village fought and we lost quite a few.”
Her father, Winston Martin, was blind in one eye, meaning the Army did not call him up for service during World War II.
Instead, he converted his hosiery factory to making parachutes for British troops to “do his bit”. “He would be horrified,” she said of the tree’s felling. “He loved the village.”
Villagers have been lobbying councils to save the tree since planning permission for the homes was approved in 2022.
Emma Crowe, clerk of Cossington Parish Council, said: “We are all very saddened.
“The tree was a highlight in the village.”
Crowe said the tree’s trunk had been salvaged and there were plans to sculpt it in a theme connected to Churchill with the resulting work of art then displayed somewhere in the village.
Villager Ian Bott, who was 10 when the tree was planted by then parish council chairman Jack Meadows, said he went down to watch the tree being removed.
“It was not a good day for me and it is a very sad time,” he said.
A sapling has been grown from one of the Winston Churchill tree acorns, which villagers hope to replant in the village
Residents gathered sombrely on Friday morning to watch workers reduce the tree to a stump in a five-hour procedure.
Leicestershire County Council, which is now led by Reform UK, said the oak was not the subject of a tree preservation order. Its highways department approved the development plans, alongside Charnwood Borough Council.
‘No Alternative Access’ A sapling has already been grown from one of the specimen’s acorns and is to be planted nearby.
A spokesperson for the developer said: “Bellway is due to start work on a new development of 130 homes in Cossington in the coming weeks.
“The land was purchased with outline planning permission in place which required the removal of the oak tree at the entrance to the site, with the consent of Leicestershire County Council’s highways department.
“There was no alternative access point.
“Bellway has liaised with the parish council since purchasing the land and progressing through the final stages of planning.
“Following this, Bellway agreed to hand over the remains of the tree to the parish with the intention for a sculpture to be created.
“In addition, Bellway will plant a number of new trees on site as part of the landscaping plan for the development.”
Wood isn’t just a material to me… it’s alive memory made solid. A tree doesn’t rush. It listens while it grows. It feels everything… storms, drought, sunlight, soil, long winters, gentle seasons. And instead of reacting in fear, it adapts. Every year, it responds to life as it actually is, and that response becomes part of its body.
The rings are memory. Wide rings show years of ease and abundance. Tight rings show years of stress, cold, fire, and scarcity. Nothing is skipped. Nothing is erased. Even the hard years are honored. The tree learns how to survive without panic, how to bend without breaking, how to stay rooted when everything around it is changing. That wisdom becomes structure.
When a tree is cut, that memory doesn’t disappear. It stabilizes. The wood still carries the experience of patience, resilience, and balance. That’s why it feels the way it does to us. Wood calms the nervous system. It grounds us. It creates a sense of safety without saying a word. Our bodies recognize it… because it grew the way we are meant to live.
Most advanced worlds rely on materials that obey… metal, crystal, synthetics. Metal obeys. Crystal amplifies. Wood remembers. It doesn’t force energy. It harmonizes it. It relates instead of dominating.
Wood is a bridge material. Rooted below, reaching upward, standing in the middle as witness. That’s why it shows up at thresholds… homes, instruments, temples, cradles, doors, and crossings. Not because it’s primitive… but because it’s wise.
Earth is rich because it grows forests.
And when we remember that, stewardship replaces extraction… and living worlds are honored again.
This colossal Yew tree {Taxus baccata} stands in the churchyard of St Bartholemew’s in the Herefordshire village of Much Marcel, Ledbury. The village is easily accessible by road and is located in a picturesque part of the English countryside, near the Malvern Hills.
It is vast, held up by a collection of wooden props and more ornate iron poles. Her estimated age has been set at 1500 years old, with a girth of almost 31 feet! Perhaps the most striking aspect of the tree’s size though is that set of benches set up inside, it really is that big.
