The Agria Acre

In celebration of Rainbow Bridge Day, we are proud to introduce the Agria Acre. Situated within Martinshaw Wood in Leicestershire, it’s a key part of the National Forest and we are delighted to share this with you.

This lovely place is dedicated to all of the special pets who have enriched our lives, offering a space for their memory to live on within nature. Visitors can walk, reflect, and reconnect with the natural world.

Martinshaw Wood is a place of rare beauty and historical significance. Once heavily clear-felled in the 1950s, this ancient woodland has been lovingly restored by the Woodland Trust, transforming it into a flagship of biodiversity and conservation. The wood’s vibrant ecosystems, diverse habitats, and stunning displays of bluebells each spring make it a fitting location for the Agria Acre—a place where life, in all its forms, is celebrated.

We chose Martinshaw Wood for the Agria Acre not only for its natural beauty but for what it represents - resilience, renewal, and the connection between so many living things. The wood is home to 270 species of moth, a rich variety of fungi, and a huge array of wildlife including bats, badgers, and over 39 species of birds. Here, you might catch a glimpse of the elusive woodcock, hear the flute-like song of the mistle thrush, or spot the great spotted woodpecker. It’s a place where nature is thriving, and somewhere anyone can visit to honour the memory of our beloved pets in a beautiful environment.

This place is another step on our sustainability journey - a journey that has seen us become the UK’s first carbon-positive pet insurer, and one in which trees have been a key part. Trees play a vital role in our environment, they act as the Earth’s lungs, absorbing carbon dioxide, and releasing life-sustaining oxygen. They provide shelter and food for wildlife, support biodiversity, stabilise soil, and contribute to the local climate by providing shade and conserving water. So far, we have planted over 3,560 trees here in the UK and around the world. There is a rich diversity of tree species in Martinshaw woods (including Scots pine, western red cedar, and aspen), and these give a beautiful display of colours all year round.

Recently a very special tree was planted within the wood in memory of PD Zyla, a brave police dog who sadly lost her life in the line of duty.  This tree is a tribute to Zyla’s service and a reminder that the love and loyalty our pets give us are never forgotten. We are looking forward to seeing the trees within the Agria Acre grow and contribute to the future preservation of Martinshaw Wood.

Rainbow Bridge Day is a time to take a moment to think about the special memories we have of our pets who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge. The Agria Acre offers a wonderful space for that reflection, a place where memories can be shared and enjoyed with families and friends, or simply to be alone with nature. Whether you’re visiting to remember a lost companion, or to enjoy the beauty of the woodland with your pet, please enjoy these lovely woods and the sounds of the wildlife that live there. On Rainbow Bridge Day, we can celebrate the lives of our pets and the precious environment they, and we, call home.