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Sence Valley Forest Park

(Average user rating4 unrated 3.8/5)
 

Sence Valley Forest Park is a wonderful example of how a disused opencast colliery can be transformed into a diverse wildlife haven. After being planted with over 98,000 trees this 150 acre site was opened to the public in September 1998 as part of The National Forest. The park contains woodland, lakes linking to the River Sence, grassland and a wildflower meadow. Thanks to the varied habitat 150 bird species have been recorded at the park. An artificial Sand Martin nesting wall has also been constructed alongside the Horseshoe Lake. This along with the bird hide makes the site an excellent spot for birdwatchers. Opportunities for recreation at the park include fishing on one of the lakes, a bridleway and surfaced trails which provide access for walkers, cyclists and are wheelchair friendly.

A leaflet containing a map of the site is available to download here as a pdf. Please note: the contact details for obtaining a fishing permit have now changed. If you would like to fish on Sence Valley, please contact us using the details below.

How to get there:

Sence Valley Forest Park is in Sence Valley which is part of The National Forest.
On the A447 Ravenstone Road just North of Ibstock.
Ibstock and Heather are the nearest towns or villages.
OS Grid Reference: SK404113
For details of public transport visit http://www.transportdirect.info

Other places to go in Sence Valley

User Comments

5 Stars 5 Stars

I visit the park several times each week with my dog and always clean up after her as do many other dog walkers; I don't think it's as bad as previous the previous comments state. There are waste bag dispensers in the park and many bins around. A great place to visit.

Nanadi, 10/Feb/2012
4 Stars 4 Stars

Visited today 04/03/2011 and was impressed with the layout of the forest park easy accessable paths suitable for all ages and disabled users too. Excellent bird watching although the viewing slots in the hide, i thought were a little low as i had to bend down to see through them, maybe a bench could be built around the hide to correct this? all in all I will certainly be back with my family and would recommend this park. as for the dog muck...don't see this as a reason not to visit but would benefit from more bins to dispose of this as i did not see any....if there is nowhere to put it how do you get rid of it? also are there plans to build a visitor center? i think it would really enhance the park

Steve B, 4/Mar/2011
3 Stars 3 Stars

Agree with the above review, it's a lovely place but something needs to be done about the dog mess

Anonymous, 5/Aug/2010
More user comments

Please tell us about your visit

Please email us at info_nationalforest@forestry.gsi.gov.uk if you have an enquiry or would like a reply to your comments.

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Family walking at Sence Valley Forest Park, The National Forest

Facilities and Activities

ToiletsInformationParkingEasy AccessOther Facilities
WalkingCyclingHorse RidingWildlife ActivitiesOrienteeringOther ActivitiesArtsPicnic
Other Facilities

The car park is open daily from 08 30 until dusk each day. Please see signs in the car park for precise closing times. The entrance has a height restriction barrier of 2.2m. Anyone wishing to enter the site with a larger vehicle should contact the distict office on 01889 586593 at least 48 hours in advance of a visit.

Walking
Surfaced trails and grass paths form a network of tracks throughout the park.
The Birthday Walk - A National Forest Walk
Cycling
A cycle route links Heather village to the A447 Ravenstone Road at Ibstock.
HorseRiding.gif
A Bridleway links Heather village to the A447 Ravenstone Road at Ibstock. See OS Explorer Map 245 for more details.
Wildlife Activities
A Bird Hide over looks Stonebridge Pool and a seasonal wetland scrape. Over 150 bird species have been recorded from the park. Otters and water voles are known to be present on site.
Orienteering
Orienteering is an activity that improves map reading and navigational skills. You can run, jog or walk courses of various lengths and difficulty and it is enjoyed by all ages from under 5 to over 90. Free maps and information from Leicestershire Orienteering Club.
Arts
Look out for one of six Noon Columns that are dotted across The National Forest.
Other Activities
An active volunteer group is based at this park providing a ranger service, fundraising and undertaking varied conservation projects. Contact the office on 01889 586593 to find out when the next task is running.

Contact:

National Forest
01889 586593
e-mail: info_nationalforest@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

What's of interest

A free site leaflet including a map of the tracks is available from the Forestry Commission using the contact details given at the bottom of this page. It can also be downloaded via the link in the 'About Sence Valley Forest Park' section.

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