Eco & Environment, Health & Lifestyle, Wareham | Posted on October 24th, 2025 | return to news

New forest trail for visitors to Ashley Heath

Moors Valley and Wareham Forest are amongst 20 areas which have new trails launched by WWF and Forestry England.

Families visiting Moors Valley at Ashley Heath now have the chance to enjoy a new trail.

It is amongst 20 Feel Good Forest Trails to be launched by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and Forestry England, with the other Dorset one being in Wareham Forest.

The 20 Feel Good Forest Trails, which can be found on https://www.wwf.org.uk/act/trails and on https://www.forestryengland.uk/feel-good-forest-trails, have had a seasonal refresh for families to connect with nature, boost wellbeing, and enjoy the great outdoors together this autumn.

Research commissioned by WWF found that 88 per cent of parents say time in nature improves their child’s physical health with 86 per cent seeing an improvement in their mental wellbeing.

Packed with seasonal forest-themed activities from searching for food and wildlife to listening to the sounds of trees in the autumn, each trail encourages families to explore Forestry England’s beautiful spaces, while learning about the Amazon Rainforest and forests in the UK.

These trails are part of WWF’s Prescription for Nature campaign, supporting families with ways to get their daily dose of nature and foster a deeper connection with the natural world.

Jack Abrey, head of Youth Engagement at WWF UK, said: “Since launching the Feel Good Forest Trails this year, it’s been brilliant to see so many families getting outside and connecting with nature. We want to make sure everyone can enjoy Forestry England’s amazing spaces at any time of year.

“From the buzzing of bees in the summer to the crunching of leaves in the autumn, the sights and sounds of nature are constantly changing. So, as the seasons change, our trails are changing with them, helping families engage with our forests all year round.”

Sarah Wood, national learning manager at Forestry England, said: “We know that time spent in nature supports children’s learning, wellbeing, and curiosity about the world around them.

“These refreshed Feel Good Forest Trails invite families to explore our woodlands in new ways this autumn, discovering the wonders of the forest and how it connects to vital habitats like the Amazon Rainforest.”

Siena, youth ambassador at WWF UK, said: “The Feel Good Forest Trails are really beneficial for expanding your nature knowledge. Each panel provides information on forests in England and around the world, allowing young people and families to explore habitats at home and away.

“I especially love the activity about looking up at the trees, as tree patterns are always beautiful and intricate. I believe that involving your senses within nature is essential to your health, helping you get your Daily Dose of Nature.”

Abbie, another WWF UK youth ambassador, said: “It is so refreshing to get my daily dose of nature while learning more about how forests in England and the Amazon work. Finally being able to understand its ecosystem has truly made me appreciate forests more and value the many memories I have and will make there.”

It’s not always easy for everyone to access natural spaces, so for families unable to visit a trail in person, WWF and Forestry England have created a free Feel Good Forest Activity Pack: https://www.forestryengland.uk/feel-good-forest-activity-pack. It is filled with ideas to help families enjoy nature wherever they are.