The National Forest & Beyond Visitor Guide for 2010 is just out - packed with new ideas for things to see and do in this wonderful forest in the making.

As well as details of attractions, events, local food and where to stay, the new guide highlights the exciting new places to go in 2010. There is also a competition inside to win a short break to explore the waterways that wind through The National Forest & Beyond. Complete and return the Visitor Guide survey to enter the prize draw, offered in partnership with Aqua Narrowboat Hire, based in Mercia Marina near Willington.

Among the new attractions is a brilliant new visitor centre at Twycross Zoo, which will include a Himalayan themed Snow Leopard enclosure and the �New England� wader bird enclosure.

In July, the National Memorial Arboretum will complete the Basra Wall to commemorate those who have lost their lives in the Iraq conflict. The arboretum is home to more than 100 woodland gardens and sculptures including the award-winning Armed Forces Memorial.

Reviving long-forgotten stories around the birth of Coalville, mining memories and the nature reserve, Snibston�s new audio tour follows the fascinating events and people who shaped history in this area.

A new circular off-road trail has been opened in the heart of the forest for those wanting a gentle cycle ride, a family walk, a wildlife ramble or a daily jog. The four and a half mile Conkers Circuit is ideal for all ages with easy to follow circuit markers and shorter loops within it. The circuit joins the Sustrans National Cycle Network, passing Conkers, Moira Furnace and YHA National Forest.

And hiring a bike is even easier with cycle hire now offered at Moira Furnace. There are regular events at the furnace as well as the museum tours, craft village and canal boat trips. Cycle hire is also available at Rosliston Forestry Centre which has just opened The Glade events arena. Look out for events and performances throughout the year.

Follow the smell of freshly-baked bread to the Ferrers Centre for Arts and Crafts which now has a wonderful bakery, stocking a range of home-made breads, cakes and local foods. The Gardener�s Bothy, a new garden store and rural craft workshop at the Ferrers Centre, will be hosting demonstrations and hands-on taster sessions for visitors to try woodland crafts. And for budding Ray Mears, Woodland Ways is launching a new bushcraft course especially for teenagers.

The National Brewery Centre (formerly Coors Visitor Centre and The Bass Museum) will open its doors to the public in spring 2010. Using animated interactive exhibits, this exciting attraction will give visitors a fun view of this important industry and a taste of Burton upon Trent�s particular contribution.

And of course, The National Forest itself is an ever-changing landscape. Over the years and throughout the seasons, there is always something new to see. Nearly 90% of the trees that are planted are native broadleaf, and the Visitor Guide details where you can go to see particularly fine examples of the different tree species, plus local myths and legends linked with the trees and locations.

The Visitor Guides are produced by the National Forest Company in partnership with East Staffordshire Borough Council, North West Leicestershire District Council and South Derbyshire District Council to promote the tourism economy in the Forest and surrounding area.

There really is something for everyone in The National Forest & Beyond. Download the new Visitor Guide at www.nationalforest.org/visit/ or pick up a copy at attractions and Tourist Information Centres in and around the Forest, or to order a copy of the guide, either log on to the website www.nationalforest.org, email enquiries@nationalforest.org or telephone 01283 551211.

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Media contacts: For further information contact Carol Rowntree Jones, Media Relations Officer, or Penny Wilkinson, Tourism & Promotions Officer, at the National Forest Company, on 01283 551211. For background information please visit www.nationalforest.org Digital images are available, contact: media@nationalforest.org

We are happy to arrange press visits to The National Forest. Please contact Carol Rowntree Jones on 01283 51211 or email crowntreejones@nationalforest.org

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. The National Forest area covers 200 square miles of the counties of Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire. Its objective is to increase woodland cover within its boundaries from an initial six per cent to about a third. No multi-purpose forest on this scale has been created in the UK for one thousand years. To date the proportion of woodland cover in the Forest has already trebled to 18 per cent and 7.7 million trees have been planted.

2. Year by year, The National Forest has been steadily turning what was once one of the least wooded areas of England into a multi-purpose, sustainable forest. The National Forest provides environmental, social and economic benefits, including landscape enhancement, creation of new wildlife habitats and major new access and leisure opportunities. It is an excellent example of sustainable development � with environmental improvement providing a stimulus both to economic regeneration and to community pride and activity.

3. To achieve these objectives, the National Forest Company leads the creation of The National Forest, working in partnership with landowners, local authorities, private business, voluntary organisations and local communities and has strong support from Government, politicians and the public. The Company receives grant in aid from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

4. In 2008 the National Forest Company and partners won the Sustainable Development UK Award for their work in Ashby Woulds, at the heart of The National Forest.

Carol Rowntree Jones Media Relations Officer National Forest Company Bath Yard, Moira, Derbyshire DE12 6BA tel: 01283 551211 email: crowntreejones@nationalforest.org www.nationalforest.org