Schools and group visits

 

Each year, over 10,000 children visit Forestry Commission woodlands in Yorkshire and The Humber to learn more about forests, the wildlife within them and to enjoy themselves in a natural and safe environment. Facilities exist across the county to accommodate visiting groups: Dalby Forest, Guisborough Forest and South Yorkshire Community Woodlands. At each of these sites, Rangers 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.

Before you visit

It is recommended that before you bring a group to visit the forest, 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, 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 forest, 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 it is advisable to confirm with the company and coach driver beforehand that they know exactly where they are going and how long it is likely to take them. Follow the links below and consult the Planning your Visit pages on this site.

Here at Last!

If you have booked a Ranger led visit you will be welcomed by the Ranger who will be leading your visit. He or she will be wearing easily identifiable green corporate wear with the two-tree logo pictured at the top of this page. Toilets are available.  On certain sites the provision of a classroom is available for hire.

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

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

Contact Details

To discuss a group visit or to make a booking, please contact the appropriate site detailed below:

Dalby Forest
Jan Bell or Chrissie Hickes
01751 472771
nym@forestry.gsi.gov.uk 

South Yorkshire Community Woodlands
Community Rangers
01302 820278
sherwood.fdo@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

Guisborough Forest
Guisborough Forest and Walkway Visitor Centre
01287 631132