Activities at Hicks Lodge

The government has said the single most important action we can all take to fight coronavirus is to stay at home, to protect the NHS and save lives.

The government has instructed that you should minimise time spent outside your home, minimise the number of journeys you make and only travel a short distance within your local area to exercise. Our car parks and essential facilities are open for people to exercise once-per-day, if they live locally.

Please follow the government’s rules on exercising and meeting other people when considering a visit.

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

If you are planning to visit us, please be aware that we may have to close the forest if it gets too busy and you may need to make the necessary decision to turn around and come another time.  Please don't park on the roadside and verges outside the car park as this endangers other road users. 

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.