Woodlands have long played a vital role in supporting wildlife, providing timber, storing carbon, and promoting public wellbeing. Yet their potential as leisure and tourism destinations has often been overlooked. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), in 2022 alone people made an estimated 748 million visits to UK woodlands, spending £907 million, with £685 million of that expenditure occurring in England. 

Sustainable woodland tourism

Sustainable woodland tourism is an increasingly important revenue stream for both public and private woodland owners. Visitor spending helps fund woodland management, while carefully managed tourism ensures forests remain vibrant habitats for wildlife. Today’s visitors benefit from a wide choice of woodland-based tourism activities. These include adventure pursuits such as high ropes challenges, paintballing and downhill mountain biking. Meanwhile, wellness-based experiences – including yoga, forest bathing and guided nature walks – reflect the growing demand for restorative outdoor activities.

Rising interest in nature-based tourism

Privately owned woodlands stand to benefit from the rising interest in nature-based recreation. The Forestry Commission highlights that activities ranging from adventure sports to wellness retreats offer woodland owners new income opportunities while enabling the responsible stewardship of habitats. With demand for authentic outdoor experiences increasing year on year, private landowners can diversify through a variety of options such as holiday cabins and glamping, the hire of woodland spaces for events or retreats, conservation and educational experiences, and guided activities such as foraging, birdwatching and learning forest skills.

Before entering into a nature-based recreation venture it’s important to develop a business plan, establish whether planning permission is required and look into costs for insurance for both buildings and any assets, as well as public liability. 

Woodlands and wellbeing

Forests are recognised for their meaningful wellbeing benefits. The Forestry Commission highlights the role forests play in supporting both mental and physical wellbeing, providing spaces that help reduce stress and support healthy lifestyles. These benefits are well publicised in broader health research, including studies published by the ONS linking nature exposure to improved wellbeing outcomes.

The UK’s forests represent one of the country’s most valuable natural assets – not only ecologically, but economically and socially. As public interest in outdoor recreation continues to grow, there is a significant opportunity for both public and private woodland owners to expand sustainable tourism offerings. By integrating forestry and tourism, the UK can unlock new income streams, enhance public wellbeing, and ensure that its woodlands continue to thrive and are accessible for generations to come.

Further information

Contact Simon Foster or Tom Whitchurch