Dalby Forest
Schools wanting to organise their own visit to the forest are very welcome. Please read the following information to help you plan a successful visit.
All self-guided groups are asked to book their visit in advance with the District Office at Pickering, stating on the booking form where you intend to go and what you intend to do, giving as much detail as possible. Even though you do not require the services of a ranger, it helps us to know how many groups are using the forest and where they are. By careful planning and your co-operation, we can try and avoid groups clashing with each other.
Please ensure that you have all the information you require. The Rangers and the staff at the Forest District Office are more than willing to offer advice and we are only a telephone call away.
There is no charge for groups using the forest but vehicles entering Dalby Forest Drive will be charged at the current rates (see section on charges).
Self-guided groups are more than welcome to hire equipment boxes subject to availability (please see later sections concerning these facilities).
Some areas of the forest have to be closed occasionally for Health and Safety reasons during forest operations. By letting us know where you will be, we can advise you if your intended route is not usable owing to forest operations, saving problems on the day.
Equipment for hire
We have the following two equipment boxes available for hire:
Stream Studies - This contains stream dipping nets, collecting trays and identification sheets to study the habitat of the stream. There are also metre rules and tape measures, along with worksheets for investigating the flow rate and width and depth of the stream. All you need to supply is pupils equipped with wellington boots.
Mini-Beasting - This contains all sorts of collecting pots, pooters, magnifiers, sweep nets and a white sheet, along with identification charts and what to look for guides.
This equipment is subject to availability and is on a first come first served basis. The cost of hire is £10 per session (2½ hours).
Please ring the District Office and reserve the equipment before you send any payment with your booking form. When you collect the equipment you will be asked to sign for it, agreeing on the contents and accepting to pay for any damages that occur.
Charges for vehicles for Self-Guided groups and Ranger-led visits to Dalby Forest -
Coaches - £25.00 each
Minibuses - £12.00 each
Cars - £7.00 each
For a booking form please contact the Recreation Office on 01751 470702 / 470724.
South Yorkshire Community Woodlands
All self-guided groups are asked to book their visit in advance with the South Yorkshire team, stating on the booking form where you intend to go and what you intend to do, giving as much detail as possible. Even though you do not require the services of a ranger, it helps us to know how many groups are using the woods and where they are. By careful planning and your co-operation, we can try and avoid groups clashing with each other and ensure that our contractors will not disturb you.
Environmental Education on your doorstep
The Ranger team in South Yorkshire work with local communities to help them explore, manage and enjoy their nearby countryside sites. If you’ve got a Forestry Commission Community Woodland on your doorstep we can:
Help you plan a self-led visit – The rangers can meet you on site or at your school / group base to discuss ideas for self-led activities in your local woodland. We also have an activity box loan scheme call “Ranger in a Box” which can be borrowed from the Ranger Offices in Doncaster.
To talk about arranging a school or group visit to your local community woodland contact South Yorkshire Community Rangers on 01623 822447.
Ranger in a box
Ranger in a box is aimed at schools, youth and community groups. The boxes, which are based in Doncaster, South Yorkshire contain all you need to lead a range of countryside based activities.
There are a wide range of titles which are ever growing, all aimed at helping groups explore the natural world - whether it be outdoors or indoors.
The titles range from kite flying to minibeast hunting and shelterbuilding to teddy bears picnics. There is something for everyone. It couldn’t be easier!
So how do you get your hands on them? Contact South Yorkshire Community Rangers where they will be able to provide you with a list of the current boxes, which are available for you to borrow.
