Events in the National Forest

We are working the National Forest by looking after beautiful green spaces and hosting regular events.

All events are free to attend, and volunteering sessions include full training, PPE, and refreshments. Book via the form below!

Upcoming events:

Photo of man wearing gloves with Himalayan balsam in woodland. Green text in white box at top, yellow and white text from middle down with logos at bottom.

Himalayan Balsam removal at Minorca Woods, Swadlincote

Himalayan Balsam is an invasive species that can grow up to 7 feet and smother our native plants.

Removing them is easy (pull and snap) but requires many hands. Could you help us and bring balance back to the woodlands?

Funded by National Forest.

Date and time: Fridays 12th and 19th June, 10am – 1pm

You can attend one or both events – all support is much appreciated!

Location: Minorca Woods, Swepstone, Swadlincote DE12 7HF

Free parking at private car park, postcode DE12 7HE – details to follow on sign-up

Photo of wooden fruit cage around young tree in outdoor environment. White and yellow text of event details and logos at the bottom.

Fruit Cage building at Netherseal Community Woods, Swadlincote

Help us to protect newly planted apple and pear trees from wildlife by creating fruit cages!

Rabbits and deer love to nibble on these fruit trees, and to deter them we are aiming to build numerous fruit cages.

Funded by National Forest.

Choose your preferred date. All are 9:30am – 12:30pm

Wednesday 17 June
Tuesday 23 June
Wednesday 1 July
Tuesday 7 July

Meeting point: Netherseal Sports Club, Main Street, Netherseal Road, Netherseal, Swadlincote DE12 8DB

GWFC – National Forest events

To sign up, please complete the form and we’ll contact you as soon as possible.

Address(Required)
Do you have any disabilities, health issues or support needs we should know about? *(Required)

Which event or volunteering sessions would you like to attend? You can attend just one or multiple!

Himalayan Balsam removal at Minorca Woods
Help us to remove this invasive plant by pulling and snapping – easy to do!
Fruit Cage building at Netherseal Woods
Help us build fruit cages to protect young apple and pear trees from the wildlife!

Information for additional persons attending (optional)

Please provide the following information of anyone attending our volunteering opportunities under your care

Last details

Groundwork Film/Photography consent: I grant permission for Groundwork to use my images in their marketing.(Required)
Groundwork captures the image of people involved in its programmes in order to: • Capture additional evidence of the programme for the project funders and partners. • To promote Groundwork Five Counties, the Groundwork Federation, and our partners services – promotion of our projects helps raise awareness of the difference our work makes to individuals and communities. We will not be able to use your image unless you tick the boxes below to indicate how you consent for your data to be used. For further details on our film & photography consent policy you can visit our website – https://www.groundwork.org.uk/fivecounties/policies/
Groundwork Marketing consent: Groundwork can contact me with relevant information about the organisation, projects and services using the contact details I have provided.(Required)
Goundwork Privacy Policy(Required)
Film/Photography consent: I grant permission for the National Forest to use my images in their marketing and fundraising purposes.(Required)
The National Forest charity is funding these events and would like to use photo/videography for their own marketing and fundraising purposes.
Marketing consent: The National Forest can contact me with relevant information about the organisation, campaigns, events and fundraising using the contact details I have provided.(Required)
The National Forest charity is funding these events and would like to use photo/videography for their own marketing and fundraising purposes.
National Forest Consent(Required)