The Forest Guide England

Last week I was excited to receive the first printed copy of The Forest Guide: England. It is particularly pleasing for me as it marks the end of a sustained writing project and a long-held ambition to write a triptych of useful guidebooks featuring more than 1000 copses, woodlands and forests that anyone can visit and enjoy across Britain.

“Woods for everyone, everywhere: plantations, wild woods, parkland; conifers, broadleaves; remote country, inner cities. Enjoy!”

George Peterken, from the backcover of The Forest Guide England.

From the back cover:

A guide to exploring 380 of the most scenic, wildlife-rich and historically significant woodlands in England.

From precious remnants of temperate rainforests to lesser-known wildwoods and urban copses, English woodlands offer places of sanctuary for both wildlife and people.

In this practical guide, woodland expert Gabriel Hemery brings together the beauty, purpose, history and wildlife of some of the most extraordinary woodland sites in England, from the largest (covering thousands of hectares) to the smallest copse of just a handful of trees and everything in-between. Some woods are havens for rare and reintroduced wildlife such as hazel dormouse, wild boar and pine marten. Others offer opportunities to explore archaeological features and discover England’s hidden histories.

The book is divided into eight regions, each beginning with a summary of its woodland heritage. The 380 site entries contain details of ownership, designation, area, forest type, precise access details (including grid reference, post code and what3words reference) and a description of key features of interest. With clear maps and hundreds of remarkable photographs showcasing England’s plants, animals and landscapes, this is an essential book for adventurers, ramblers and wildlife enthusiasts. Wherever you may be in England, with this guide you will never be far from a fascinating forest site.

The Forest Guide: England is published by Bloomsbury and is available from January 2026. Preorder from any good bookshop or purchase a signed copy direct from me.