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Our Shared Forest is a project to reshape and redirect Forestry England's sustainable management of Savernake Forest.

The world, our climate, and our society are changing. They always have. But the pace of change is speeding up, and the impacts on our Forest over the next generation of trees and people will be profound. Together, we have the opportunity to think about what we want the Forest to look like and feel like in 100 years’ time.

Parkrun Volunteers Sherwood Pines

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

Fair haired woman smiles in the sunlight, with a forest backdrop
Blog
27 August 2020
And just like that, the summer holidays are nearly over and planning for the term ahead is happening in earnest. But this will be a start of term like no other, and no doubt you are experiencing a whole range of emotions as you think about returning to school. As well as lessons to plan, there’s the added dimension of working differently so you can keep yourself and others safe. We’ve put together a few forest-inspired ideas and resources to help you maintain your equilibrium and support your students as they adapt to being back in the classroom.  
Close up of an orienteering compass on top of a map
Orienteering

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

Whinlatter park run start
parkrun
parkrun - Saturdays at 9am

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.

A dog walking along a trail with two adults behind - one walking and one using an off-road mobility scooter

We are delighted to have two Trampers – the all-terrain mobility scooter - available to hire here at Whinlatter.

You can follow our amazing Wow trail with spectacular views of the forest and fells beyond as you discover the story of Whinlatter.

Learn more about the Wow trail HERE.

Yoga at Salcey Forest
Fitness and wellbeing activities

Time Seekers are passionate about giving you the tools to make time for yourself and use it to improve your wellbeing. Take part in their regular Hatha Yoga sessions or book onto one of their wellbeing workshops and retreat days!

Hatha Yoga takes place on Mondays & Wednesdays. 

Evenings classes are also available, please check Time Seekers website for a class timetable.

Two children in forest, one in coat and wellies is running over a dirt mound
Educational forest visits

Plan your perfect visit by choosing from the range of self-guided activities below.

Mix and match based on your preferences or get in touch and we can help organise your day. 

Booking your self-guided visit

You must book ahead of your visit. Book now by emailing bedgebury@forestryengland.uk. We’ll be in touch via email with everything you need to know before your visit.

Group sat around a fire under canvas
Event
Tuesday 12 September
10am to 5.30pm
Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest
Find out more about Forest school

Perhaps you are planning to start a Forest School at your work, thinking about a career change or maybe this innovative method of education has caught your eye and you want to find out more.

Join the Kent High Weald Partnership for this introductory session where you will explore the ethos behind Forest School and learn about some basic practical projects. The day will include some theory, fire lighting and tool use.

 

Giant Gruffalo Sculpture in the Forest
Gruffalo sculptures

If you venture into the deep dark wood you may bump into the Gruffalo and the Gruffalo's Child plus other characters from Julia Donaldson's fantastic story. 

Each wooden sculpture has been carved in a different position - can you find them all?

Post your Gruffalo photos on our Facebook page  - we'd love to see them.

A group of older people walking their dogs through the forest.
Walking trails and routes

This short trail goes through Deepdale in the north-east of Dalby Forest.

Deep Dale is a nature reserve sometimes called the "Forest in Miniature", because all the features found in the woodland here are replicated somewhere else in the wider Dalby Forest.

Go ape forest segway Whinlatter
Segway

Climb aboard an all-terrain Segway for some unrivalled Cumbrian views. The Go Ape team will take you to incredible vantage points where you can soak up the sights from Skiddaw to Helvellyn.

You will receive training and get the chance to practice before you head out, with a safari guide, on our trails. Enjoy a mixture of twisty trails and wide open, straight tracks on this circular, hour long adventure.

A girl in a yellow coat with an adult male is looking at a leafy twig in her hands
Educational forest visits

Plan your perfect visit by choosing from the range of self-guided activities below.

Mix and match based on your preferences or get in touch and we can help organise your day. 

Booking your self-guided visit

You must book your visit in advance. Book now by emailing jacqui.blackford@forestryengland.uk and we’ll be in touch with everything you need to know before your visit. 

Female Tramper at Symonds Yat viewpoint
All-terrain mobility scooters

Visitors with permanent or temporary limited mobility can hire one of two ‘Walking with Wheels’  trampers through the Countryside Mobility Scheme.

Trampers are off-road mobility scooters, which are easy to use and able to tackle a range of surfaces and gradients come rain or shine. You do not have to be registered disabled to hire a Tramper.

Our Trampers are suitable for exploring:

Individual mountain biking over rocks in the forest
Cycling & mountain biking

Follow this short, flowing single track loop through the trees which returns through the recently clearfelled area for great views of the Washburn Valley.

The construction of this route has been funded by the North Yorkshire Aggregates Grant Scheme. Maintenance of the trail is done by SingletrAction volunteer group in conjunction with Forestry England. 

Family walking through autumnal forest
Walking trails and routes

The trail follows forest paths and roads, offering extensive views over the forest. Of particular interest is the naturally sculpted Adder Stone, an eye-catching feature along the Adderstone Rigg Trail.

