Heart of the Forest Masterplan

The National Forest Company (NFC) invites consultants to submit proposals to work with the NFC, local planning authorities (LPAs) and partners to produce a Masterplan for the Heart of the Forest. The Heart of the Forest is an area of around 10 square miles of former industrial landscape currently under restoration on the Leicestershire / Derbyshire border. The area has been subject to significant change over the previous 25 years from a working coalfield to an emerging visitor destination set within an establishing wooded landscape.

The Masterplan will look to build on these achievements and set out how the next 25 years could see the area become an established and sustainable visitor destination, serving both residents and visitors, set within maturing woodlands. The evolution of the area will be based on the emerging National Forest 'Greenprint' themes of creating a low carbon and sustainable economy, forming an environment resilient to climate change and the creation of a National Forest sense of place.

The Masterplan will be produced in two phases. Phase one will be an inspiring and visual document which will engage and enthuse partners, landowners, businesses and local residents to collectively drive ambition and realise the potential of the area. Phase two will establish clear governance for delivery of the vision through the development and delivery of a more detailed plan. This commission is to deliver phase one and to make recommendations for a proposed approach to phase two.

Full details are provided on the attached specification.