HALDON Forest is celebrating 20 years of welcoming visitors to the countryside.

The Forestry England park opened on April 15 2006 thanks to Active England funding aimed at increasing community participation in sport and physical activity.

Since then, Haldon Forest Park has continued to provide an ever-increasing array of ways to get involved in the outdoors and remove barriers for people getting back to nature.

Haldon Forest Park manager, Ros Lamble, said: ‘Forestry England has cared for Haldon Forest for more than 100 years, and the last 20 years have been incredibly exciting for helping more people than ever discover this amazing part of Devon’s countryside.

‘We believe passionately that the great outdoors is for everyone, and research shows repeatedly that time in nature is important for our mental health.

‘Haldon Forest Park supports our communities to benefit from miles of walking, cycling, and horse riding trails, running routes, tree top high ropes, wildlife watching spots, and children’s play and activities.

‘We’re incredibly proud to reach our 20th anniversary and celebrate two decades of creating unforgettable memories for our visitors. I can’t wait to celebrate with our visitors throughout 2026.’

The very first public trails were created at Haldon Forest during the 1960s.

Trails came and went over the intervening years with around 5,000 people visiting the forest each year. Haldon Forest Park officially opened in 2006 with purpose-built walking and cycling trails, car park, toilets, and catering, to welcome 224,000 visitors by 2007.

The forest now welcomes around 5000,000 visitors each year, who come to enjoy peace in nature, adrenaline-fuelled adventures, and everything in between.

Throughout its history, improving access to the outdoors has been a priority.

Investment in wide and well-surfaced trails, a mobility hire service, frequent seating, and subsidised fitness courses have all helped people to discover the countryside in the way that meets their needs.