Each year, over 4000 children visit Forestry Commission woodlands in Northeast England to learn more about forests, the wildlife within them and to enjoy themselves in a truly natural and safe environment. Facilities exist at three sites to accommodate visiting groups; Kielder Castle, Hamsterley Forest and Chopwell Woodland Park. At each of these sites, rangers who are experienced in leading groups in an outdoor setting, are available if required. Please note, groups who intend to organise a self-led visit are still required to make contact with the ranger on site and complete a booking form.
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. Follow the links below and consult the Planning your Visit pages on this site.
Here at Last!
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. On request, your group can have exclusive use of the classroom for the duration of the visit. The classroom can seat up to thirty-five children and here you can leave your bags, coats and lunches.
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. For the majority of sessions, the group will generally be no more that a ten-minute walk from the classroom. Where a group is self-led, the group leader can be given access to the classroom by arrangement.
Contact Details
To discuss a group visit or to make a booking, please contact the appropriate site detailed below:
Hamsterley Forest and Chopwell Woodland Park
Neil Taylor
Recreation Ranger
01388 488312
neil.taylor@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Kielder Castle
Malte Iden
Recreation Ranger
01434 250209
kieldercastle@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
