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Meridiela.

Millennium Forest

A replanting of St Helena's endemic gumwood on ground stripped bare centuries ago.

Updated 3 September 2026

Typeforest restoration
WhereSaint Helena
Nearest cityJamestown
Best seasonYear round
Time to allowAn hour or two
Getting thereOn Horse Point Plain in the island's northeast; road access
EntryFree; donations welcome

The Great Wood once covered a large part of St Helena's northeast until goats and timber-cutting stripped it to bare ground in the eighteenth century, leaving a stony plain, and from the year 2000 a project has been replanting it with gumwood, the island's endemic tree, along with other native species. Tens of thousands of trees are in and the ground is visibly changing. Visitors can plant a tree themselves.

What you'll find

  • The gumwood planting - the island's endemic tree returned to bare ground.
  • The stripped plain - the country that goats and timber-cutting reduced to stone.
  • The scale - tens of thousands of trees planted since 2000.
  • The visitor planting - the option of putting a tree in yourself.

When to go

Year round; the site is open and unstaffed most of the time. Planting is arranged through the trust. The plain is exposed and windy.

Practical notes

The forest is young and low; this is restoration in progress rather than woodland. The site is exposed with no shelter. Interpretation is limited to boards.

Nearby

Deadwood Plain is west, and The Barn is northeast.

What to pack for Millennium Forest

Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.

  • Broken-in walking shoes or boots - Grip and ankle support matter more than looks; never hike in brand-new boots. Find on Amazon
  • Layers + a waterproof shell - Mountain weather turns fast; a packable rain jacket saves the day. Find on Amazon
  • Daypack with rain cover - 20-30 litres holds water, snacks, layers and a first-aid kit. Find on Amazon
  • Offline maps + a power bank - Download the trail before you lose signal; carry backup charge. Find on Amazon

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Plan your trip

Where to start if Millennium Forest is going on the list.

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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.

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