Forestry Commission - News - leicestershire kids recruited as junior rangers this easter

Children in Leicestershire are being offered the chance to become ‘Junior Rangers’ at Sence Valley Forest Park near Ibstock, Leicestershire, this Easter, as part of the Forestry Commission’s events line-up.

From Wednesday 26th to Friday 28th March, children aged 8 to12 years can swap their computer games for a real life adventure in their local forest and see what it takes to become a forest ranger.

From 10.30am until 12.30pm each day there will be a variety of hands on forest activities available, including pond dipping, bird box building and an even an Easter egg rolling challenge.

Chris Mansell, Community Ranger for the Forestry Commission at Sence Valley, says:

“Our Junior Rangers events are a great opportunity for local children to have fun exploring their natural environment and make new friends at the same time.

“The activity sessions on offer during the three days provide a taster of what it takes to become a forest ranger and how to care for our feathered friends!”

As part of the wildlife and nature adventure people are advised to wear clothes suitable for the weather conditions on the day and be prepared to get a little bit muddy!

Advance booking is essential for the Sence Valley Junior Rangers activities by calling the West Midlands District Office on 01889 586593.

Places are limited to 12 children per session and parents will need to sign a parental consent form before children can take part in the event.

People can book places for one day at only Ł4 per child or for all three days at only Ł10 per child.

Opened in September 1998, Sence Valley Forest Park offers 150 acres of wildflower meadows, woodland and lakes. There is an extensive network of paths and roads for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

A former disused opencast colliery, it was transformed into a diverse wildlife haven after being planted with more than 98,000 trees.

Thanks to the varied habitat that now exists in the park, 150 bird species have been recorded there. An artificial Sand Martin nesting wall has also been constructed alongside the Horseshoe Lake which is an excellent spot for birdwatchers.

More information on Sence Valley Forest Park and its events calendar can be found at www.forestry.gov.uk.

Further details about the Junior Ranger activities at Sence Valley Forest Park:

Date: Wednesday 26th, Thursday 27th and Friday 28th March
Time: 10.30am –12.30pm
Description: 3 sessions of forest activities, including pond dipping, bird box building, Easter egg rolling challenge and more!
Age Group: 8-12 years
Cost of Event: Ł4.00 per session or Ł10.00 for all 3 sessions
Meeting Place: Sence Valley Forest Park
How to get there: Sence Valley Forest Park is within The National Forest, and is situated on the A447 just outside Ibstock, Leicestershire. OS Ref: SK 404 113
Clothing Required: Wear warm clothes and shoes with non-slip soles.
Booking Essential: Contact West Midlands District Office on 01889 586593
Dogs Allowed: no

Ends

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. Image attached of a family day out at Sence Valley Forest Park. A higher res version is available by calling 015394-42436.
2. Sence Valley Forest Park is owned by Leicestershire County Council and managed by the Forestry Commission.
3. Sence Valley Forest Park is within The National Forest, and is situated on the A447 just outside Ibstock, Leicestershire. OS Grid Reference: SK 404 113
4. Sence Valley Conservation Volunteers Trust has a varied programme of monthly conservation task days organised by the Forestry Commission, including hedge laying, dry-stone walling and butterfly surveying. On-site projects that it has raised funds for have included the creation of an artificial nesting wall for sand martins.

MEDIA CONTACTS: Chris Mansell (Community Ranger) or Rowan Clark (Education Officer) on 01889 586593. Alternatively, email chris.mansell@forestry.gsi.gov.uk or rowan.clark@forestry.gsi.gov.uk