Rosliston Forestry Centre

Visitor information

Discover the oldest of Forestry England's community woodlands within The National Forest

From surfaced trails and cycle routes to outdoor play areas, a cafe and a sensory garden, a visit to Rosliston Forestry Centre is a great day out for everyone! 

Pick up a site guide when you arrive or download from our website and create your own adventure...

Meander through the mature woodland at Fox Covert to gain an insight of how the rest of The National Forest may look in the future. 

You can also book a school session, bird of prey experience, join a wildlife event or volunteer for a day too.

There are also six wooden lodges for overnight stays and a wedding venue hidden deep in the Forest. 

Rosliston Forestry Centre is managed in partnership with South Derbyshire District Council. It was created on former farmland in 1993 and opened in 1994. For more information on things to do - and to see our Forest Code For more information on things to do at please visit the Rosliston Forestry Centre website. 

At a glance

  • Walking 
  • Cycling
  • Orienteering 
  • Play areas 
  • Cafe
  • Dogs welcome  

Get the whole family involved as you scramble, slide and swing your way around Rosliston Forestry Centre! 

The site has an outdoor adventure playground with equipment designed for all ages as well as a natural play area and indoor soft play facility for younger children. 

For more information, please visit the Rosliston Forestry Centre website. 

Grab your helmet and head out for a beautiful cycle ride around Rosliston Forest! 

With a range of cycle routes to choose from, from family friendly trails to heart-pumping off-road biking opportunities, you can easily explore the forest on two wheels. 

 

Try your hand at orienteering, a map reading challenge for all levels.

The aim for everyone is to navigate between control points marked on an orienteering map. If you are a little more competitive the challenge is to complete the course in the quickest time.

There is a permanent orienteering course available at the site. 

For more information, please visit the Rosliston Forestry Centre website. 

parkrun organise free, weekly, 5km timed runs around the world. They are open to everyone, free, and are safe and easy to take part in.

These events take place in pleasant forest surroundings and people of every ability are encouraged to take part. From those taking their first steps in running to Olympians; from juniors to those with more experience; everyone is welcome.

Register online with parkrun to find out more about the course and get your barcode. 

Looking for a parkrun in a different place?

Find a different parkrun.

Nearby forests

Sun shining through trees with bracken and grass covered in dew

Planted in 2002, this community woodland is the perfect spot for a family walk, a burst of exercise and even a picnic.

Seale Wood will become a working coppice woodland, with a goal to encourage the development of a local timber industry. 

 

bench in front of a lake

In the heart of the National Forest, Hicks Lodge is a former coal mining site that has been totally transformed by new plantings and exciting trails for you to enjoy.

Bluebells under young trees

Located on the outskirts of Derby, Robin Wood offers a range of open paths suitable for walkers and cyclists.

The woodland offers a beautiful display of bluebells in the spring and woodpeckers and deer can also be spotted! 

 

Woman walking dog

Planted in 2007, Poppy Wood forms the northern gateway to The National Forest, the Midland's most famous forest. This newly planted woodland houses a mosaic of ash, oak, hazel and hawthorn trees, to name a few. See if you can spot something different on each visit! 

Surfaced and grassy trails guide you through the woodland which also includes picnic benches for you to make good use of the fantastic views across the surrounding countryside.

Membership invitation - click to find out more about membership
Volunteer with us invitation - click to discover volunteer opportunities across England