Hainault Forest Restoration Launch: Phase One • Vision RCL

Re-connect with magnificent Hainault Forest on Saturday 1 April

Phase one of a project to restore and revitalise with Hainault Forest will open on April 1.

More than £7 million has been invested to re-develop this magnificent landscape, including transforming the derelict Victorian barns, refreshing the visitor experience at the farm, safeguarding the site’s ecology and natural habitats, and developing an extensive programme of activities and volunteering opportunities to connect visitors to the magic of the forest.

As part of the new visitor complex, the Woodland Trust is opening it’s very first visitor centre; providing a warm welcome to all those wanting to discover what the forest has to offer.

Take part in our family-friendly activities that will be available throughout the day from 10am to 4pm:


Entry is free. There maybe a small charge for some activities.

Car parking charges apply
Up to 1 hour £1.30
All day £4.80

Forest adventures and fresh air mean that a rest and refuel stop at our 1856 café is a must for any trip to Hainault!  

Set against a backdrop of stunning forest views our relaxed and informal café space inside the renovated 1856 barn is a perfect spot to grab a bite and we’ve got you covered whatever the time of day and whatever you’re craving. Choose from our selection of traditional and fairtrade herbal teas, artisan coffees or luxurious hot chocolate. We proudly serve Union Coffee which is certified as direct trade and each bean is roasted to perfection. 

Alongside drinks we’ve got all kinds of homemade hot and cold food on offer from brunch, to lunch and on to afternoon tea.  

Vision Events – advance booking required

Forest Yoga
10.15 to 11.15am

Forest Yoga aims to relive anxiety, de stress’s and calm the mind, increases cognitive function, concentration and gives you more energy, it re connects you with nature and the universe.

It also strengthens the body and improves flexibility especially in the hips, therefore improving balance reducing stiffness and giving better stability. It can improve back, joint and arthritis pain, change body shape, aid weight loss and even help you sleep better.

Forest Yoga

Woodland Detectives
10.30am to 11.30am

Stay and play with your 4-6 year old in this Tinder Sticks led session: join in with nature connection activities including finding wiggly worms, making dens and cooking up a storm in our mud kitchen!

Forest Pilates
11.15am to 12.15pm


Forest Pilates aims to relive anxiety, de stress’s and calm the mind, increases cognitive function, concentration and gives you more energy, it re connects you with nature and the universe.

It also strengthens the body and improves flexibility especially in the hips, therefore improving balance reducing stiffness and giving better stability. It can improve back, joint and arthritis pain, change body shape, aid weight loss and even help you sleep better.

outdoor yoga
Hainault Forest Explorers

Forest Explorers
12pm to 1pm

Relax around the campfire whilst your 7-11 year old discovers how to light a campfire using sparks and learns all about the tracks and trails animals leave behind in the woods.

Adult Bushcraft
2pm to 3pm


Join us for our Adult Bushcraft courses and get hands on with our kit! A chance to light a fire using sparks and construct a shelter.

Adult Bushcraft

Woodland Trust Events – advance booking required

Treelaxtion Walk at Hainault Forest
10.30am to 12noon &
2.30pm to 4pm

Join Woodland Trust staff for a relaxing sensory walk through the forest, and experience the joy of a woodland in spring.

Family Walk in the woods

Ancient Woodland Discovery Walk
12.30pm to 2pm

Hainault Forest is home to 1000s of ancient and veteran trees, making it a special and unique landscape. Join our site manager Jonathan on a walk through the ancient woodland to learn about how we’re looking after them, and the fascinating history associated with the forest.

Discover and explore our newly improved visitor facilities:

– 1856 Café
– Woodland Trust Visitor Centre
– Interactive Interpretation Centre
– Local Craft Workshop Providers
– Foxburrows Barn – Venue hire for small Weddings, Conferences, Meetings

More activities will also be available throughout the Easter Holidays, please visit our Events Calendar for more information.

Phase two of the project, including new play facilities, will take place later this year.

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