Published: 28/10/24 By: Mike Bekin
There are not many experiences in the world which are as calming, humbling and awe-inspiring as standing in the middle of a great forest. From the smell of the leaves after rain to the dappled sunlight falling on the bluebells, it is one of life’s true joys. The world is full of extraordinary forests leaving us spoilt for choice. But with so many wonderful woodlands to explore, where do you start?
To make it simpler, we’ve put together some of the most epic forests on the EcoChoice team’s bucket list.
Black Forest, Germany
Quaint little villages, clear rivers and an abundance of great, cloud-brushing trees make up this quintessential German landscape. The Black Forest is a fairytale in more ways than one as the area apparently inspired a number of the Brothers Grimm’s classic tales, including Hansel and Gretel. Covering an area of over 2,000 miles, be sure to pack your hiking boots!
Banff National Park, Canada
Banff is Canada’s first national park, and is well-deserving of that title. A wide array of evergreens – including Pines and Spruces – surround glacial lakes of vividly blue water, and impressive rocky mountains provide a stunning backdrop. Look out when you are there and you might even spot the northern lights.
Muir Forest, California
Surround yourself with mighty redwoods and step into the world of California’s landscape of giant trees at Muir Forest. This is one of the last redwood forests left in the entire Bay Area and is officially a national monument. At just under 600 acres, it is a sizeable forest, full of walking trails and trees large enough to humble you.
Arashiyama Grove, Japan
Head to Kyoto, Japan, to see the elegant Bamboo in all its glory. This forest is actually a grove, and its location in the bustling city provides a peaceful, shady refuge from the hustle and bustle. Tread the path which takes you through the centre of the grove and see the quick-growing Bamboos towering up on either side like vibrant, green skyscrapers.
Forest of Dean, England
As an English-based timber supplier, how could we not mention the Forest of Dean? The country’s most esteemed forest spans about 26,000 acres and is a prime example of England’s green and pleasant lands. The forest is full of timber, with over 20 million trees, and many of the species we use for our decking and cladding, including Oaks, Douglas Firs and Larch. Find the rickety footbridges and get lost in the million shades of greenery, or head over in April to see the bluebells in bloom.
Discover the World of Timber
At EcoChoice, we are big fans of the timber which these forests keep alive. That is why we only ever supply sustainably sourced timber from independently certified organisations, such as the FSC® and PEFC. If you are looking for timber and would like to support responsible forestry, take a peek at our range of timber products.
