Visitor information

Discover Sence Valley’s history, take a walk or spot some wildlife

Located north-west of Leicester, discover Sence Valley’s history. Once part of a large coal mine that closed in 1996, Forestry England planted 98,000 trees in 1998, transforming the valley into a haven for wildlife and visitors. In 2018  a further 48 hectares (102 acres) of the original opencast was acquired which has now been planted with 100,000 trees which will develop into a mature woodland. A Cherry Tree avenue has also been created to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the forming of the Forestry Commission. 

Explore the mixed forest on our network of trails or test your navigation skills around the wood on our orienteering courses. A bird-spotter’s paradise, 150 bird species have been recorded in the area so make sure to stop by the bird hide and viewing screen to try and spot the rare diving birds or the grebes!

Feel good in the forest1

Feel Good in the Forest at Sence Valley

Forestry England's social prescribing project Feel Good in the Forest is aimed at improving the physical and mental health of those most in need. Based at Sence Valley, Hicks Lodge and surrounding National Forest sites, join us for weekly walks and other activities.

What's on

Forest event
Third Thursday of each month
12pm until approximately 2pm
Meet at the bottom car park

An easy-going walk around the main lakes, giving you a short introduction to nature, the story of the swans and pointing out some of the plants of Sence Valley.

These walks are...

Forest event
Every Monday
5.30 to 6.30
Meet at the top car park

Grab your poles and burn some calories as you stride through the woods Nordic Walking is a great, low impact workout which burns 20-40% more calories than walking normally.

By using...

Food and drink

The Little Bluebird Cafe

The Little Bluebird Cafe

Enjoy a delicious range of hot and cold drinks and food to take away! Open Wednesday to Sunday - check out the Facebook page for times.

Enjoy a tasty treat in the forest at Sence Valley. Just bring along good food and company!

There are three picnic areas near to both car parks and also at a scenic point next to...

Explore Sence Valley on its surfaced trails that run throughout the woodland, and around the lakes.

Some informal tracks through the trees have been created with the on-site...

​​​​​​Our bird hide and viewing screen are accessible off our largely flat circular lakeside trail where you will find a secluded haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The hide & viewing...

Grab your helmet and head out for a beautiful cycle ride around Sence Valley!

Sence Valley offers shared access trails for visitors to cycle on.

 

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