In 2006 work was carried out to remove as much dead wood as possible to give the Yew a chance at thriving through the 21st century and beyond, this operation yielded six tonnes of waste which took eight trailer-loads to dispose of. New growth is evident in all parts of this grand old dame so this was a job worth doing – Hugh Williams
Natalia Joanna
Revd Val Tait, Rector of the Cider Churches Benefice, explains: “We are honoured to see our lovely Yew included in this list of ancient trees, as part of the late ‘Queen’s Green Canopy’. {The Queen’s Green Canopy listed 70 Ancient Trees which were dedicated to Her Majesty in celebration of the Platinum Jubileein 2022}.
The tree was featured some years ago in the BBC series “Meetings with Remarkable Trees” and has been praised by arboreal experts form Kew Gardens.
Lorne Wilden
The tree receives many visitors through all seasons of the year. As well as those who come specifically to seek it out for its history and importance as an ancient tree. It is especially popular for wedding couples to have a photograph seated together within its hollow, after their marriage in the Church. Walkers and cyclists find it a peaceful place for a rest with their refreshments.”
HISTORY
Grid ref: SO65703273
A 13th century church, with a tree even older. The well known Yew grows on the south side. One month after the Coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in June 1953 the Reverend Graham Holly and Ernle Kyrle Pope of Homme House measured the girth of the tree. According to one Visitors’ Book for that year, at the height of 4 feet 6 inches from ground level, the girth was 30 feet and 1 inch. As mentioned above in 2006 the tree was again measured. At the same height from ground level, the girth had increased to 30 feet and 11 inches.
The Parochial Church Council have a certificate stating that the tree is at least 1500 years old.
Yews have long been associated with churchyards in Britain, particularly because of their symbolic links to eternity and immortality. In ancient times, they were considered sacred, with some yews believed to have been planted on the sites of pre-Christian pagan worship. In the case of the Much Marcle Yew, it is thought that the tree could have been standing long before Christianity took root in England, and may have been a focal point for spiritual activities.
The yew tree’s extraordinary age means it has been a silent witness to much of Britain’s history.
Beyond its symbolic and historical significance, the Much Marcle Yew is also ecologically important. Yews are long-living trees, and their resilience makes them a key feature in Britain’s ancient landscapes. The tree supports a diverse ecosystem, providing habitat for various species of wildlife, and its hardy nature exemplifies the yew’s importance in both cultural and environmental heritage – Kate Burton, Atlas Obscura, October 2024
“Building resilient forests for the future isn’t something that happens overnight – it’s a journey we’ve been on for more than 15 years.
As the climate changes and new pests and diseases emerge, we knew traditional forestry methods wouldn’t be enough. So, we pioneered a new approach: experimenting with innovative harvesting techniques, diverse planting strategies, and introducing tree species better suited to tomorrow’s conditions.
Today, you can see the results taking shape. We’re transforming Corsican Pine plantations into vibrant woodlands where no single species makes up more than 20% of the forest – creating healthier, more resilient ecosystems while maintaining continuous forest cover.
This work takes time – trees grow slowly, and every site has unique light, soil, and weather challenges. But we’re well on the way. Around Cannock Chase Forest, you’ll already spot species featured in the recently published “Forestry England’s Tree Species for the Future” list.
Our resilient forests mean thriving wildlife, sustainable home-grown timber, and landscapes that can adapt to a changing world. And we’re proud to lead the way”.
The 12 Days of Yule, often referred to as Yule or Yuletide, is a rich and vibrant festive season celebrated across various cultures, particularly in Northern Europe. This period traditionally spans from the winter solstice, which occurs around December 21st, to the beginning of January, encompassing a wide array of customs, rituals, and traditions that reflect the joyous spirit of the season. Each day of Yule holds its own unique significance, contributing to the overarching themes of rebirth, light, and community.
Below is an overview of each day and its associated customs, beliefs, and practices
Day 1: Winter Solstice (Yule)
The Not So Innocents Abroad by WallyMy Olde Country Home fb page
The first day of Yule coincides with the winter solstice, known as Yule itself, which marks the longest night of the year. This pivotal moment in the seasonal cycle symbolises the rebirth of the sun, as from this point forward, the days gradually begin to lengthen. Celebrations on this day often involve lighting candles, bonfires, and hearth fires, serving as powerful symbols of the return of light and warmth. Many people engage in rituals that honour the sun and express gratitude for its return, creating a sense of hope and renewal.
