School visits to Salcey Forest

Uncover the secrets of Salcey Forest with your class

Only seven miles from the centre of Northampton, Salcey Forest offers fantastic learning opportunities for schools, groups and people of all ages.

A classroom with no walls

The living, breathing forest 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. 

Discover sustainable forest management in action

We grow, shape and care for the nation's forests, managing landscapes for people, wildlife and timber production.

At Salcey 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-led activities below.

Booking your visit

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

Our learning partner, Acorn Early Years Foundation, offer a range of educational experiences in our woodlands.

For self-led visits, please contact the local learning team by emailing forestschool@acornearlyyears.org.uk at least two weeks before you plan to visit, and they'll get back to you with everything you need to do.

Guided visits at Salcey Forest

Three children looking at paper on a clipboard in a forest

Acorn, our learning partner at Salcey, can deliver a range of fun and educational experiences in the forest.

Self-led visits at Salcey Forest

A young girl and boy look at some bright yellow leaves in wonder

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

Seen from the back, an older boy throwing a yellow flying disc towards a metal basket target.

A 9 hole dual tee course featuring advanced and beginner tees.

Two children looking at a gruffalo orienteering marker post

Perfect for younger children. Find 12 Gruffalo markers using a simple map.

A photo of the Gruffalo Sculpture at Salcey Forest

Perfect for the younger audience. Will you bump into the Gruffalo in the deep dark wood?

2 young brothers look at a play map

Explore the forest with your class on one of our three way-marked trails, including one that passes fairy houses.

Metal slide coming from wooden play tower with climbing nets and balance beams

Let your class burn off some steam on our adventure play equipment.

A family of four playing games in the forest

Hire a box of exciting games and activities. There are four different options to choose from.

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

Explore Salcey Forest and earn some stamps for your learning passport too.