Sence Valley

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!

At a glance

Alongside our cashless payment system, RingGo, card payments are now accepted at Sence Valley!
01/07/2022 12:00

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 Horseshoe Lake.

To prevent forest fires and reduce waste, please do not bring barbecues into our forests.

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 volunteer group to provide alternative routes around the woodlands, these informal trails are uneven and may be muddy at certain times of year.

Sence Valley All Ability Trail (1km)

This accessible non-waymarked loop is the perfect short walk, fairly level and only 1km in length. ​​​​​​​You can head straight out from the lower car park around Horseshoe Lake and enjoy the vast array of wildlife and water birds that call Sence Valley home, with resting spots and picnic benches to take advantage of along the way. For those seeking a walk longer in length, head up to Stonebridge Pool. This route benefits from two accessible paths, one passing the orchard and bird viewing screen, the other following the river to the Bird Hide. With sloped access and low level viewing slots, everyone can enjoy the swans, gulls, geese and cormorants in their natural environment.

​​​​​​​Cherry Avenue (0.6km)

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Our cherry tree-lined avenue was the pivotal point of our centenary planting celebrations in 2019. A variety of cherry tree species are now becoming established along this route and visitors will be able to enjoy an abundance of blossom and fruit through the seasons for many years to come. Following the River Sence, this 0.6km walk is part of a public footpath, that joins up with Ravenstone Road and Kelham Bridge.

 

​​​​​​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 screen sit on opposite edges of Stonebridge Pool and offers fantastic views across the lake.

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.

 

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