Day 2: Yule Blessing
Plentiful Earth
The second day is dedicated to Yule blessings, a time for families and friends to come together and express gratitude for the past year. It is customary for individuals to share their hopes, dreams, and intentions for the upcoming year, fostering an atmosphere of positivity and support. This day may involve special prayers or blessings, as well as the creation of a Yule altar adorned with symbols of abundance and prosperity, reinforcing the importance of community and connection.
Day 3: Feast of Yule
Norse Tradesman
On the third day, families typically gather for a grand Feast of Yule, which is a celebration filled with joy and abundance. This feast often features a variety of seasonal foods, such as roasted meats, root vegetables, and festive desserts, reflecting the bounty of the winter harvest. Traditional dishes that have been passed down through generations are often served, creating a sense of nostalgia and continuity. As families share this meal, stories and laughter abound, strengthening bonds and creating lasting memories.
Day 4: Gift Giving
The Not So Innocents Abroad by Wally
The fourth day is a cherished time for gift-giving, a practice steeped in history and tradition. Exchanging gifts symbolizes goodwill, generosity, and the spirit of giving, which can be traced back to ancient customs where offerings were made to deities or shared among community members during the winter months. This day encourages people to think of others and to express their affection and appreciation through thoughtful presents, fostering a sense of joy and connection among family and friends.
Day 5: Yule Tree Decoration
The Not So Innocents Abroad by Wally
On the fifth day, families partake in the delightful tradition of decorating the Yule tree. Evergreen trees, symbolizing life and resilience amidst the harshness of winter, are adorned with a variety of ornaments, lights, and natural elements such as pinecones and berries. This activity is often a joyful family affair, with everyone contributing their creativity and personal touches. The decorated tree serves as a focal point of the home, radiating warmth and cheer radiating warmth and cheer throughout the festive season.
Day 6: Yule Traditions
Jessica Mose
The sixth day is dedicated to engaging in various Yule traditions that have been cherished over the years.
This may include singing carols that celebrate the season, sharing stories that reflect the spirit of Yule, and participating in community events that foster togetherness. Many communities organise gatherings, fairs, or markets where people can come together to enjoy food, crafts, and entertainment, reinforcing the sense of belonging and shared celebration.
Day 7: Honouring Ancestors
Day seven is a poignant day of honouring ancestors, a time to remember those who came before us and to reflect on family heritage. This may involve rituals such as lighting candles in their memory, making offerings, or sharing stories that celebrate their lives and contributions.
By acknowledging and honouring ancestors, families strengthen their connections to the past and instill a sense of identity and continuity for future generations.
Day 8: Nature Appreciation
Yana DyhanaArtist Unknown
The eighth day is dedicated to nature appreciation, encouraging individuals and families to spend time outdoors, marveling at the beauty of the winter landscape. Activities may include taking peaceful walks in the snow, observing winter wildlife, or simply enjoying the tranquility of nature. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of connecting with the natural world, fostering a sense of gratitude for the earth and its cycles, even during the coldest months.
Day 9: Reflection and Meditation
Layla Morgan Wilde
On the ninth day, individuals set aside time for personal reflection and meditation. This day is dedicated to introspection, allowing people to contemplate their experiences from the past year and to set intentions for the new year ahead. Many choose to engage in mindfulness practices, journaling, or quiet contemplation, creating a space for personal growth and renewal. This emphasis on self-awareness and intention-setting can lead to a more purposeful and fulfilling year.
Day 10: Community Service
Rebecca Swanner
The tenth day is a call to action, encouraging individuals to engage in community service and acts of kindness. This may involve volunteering at local shelters, donating to food banks, or helping neighbours in need. By giving back to the community, individuals embody the spirit of generosity and compassion that is central to the Yule season. This day emphasises the importance of supporting one another, especially during the winter months when many may struggle.
