The National Forest Walking Festival

27/06/2026

It's Swift Awareness Week from today, Saturday 27 June - Sunday 5 July. Check out the free walks that Derbyshire Wildlife Trust have going on to support these amazing birds.

Melbourne Swift Walk
A gentle stroll (approx. 1.2km with gentle inclines along pavements) around local swift nesting areas. Busy road crossings at start and finish. Suitable for all ages. Led by Richard Winspear and organised by the Derbyshire Ornithological Society.

Date/Time: 4 July, 7:30pm – 8:45pm
Location: Melbourne Market Place bus shelter (Grid Ref: SK386251), Melbourne
Booking Info: Free event, no booking required. Contact Richard Winspear on 07908 025121.

https://www.derbyshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/events/2026-06-27-swift-awareness-week-events

Celebrate Derbyshire’s swifts this June and July! Join free local walks and talks to spot these amazing birds and help support them.

13/06/2026

The Repton Festival is drawing closer (3-5 July). Delve into the rich Anglo-Saxon history of the area with an immersive walking tour led by Andy Austen.

Please not there is a ticket charge of £10.
This walk is not suitable wheelchairs due to steps on route.

Explore the whole festival programme here: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/167baca104.html

30/05/2026

Heart of the Forest Trail: two circular routes around Moira Furnace, 4.5 - 10 miles (7.2 - 16km)

Learn about the regeneration of Moira Furnace on either or both of these 2.5 - 5hr routes.

The Northern Circuit leads you from Moira Furnace to Albert Village Lake, and Bath Yard Basin.
Alternatively, the Southern Circuit takes you around Hicks Lodge, Thortit Pitt, and Donisthorpe Colliery.

Uneven surface and mostly traffic-free.
https://www.visitsouthderbyshire.co.uk/route/moira/heart-of-the-forest-trail/

28/05/2026

Tomorrow is your last chance to join in with this year's festival!
If you have your Friday afternoon off work, why not make the most of the sunshine? Spend three hours learning about Measham's wildlife from the The National Forest's very own experts.

Check out the events below.
Link to our brochure: https://www.visitsouthderbyshire.co.uk/.../the-national.../
Please note you are advised to confirm details before travelling. All information is believed to be correct at the time of print.

27/05/2026

It's busy tomorrow! Dive into the history of Britain's renowned brewing capital, Burton-on-Trent. 🍺
In Leicestershire, follow the National Forest Way through Bradgate park on a 5 mile (8km) walk.

Check out the events below.
Link to our brochure:https://www.nationalforest.org/.../NatForWalkFest%202026.pdf
Please note you are advised to confirm details before travelling. All information is believed to be correct at the time of print.

26/05/2026

If you're looking for longer routes, there's plenty of opportunity this Wednesday. Explore Leicestershire on a 7 mile (11.3km) route through Donnington and Sence Valley, or check out Swannington's historical landmarks in a 6 mile (9.6km) route, followed by a delicious pub lunch.

If you are looking for a stile-free routes, enjoy a guided wildlife walk around Albert Village Lake with expert ranger Tom. Uncover the plethora of local wildlife hidden in plain sight. 🔍

Check out the events below.
Link to our brochure: https://www.visitsouthderbyshire.co.uk/place/swadlincote/the-national-forest-walking-festival/
Please note you are advised to confirm details before travelling. All information is believed to be correct at the time of print.

25/05/2026

We've got more opportunities to learn about foraging and folklore coming up this Tuesday. Or join qualified walking leaders to explore the local area on a free and friendly route around Church Gresley and Swadlincote.

https://thenationalforestwalkingfestival.org.uk/

Check out the events below.
Link to our brochure:https://www.nationalforest.org/.../NatForWalkFest%202026.pdf
Please note you are advised to confirm details before travelling. All information is believed to be correct at the time of print.

24/05/2026

Tomorrow is your opportunity to enjoy the sunshine that we've been waiting for as you explore Swannington's ancient green lanes and local history.
Alternatively, if you are looking for a stile free, leisurely walk, check out the National Memorial Arboretum's walk or Get Active's Nordic walking opportunity.

Check out the events below.

Link to our brochure:https://www.nationalforest.org/.../NatForWalkFest%202026.pdf
Please note you are advised to confirm details before travelling. All information is believed to be correct at the time of print.

23/05/2026

In light of the recent weather warnings, we advise anyone looking to participate in the Walking Festival to confirm details with the event organisers.⚠️

The UK Health Security Agency has issued its first amber heat alert of 2026, warning that high temperatures over the coming days may put vulnerable people at increased risk. The current alert in place for the East Midlands was escalated to amber from 2pm on Friday 22 May and will remain in place until 5pm on Wednesday 27 May.

There are simple steps you can take to keep yourself and others safe during periods of hot weather, such as:
- keeping your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun
- keep out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm
- if you are going to do a physical activity (for example, walking the dog), try to do these during a cooler time of day, such as the morning or evening
- knowing the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them.

Heat exhaustion happens when the body overheats and loses too much water and salt and symptoms include dizziness, headaches, excessive sweating and being very thirsty. For more information about helping someone with heatstroke, please visit the NHS website here: https://orlo.uk/Heat-Exhaustion-Heatstroke_s4GHV

22/05/2026

Get ready for the final weekend of the National Forest Walking Festival! Discover and celebrate the life of suffragette Hannah Mitchel and uncover the intertwined history of the women's rights and climate movements.
Alternatively, learn about local folklore and history as you cross the Dunstall Estate and Tatenhill Common.
Check out the events below.
https://thenationalforestwalkingfestival.org.uk/
Link to our brochure:https://www.nationalforest.org/.../NatForWalkFest%202026.pdf
Please note you are advised to confirm details before travelling. All information is believed to be correct at the time of print.