Close-up of two people's walking boots stood on forest ground.
Walking trails and routes

Follow the way-marked posts around a loop which starts and finishes at the Sika Trail car park. 

This route has good surfaces and some gentle hills along the way.

Hindhope Linn Kielder Forest
Walking trails and routes

Hindhope Linn is a spectacular waterfall in a quiet, enchanting dell.

To access the trail, follow the forest road past Blakehopeburnhaugh Farm. Take the path overlooking Blakehope Burn and the magical waterfall. Other features of the walk are the areas of old Scots Pine and larch, living reminders of the ancient forest of the area.

Woman walking through the forest towards sunbeams
Wellbeing trails

Spending time amongst the trees and really noticing nature is scientifically proven to boost our mental and physical health. Take some time for you and try our new wellbeing trail at Alice Holt Forest, a mindful walk through the forest that invites you to really relax.

Panels along the trail will prompt you to stop, notice and connect with the wellbeing benefits of the forest environment.

Family walking Forest of Dean generic
Walking trails and routes

The Sidwood trail leads south east from the picnic area along the pretty Tarset burn past the site where Sidwood House once stood. The route crosses the tarmac forest road and passes through recently thinned 'crops' of conifers. The route passes close to the open rough grassland on the forest edge and through some old sheep pens. The trail drops down returning to the picnic place after crossing another forest road on route.

A family of four cycling on forest trail
Cycling & mountain biking

A circular trail through the natural landscape of Guisborough Forest. With sections of steady climbs and pocket sections of views across the Tees Valley. This route is suitable for riders with a moderate level of skill and covers mostly forest roads and tracks.

couple enjoying a picnic in a clearing within a forest
Picnics and barbecues

Enjoy a tasty treat in the forest at our beautiful picnic area at the green, just bring along a rug, good food and company!

To help prevent wildfires fires, BBQs and outdoor cooking equipment of any kind are now banned in the New Forest.

Go ape forest segway high lodge
Segway

Go Ape locations in our forests are now open. Pre-booking is essential. More information is available on the Go Ape website.

Go Ape Forest Segways are the best fun you can have off-road, on two eco-friendly wheels, without having to pedal!  

Children jumping off a tree trunk in the forest

Acorn Early Years offer a range of sessions and events throughout the year at Salcey for family groups and their children. These include:

forest school holiday club bushcraft holiday club forest school for home-educated children parent-tot sessions family events

Find all the information you need and to book, visit Acorn's website.

people on Segways on a forest path
Segway

Go Ape locations in our forests are now open. Pre-booking is essential. More information is available on the Go Ape website.

Go Ape Forest Segways are the best fun you can have off-road, on two eco-friendly wheels, without having to pedal!  

Couple on a picnic bench in a campsite
Forestry England Camping

Switch off, relax, get back to basics and nature with a unique camping experience in the Forest of Dean.

Gather your friends and family, snuggle up in your sleeping bag and take in the beautiful night sky at Bracelands campsite. With pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes, this is the perfect location for a camping adventure! 

Surrounded by the forest, you will have direct access to miles of paths and unique experiences on your doorstep at the Forest of Dean.

 

Close up of walking boots of person walking along a leafy path
Walking trails and routes

Allow one and a half hours for this moderate walk starting at the Guisborough Forest and Walkway Visitor Centre.

After an initial steep ascent through the beech wood, the route winds its way through a variety of forest habitats with great views over Guisborough and beyond.

Man using mobility scooter, alongside a woman pushing a pram and walking a dog
All-terrain mobility scooters

Visitors with permanent or temporary limited mobility can hire one of our Trampers.

Trampers are off-road mobility scooters, which are easy to use and able to tackle a range of surfaces and gradients come rain or shine.

Our Tramper is suitable for:

View of fields at Pleasant Forest soon to become new woodland
Article
22 November 2019
Pleasant Forest is a 127 hectare site for a new woodland in Kent.
Horse riders on a woodland trail

St Leonards offers a network of riding which include a diverse and beautiful range of woodland habitats. Off-bridleway riding is restricted to specific routes and only permitted if you are a TROT member.

There is no public bridleway. There are no waymarkers for the routes.

Adults and children sit on a large log having a picnic
Picnics and barbecues

Enjoy a tasty treat in the forest, just bring along good food and company! Spread your picnic blanket in your favourite spot or grab one of our picnic tables. Picnic areas can be found

Forest Activity Bag Sherwood Pines
Other family activities
Why not hire one of our Forest Activity Bags?   

Explore the forest as a family and discover more about how it’s used and what animals live here.

Each bag is suitable for children aged 5+ years* and contains some fantastic tools and instructions so you can go on your own woodland adventure. 

Become a detective - use the binoculars to spot wildlife up in the trees.

Mini-beast hunt - see what’s crawling, hopping and scuttling in the undergrowth.