School visits to Sence Valley

Uncover the secrets of Sence Valley with your class

Sence Valley's rich woodland and unique history offers fantastic opportunities to inspire and excite learners of all ages and abilities.

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.  

Learning in a forest is also a practical way to immerse your class in a range of subjects. Spark students' imagination by delivering a lesson on any topic, using the setting as inspiration.  

Discover sustainable forest management in action

We grow, shape and care for forests, managing landscapes for people, wildlife and timber production.

At Sence Valley, you'll see what sustainable forest management is, and why it's so important, through hands-on activities.

Booking your self-led visit

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

Please contact the local learning team by emailing info_nationalforest@forestryengland.uk at least two weeks before you plan to visit, and they'll get back to you with everything you need to do.

Self-led activities at Sence Valley

Child looking through a magnifying glass at leaves in bright sunlight with a blue sky and trees behind.

Curriculum-linked resources to download and inspire your students at Sence Valley.

A close up of three children sitting on a log, showing legs in waterproof trousers and muddy wellington boots.

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

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

Watch wildlife from our hide and viewing screen.

A young boy wearing a winter coat, smiling and holding a pine sprig in the forest.

Explore Sence Valley and earn some stamps for your learning passport too.