Activities at Hicks Lodge

From 29 March, outdoor gatherings of either 6 people (the rule of 6) or 2 households will be allowed. Many other restrictions will remain in place, so please follow government guidance and check our guide for what to expect if you are planning to visit.

You must stay at home if you have coronavirus symptoms or are self-isolating.

Keeping you safe

• We are managing our car parks and cleaning toilets and touchpoints in line with government guidelines.
• We are continuing to manage our play areas and trails to our high safety standards.
• In many forests you can pay to park without cash, including membership which you can also buy online before you come.
• Where open, our cafes and food outlets are offering a takeaway service only. 

Planningyour visit

Consider these important points before you visit:

• Please keep yourself, our staff, volunteers and other visitors safe by following the government’s guidance on what you can and cannot do.
• Have a plan b: we may have to close car parks if they are too busy.We know this is frustrating, but please be prepared to return home and come another time. Do not park on the roadside and verges outside the car park as this endangers other road users and is problematic for local traffic. 
• Some facilities remain closed. Find a detailed list below.
• We are sorry but you cannot bring your own BBQ at this time. This is to help support social distancing.
• Putting your litter in a bin or taking it home with you, so the forest remains litter-free for everyone - including wildlife.
• Being kind and patient – any changes are here to help keep you and others safe.

Currently we have limited services available, please keep checking this page for updates. Please support us as we are doing our best for you, be kind to our staff and your fellow visitors.  

Some toilet facilities have been made available at Hicks Lodge, but these are limited and not our usual toilets. You may experience a wait to use these facilities. Please bear this in mind and thank you for your patience.

When you  visit the nation’s forests, remember it is your responsibility to follow the guidance on  staying safe outside your home. We are cleaning our car parking machines throughout the day but for your own safety please bring hand sanitiser with you to use after touching the machines.  

If you are uncomfortable with the idea of touching the car park payment machines, you may want to consider becoming a member. As well as supporting the forest you will receive a 12 month car park pass. Find out more.

The children’s play area is open. Help to keep everyone safe by following these rules:

• Take personal responsibility for yourself and those in your care.
• Everybody - maintain a 2m distance, whether using equipment or waiting.
• Be kind and patient - if the equipment is busy please wait or come back later.
• Sanitise your hands before and after touching equipment and everybody wash your hands thoroughly as soon as you can.
• Do not eat or drink while using equipment, and please take your litter away with you.

Protect the NHS by avoiding high risk activities. Ride within your abilities and play it safe. We have adapted our first aid response to take account of Covid-19 and we may not be able to provide our usual level of help.