Schools and group visits

 

Each year, over 12,000 children visit Forestry Commission woodlands in the East Midlands to learn more about forests, the wildlife within them and to enjoy themselves in a truly natural and safe environment. Facilities exist across the region to accommodate visiting groups.. At each of these sites, rangers who are experienced in leading groups in an outdoor setting, are available if required.   The type of facilities and educational provisions across the region vary so please make contact with the relevant area to discuss your needs further.

• Sherwood Pines Forest Park
• Other Nottinghamshire Woodlands
• Top Lodge, Fineshade Woods

Before you visit

It is recommended that before you bring a group to visit the wood, you should organise a pre-visit so you know where to come and what to expect in terms of facilities etc. The ranger will be delighted to meet you on site and answer any questions you may have about the visit.

The next step is to complete a booking form with the ranger, which will detail meeting times and location, activities to be undertaken and highlight the responsibilities of the group leader and Forestry Commission staff leading the activity.

To help ensure a safe visit, the Forestry Commission will complete a risk assessment for every group visit to the wood, including an assessment of the facilities and the activities to be undertaken. A copy of this is available on request. It is also important that you complete your own risk assessment, as you will be in overall charge of the group. The actions arising from this assessment should include informing parent helpers as well as the children of what standard of clothing and footwear is expected.

Getting to the Forest

Once you are on the coach and heading for the forest you may think nothing can go wrong - but beware, coach drivers have a habit of setting off and following their nose! It is advisable to confirm with the company beforehand that they know exactly where they are going and how long it is likely to take them.

Here at Last!

If you have booked a Ranger Led visit you will be welcomed by the ranger who will be leading your visit. On certain sites the provision of a classroom is available on request.

Most of the visit will be spent outside, under the canopy of the forest’s trees. The majority of sessions will involve a walk and a mixture of fun activities and worksheets, during which accompanying teachers and adult helpers will be asked to play an active role.

Where a group is self-led, the group leader can be given access to a classroom by arrangement on specific sites.

Contact Details

To discuss a group visit or to make a booking, please contact us.