Ranger-led Activities for Schools, Colleges and Other Groups
Ranger-led activities usually take place at Beechenhurst Lodge. However, the Forestry Commission manages several other visitor sites, and activities can be adapted to take place elsewhere if required. Beechenhurst Lodge
Facilities at Beechenhurst include toilets, café, coach parking, picnic area and play area as well as the famous Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail, which starts from the site.
Activities for Key Stages 1 and 2
Shelterbuilding
Children will demonstrate practical skills and leadership qualities that you never knew they had when they build a shelter from natural materials. Dens are tested for ‘waterproofness’ at the end of the session to add a sense of urgency and excitement. Environmental Art
An activity walk around parts of the famous Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail followed by an activity of your choice (KS1 and 2 – mapsticks, natural sculpture, magic carpets; KS2 and above – dreamcatchers, weaving, making frames). Woodland Words
Activity walk inspired by poetry (choose from ‘Forgiven’ by AA Milne, ‘Green Man in the Garden’ by Charles Causley, ‘Witch, Witch’ by Rose Fyleman, ‘Spider’ by Frank Collymore, ‘Autumn’ by Alan Bold, or suggest your own poem and we’ll plan activities around your choice). Wildlife Detectives
Special equipment is provided for everyone who takes part in this expedition to search for animal evidence, and discover some of the hidden secrets of the forest and its wildlife. DeanQuest (KS2 and Above)
Learn to follow a map and compass, and uncover some pretty amazing facts about the Forest of Dean. Forest Experience Days (Year 5 and Above)
A Forest Experience Day gives children the chance to spend a whole day in the woods participating in challenging and exciting activities that are hard to do in school!
The group will be split so that you (the teacher / group leader) work with half of the children on a self-guided activity provided by the Ranger. Meanwhile, the Ranger works with the other half of the group doing ‘musical instruments’ or ‘magical trees’, both of which involve using hand tools.
The groups meet up at lunchtime for a campfire and toasted marshmallows then swap over for the afternoon session. Activities for Key Stages 3-4 and Older Students
Teachers wishing to bring older groups to the Forest of Dean are welcome to book any of the sessions above that they feel is appropriate to their group.
Alternatively, we can offer a Ranger-led walk / talk about various aspects of ‘multi-purpose forestry’ ie how we manage the Forest for timber, recreation, tourism and wildlife. Please note – If none of these activities quite meet your objectives, please ask for what you want and we’ll do our best to oblige with a tailor-made session designed especially for your group. Please email the Education Ranger on: education.dean@forestry.gsi.gov.uk or telephone: 01594 833 057 to discuss your needs.
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