Global businesses unite to create Unity Wood in the heart of the National Forest

Unity Wood is an eight-hectare woodland being established in North West Leicestershire through a partnership between Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), its freight and logistics partners, and the National Forest. Around 13,000 native broadleaf trees will be planted, alongside a reflection glade, wetland habitat and accessible trail links, creating a resilient and welcoming landscape that will deliver long-term benefits.

As one of the UK’s most ambitious environmental regeneration we've taken land once left scarred by coal mining and clay extraction and transformed it into a growing mosaic of woodland, habitats and green spaces across central England. 

Unity Wood represents a new chapter in this long-term transformation. Located between Oakthorpe and Donisthorpe, on land previously considered for development, the site will be safeguarded as a woodland for public benefit. Designed with benches, a reflection glade, wetland features and accessible paths, the woodland will connect into the Ashby Woulds Heritage Trail and provide opportunities for walking, cycling, quiet reflection and connection with nature.

The project began in December last year when JLR’s supply chain operations team approached the National Forest to explore how a shared success could be marked by creating a positive environmental legacy. JLR then invited its logistics partners to match funding contributions, and the response was exceptional. Eighteen international businesses have come together to support Unity Wood, raising £85,000 to fund the woodland’s creation and design. This collective effort demonstrates the impact that partnership working can achieve.

Levent Yuksel, Freight Operations Director at JLR, said, “This project shows how collaborative action can create results far beyond what any one organisation could achieve alone. It has been inspiring to work with so many partners on a project that leaves a real legacy.”

The creation of Unity Wood has been welcomed by the local community, providing reassurance that the site will remain a green space rather than being developed for housing. The woodland will help retain the area’s rural character while creating new opportunities for outdoor activity, wellbeing and nature recovery. Over the coming years, thousands of trees will transform the site into a place that benefits both people and wildlife.

Carolyn Sankey, Director of Development at the National Forest, said, “This project demonstrates the power of collaboration. Working with a world-leading brand and its partners has made a real difference here in the heart of the Forest. We are always happy to speak to organisations that want to take meaningful sustainability journeys, and we can offer transparent and practical ways to make a difference.”

Unity Wood shows how businesses and the National Forest can work together to create long-term environmental, social and economic benefits.

We welcome conversations with organisations interested in developing bespoke sustainability projects that contribute to the Forest and leave a positive legacy for future generations.