School visits to Dalby Forest

Uncover the secrets of Dalby Forest with your class

Situated on the southern slopes of the North York Moors National Park, Dalby Forest offers fantastic learning opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.

A classroom with no walls

The living, breathing forest at Dalby is a versatile learning space, with room to think and space to explore.

Plan sensory exploration or wildlife and habitat spotting with younger children. Older children can see how ecosystems work, undertake field studies or explore the science behind the tree lifecycle.  

Learning in a forest is also a practical way to immerse your class in a range of subjects. Spark students' imagination by delivering a lesson on any topic, using the setting as inspiration.

Discover sustainable forest management in action

We grow, shape and care for forests, managing landscapes for people, wildlife and timber production.

At Dalby Forest, you'll see what sustainable forest management is, and why it's so important, through hands-on activities.

Plan your perfect visit by choosing from the range of guided and self-guided activities below. Mix and match based on your preferences or get in touch and we can help organise your day. 

Booking

All groups must be booked in advance so that we can help you make the most of your trip.

Please contact the local learning team before you visit by emailing learning.yorkshire@forestryengland.uk.

Guided visits at Dalby

A group of children looking at a piece of paper in the forest

Our learning partner offers a range of environmental and educational experiences that make the most of this unique learning environment.

A girl wearing a harness, on part of a Go Ape treetop course

Treetop adventures for KS1 and above.

Boy in cycling helmet on a bike in a forest

Dalby Forest Cycle Hub offer safe, fun and active packages for schools, led by qualified instructors.

Self-led activities at Dalby

Two smiling young children in the forest. One is pointing at something, the other is holding binoculars.

Everything you need to become a ranger for the day, packed into a handy rucksack.

Child looking through a magnifying glass at leaves in bright sunlight with a blue sky and trees behind.

Curriculum-linked resources to download and inspire your students at Dalby.

Two children looking at a gruffalo orienteering marker post

Test your class' navigation skills with some help from the Gruffalo.

A sculpture of the Gruffalo in the forest

Enjoy a forest walk to find characters from Julia Donaldson's well-loved story.

A class of primay school children walking through a forest in the sunshine

Choose from a range of way-marked routes and explore the forest.

A woodland play area with balance beams and a slide

Build dens, test climbing skills and hide away in wooden teepees.

Nissen Hut sculpture through the trees

Discover a range of contemporary art installations and download an Arts Award log book.

Classroom hire

Dalby Forest shady tree canopy in summer

Hire your own space in the heart of the forest.