A series of National Forest walks close to Ashby have been highlighted as part of a project to help people understand the benefits of trees.

Treefest - conducted by the University of Derby in partnership with the National Forest and Go Jauntly - is a research project aimed at getting people using walks and recognising their surroundings.

The eight walks are one part of a Connected Treescapes research project, which itself is part of the £10 million Future of the UK Treescapes programme.

With a focus on the National Forest, the project aims to discover how the age, size and shape of trees and woodlands benefit wellbeing.

The wider Connected Treescapes team will explore the value of trees to society, including benefits for people's wellbeing, cultural heritage and wildlife.

The aim of the project is to create tools and knowledge to inform the design of future treescapes for the benefit of future generations and the rest of the natural world. 

Those wishing to take part in Treefest will need to download the free Go Jauntly app and walk one or more of the Treefest routes within the National Forest.

These walks are in: Calke, Dunstall, Jubilee Wood, Jackson's Bank, Rosliston, Anslow, Robin Wood and Beacon Hill.

A short in-app survey as part of each walk will provide the data which will be sent to the University of Derby for evaluation.

Those who take part in walks and complete the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win one of 20 £100 gift vouchers.

Miles Richardson, Professor of Human Factors and Nature Connectedness at the University of Derby, said: "Trees are part of most people's lives, yet there is much to discover about how the different types, ages and locations affect our wellbeing.

"Through eight varied walks we hope to be able to see how standalone trees, older woodlands and new plantations contribute to wellbeing.

"This will help design new treescapes that bring the greatest benefit to future generations."

 Hana Sutch, CEO and Co-Founder at Go Jauntly said: 'We know that being connected with nature is good for you.

"Visits to green spaces can make you feel happier and healthier. But there's still more research to be done. For a sustainable future we need to expand our treescapes in the best way possible.

"We are proud to be supporting the University of Derby once again, plus the National Forest, for the Connected Treescapes research project.'

 Heather Gilbert, Research & Evidence Manager at the National Forest Company, said: "In the National Forest we aim to ensure our woodlands are benefitting both people and nature. This project will help us understand the impact our woodlands are having on the people that use them, as well as informing the design of future woodland creation."

 Go Jauntly is available to download on the App Store and the Play Store.

The Treefest research walks are available in-app now. More information about Treefest can be found HERE.

The Treefest walking routes are here: 

• Dunstall Treefest Walk http://app.gojauntly.com/walk/7351348521212056044

• Robin Wood Treefest Walk http://app.gojauntly.com/walk/14626842268153025004

• Jackson's Bank Treefest Walk http://app.gojauntly.com/walk/9750694836770378220

• Calke Treefest Walk https://app.gojauntly.com/walk/6375137995898098156

• Beacon Hill Treefest Walk http://app.gojauntly.com/walk/5399054433687507436

• Jubilee Treefest Walk https://app.gojauntly.com/walk/5269121016646275564

• Rosliston Treefest Walk  https://app.gojauntly.com/walk/13500718773428097516

• Anslow Treefest Walk https://app.gojauntly.com/walk/6102890610209133036