Day 11: Family and Friends Gathering
Rebecca Swanner
The eleventh day is all about gathering with family and friends to celebrate the season together. This day is filled with warmth, laughter, and storytelling, as loved ones come together to share their experiences and create lasting memories. Many families host open houses or parties, where the joy of togetherness is celebrated through food, games, and shared traditions, reinforcing the bonds of love and friendship that enrich our lives.
Day 12: New Year’s Eve
Jean McCurdy Meade
The final day of Yule culminates in the celebration of New Year’s Eve, often marked by festivities that include fireworks, parties, and various cultural rituals to welcome the new year with joy and hope. People reflect on the past year while looking forward to new beginnings, often making resolutions or setting goals for the year ahead. This day for the year ahead. This day encapsulates the spirit of Yule, celebrating renewal, community, and the promise of brighter days to come.
While the specific customs and significance of each day may vary across different cultures and regions, the overarching themes of community, gratitude, and the return of light during the darkest time of the year remain universal.
The 12 Days of Yule serve as a meaningful reminder of the importance and significance of each day may vary across different cultures and regions, the overarching themes of community, gratitude, and the return of light during the darkest time of the year remain universal. It also serves as a meaningful reminder of the importance of connection, reflection, and celebration as we transition into a new year filled with possibilities.
During midwinter celebrations such as Yule holly was brought indoors not merely as decoration but as a sacred allv. Its presence honoured the continuitv of life, the promise of the sun’s return, and the protective forces needed to endure the harsh season. In pagan symbolism, holly is not a plant of softness or abundance, but one of discipline, guardianship, and quiet power–an evergreen reminder that life persists even in darkness
‘Lowarnes’ has landed at The Lost Gardens of Heligan in Redruth, Cornwall — a six-metre {19.7 feet} vixen fox that leaps through the Georgian Ride Woodland.
It is crafted from 600 pieces of russet wood reclaimed from a 150-year-old rhododendron tree felled by Storm Darragh on the estate in December 2024.
It was sculpted by Sue and Pete Hill with Hal Silvester, she honours Heligan’s wild heart and poetic soul. Sue and Pete are also the artists behind the beloved Mud Maid and Giant’s Head
Laura Smit-Chesterfield, director of visitor experience at the gardens, said the sculpture was “a glorious celebration of Heligan’s wildlife”.
The tree predated World War One, a spokesperson said.
As the wood ages, it is expected to fade to a lighter, silvery tone, reflecting the change in a real vixen’s fur after she has become a mother.
The sculpture is accompanied by a collection of Heligan-inspired poetry from poet laureate Simon Armitage, with both works “highlighting and celebrating the wildlife who make Heligan their home”.
Ms Hill said Armitage’s poem, Den, “speaks so powerfully of the wild, feral nature of foxes”.
She said a photograph of a pouncing fox taken on the Heligan estate by Andy Wilson was the artists’ “core inspiration”.
“Lowarnes has her gaze set on you as her prey,” she added.
In celtic pagan mythology, the year is seen as a battle between two figures. The Oak King who rules the light half of the year, Summer and the Holly King who rules the dark half of the year Winter.
The Holly King is defeated by the Oak King at the Summer Solstice and the Holly King takes back the throne at the Winter Solstice, Yule. This represents the sun’s rebirth and the slow return of the light. Holly’s prickly, thorny leaves were believed to repel malevolent spirits, mischievous fairies, and bad luck. Bringing it into the home, was a way to fortify the house against winter hardship and dark forces. Placing holly near doors and windows was a common practice for household protection. Holly is often associated with the masculine principle, while Ivy is associated with the feminine. Together in a wreath, they symbolize the union of the sexes and the balance of nature. Despite it’s protective qualities for humans, tradition holds that fairies would take shelter in holly bushes during the harsh winter. Bringing Holly into the home was also a way to share warmth with the nature spirits. Holly was sometimes used to induce prophetic dreams. If a person wished to dream of their future love, they might place a sprig of Holly under their pillow. Holly’s enduring green color and vibrant red berries in the midst of winter darkness, made it a powerful symbol of everlasting life and the promise that the sun would always return.
Tree Weaver 