For decades, England’s forests have been more than just natural spaces—they are vibrant canvases for artists, designers, and educators shaping innovative and ecological creative experiences. Forestry England’s ongoing arts programme showcases unique installations, live performances, and educational initiatives that invite all ages to connect with the forest in fresh and inspiring ways.
- Immersive installations merge forest sounds with art
- Students explore climate-sensitive design in woodland workshops
- Forest sculpture trails and sound walks offer interactive outdoor experiences
What happened
Since 1968, England’s forests have hosted a wide range of artworks and creative ventures, becoming vital spaces for artistic expression. Forestry England supports artists, architects, and designers in developing contemporary projects that include exhibitions, installations, sculpture trails, and live performances throughout the year.
Recent highlights include Dalby Forest’s immersive sound installation ‘A Room That Sings’ by multimedia artist Nayan Kulkarni, which layers natural forest recordings into an evolving soundscape inside a Douglas Fir structure. Other iconic works include Rachel Whiteread’s Nissen Hut sculpture and interactive sound walks revealing the secret ecosystems of Beechenhurst.
Why it feels good
Connecting with art in a natural setting offers visitors a unique sensory experience that deepens appreciation for the forest environment. The creative projects encourage mindfulness, discovery, and a fresh perspective on the complex life within woodlands.
Moreover, innovative collaborations like the 'Into the Forest' pilot bring together Forestry England and art education institutions such as Central Saint Martins to immerse students in forest-based ecological learning. These workshops blend scientific understanding with creative practice, fostering sustainability in art education and raising awareness of environmental issues in an inspiring way.
What to enjoy or watch next
Visitors can explore the sculpture trails and newly commissioned pieces scattered across England’s forests, each offering a distinctive blend of nature and human creativity. Sound walks led by artists Jez riley-French and Lau Nau reveal hidden forest sounds through thoughtful and immersive audio experiences.
Families and art lovers are encouraged to follow Forestry England’s events calendar for live performances, seasonal activities, and new exhibitions. Additionally, the ‘We the Forest’ book for young readers, with commissioned illustrations, invites younger audiences to discover the enchanting complexity of forest ecosystems through stories and art.