When The National Forest was established in 1995 there was 6% woodland cover.  It is now over 13.5% and it is expected that it will rise to over a third within ten years.  It is blending wooded areas, open country, farmland and settlements and will not only contain working woodlands that will contribute supplies of home-grown timber, but also be a major new recreation and tourism resource, create attractive new landscapes and wildlife habitats and provide new productive uses for the farmland.

There are many historic villages with a variety of characteristics and distinctive built and landscape heritage.  Features include timber framed and thatched cottages, moated manor houses, historic parklands, castles, ridge and furrow fields, canals, rivers and flood plains, escarpments, forests, quarries and former coal mines.  The varied landscape has shaped the communities' cultural values, traditions and skills.

The publication of a fully illustrated book, Open Learning Pack, website, CD, recording of oral history and the archiving of the material gathered were proposed.  The project also aimed to enhance access to the heritage, improve the quality of life through the social, economic and environmental projects and meet local needs by enlisting local support.