The National Forest is inviting architects and developers to come forward with ideas for new 'unique and immersive' holiday stays.

Architects Journal reports that an 'early engagement exercise' is being held to allow conversations with potential designers, investors and operators over the potential to transform a series of sites within the National Forest into new overnight accommodation facilities.

The project aims to provide new sustainable and accessible accommodation as part of the National Forest programme which, since the 1990s, has set out to transform a 520 square km area - including North West Leicestershire and South Derbyshire - into a new protected woodland with around nine million trees planted so far.

According to the brief: "The National Forest has announced the 'matchmaking' phase of its groundbreaking Sustainable Tourism Accommodation Accelerator Programme - and is offering developers, operators, investors, agents, designers, and manufacturers the opportunity to meet and talk to landowners who are actively looking to establish new tourist accommodation.

"This initiative aims to further promote the National Forest as a leading sustainable tourism destination, encouraging eco-friendly accommodation and fostering economic growth through innovative development.

'With its lush woodlands, diverse ecosystems, and unwavering commitment to sustainability, the National Forest presents an unparalleled canvas for innovation and collaboration."

Four years ago, the National Forest Company sought a design team to masterplan a 26 square km central area, formerly used for coal and clay workings and close to Ashby, Swadlincote and Measham.

The latest project aims to deliver a variety of 'unique and immersive' overnight sustainable tourist accommodation options throughout the forest.

Options open for consideration include 'cabins, lodges, shepherd's huts, tree houses, pods, tented, camping and hotel/serviced accommodation' according to the contract notice.