
The Forest Guide: England
Copses, Woods and Forests of England
Gabriel Hemery(Author)
Bloomsbury Wildlife (Publisher)
Will be published approx. on 15. January 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
336 pages
978-1-3994-0906-3 (ISBN)
Description
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 wildlife such as hazel dormouse, and reintroductions including 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 regional 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.
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 wildlife such as hazel dormouse, and reintroductions including 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 regional 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.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Illustrations
200 colour photographs, and maps for every region
Dimensions
Height: 232 mm
Width: 157 mm
Thickness: 20 mm
Weight
734 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-3994-0906-3 (9781399409063)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
01/2026
1st Edition
Bloomsbury Wildlife
€27.49
Not yet available

E-Book
01/2026
1st Edition
Bloomsbury Wildlife
€27.49
Available for download
Person
Gabriel Hemery is a writer, photographer and passionate advocate for trees. His tree photography has adorned books and international advertising campaigns. A forest scientist and chartered forester by profession, Gabriel co-founded Sylva Foundation to help nurture a wood culture across Britain. He has written several fiction and non-fiction books, including The New Sylva and The Forest Guide series.
www.gabrielhemery.com / @gabrielhemery
www.gabrielhemery.com / @gabrielhemery
Content
England's Forests
How to Use This Guide
Access to Forests
Keeping Safe
North-West (Sites 1-46)
North-East (Sites 47-77)
Yorkshire & The Humber (Sites 78-109)
West Midlands (Sites 110-148)
East Midlands (Sites 149-185)
East (Sites 186-227)
South-West (Sites 228-297)
South-East (Sites 298-380)
Site Designations
Glossary
Useful Information
Further Reading
Regional Maps
Index
Acknowledgements
How to Use This Guide
Access to Forests
Keeping Safe
North-West (Sites 1-46)
North-East (Sites 47-77)
Yorkshire & The Humber (Sites 78-109)
West Midlands (Sites 110-148)
East Midlands (Sites 149-185)
East (Sites 186-227)
South-West (Sites 228-297)
South-East (Sites 298-380)
Site Designations
Glossary
Useful Information
Further Reading
Regional Maps
Index
Acknowledgements