Forestry England in the National Forest

Forestry England in the National Forest Forestry England cares for 17 woodlands within the National Forest area. Poppy Wood forms the northern gateway to the National Forest.

At present there are 17 Forestry England woodlands within The National Forest area, comprising of 3 existing woodlands and 14 newly planted sites. Many of the woodlands we manage in this area used to be industrial sites, but have now been transformed into beautiful greenspaces for people to enjoy, wildlife to live in, and as a source of sustainably grown timber. The biggest visitor destination tha

t Forestry England manages in the area is Hicks Lodge - where you'll find waymarked walking and cycling trails, bike hire and cafe selling delicious treats and a beautiful varied landscape to spot wildlife on land and in the water. Sence Valley is another beautiful forest popular with visitors, is also the site of a Centenary Wood to mark the 100 year anniversary of the Forestry Commission in 2019. Robin Wood offers scenic walks and interesting wildlife. And Seale Wood is a mosaic of sweet chestnut, oak, ash and hazel woodland just waiting to be explored. Forestry England cares for the nation's forests. For over 100 years, we have been growing, shaping and caring for over 1,500 of our nation’s forests for the benefit and enjoyment of all, for this generation and the next. With your help and support, we care for more land and trees than any other organisation in England. Shaping landscapes for people, wildlife and timber.

If Hicks Lodge is part of your regular routine, membership covers free parking here and at every other Forestry England ...
07/09/2026

If Hicks Lodge is part of your regular routine, membership covers free parking here and at every other Forestry England site, from £8 a month.

forestryengland.uk/national-membership

Are you ready to become a Forest Runner? 🌲Join our free Forest Runner 5k Challenge on Strava and discover the benefits o...
05/09/2026

Are you ready to become a Forest Runner? 🌲

Join our free Forest Runner 5k Challenge on Strava and discover the benefits of running in nature.

From peaceful woodland paths to challenging forest trails, Hicks Lodge is the perfect place to train ahead of the challenge this September.

Take part between 7 and 20 September to win a host of prizes worth over £500!

Are you ready to run? 👉 forestryeng.land/forest-runner-2026-strava

Hicks Lodge is built for a weekend adventure on two wheels, hire a bike from Grounds Cycle Centre (weekends only) or bri...
04/09/2026

Hicks Lodge is built for a weekend adventure on two wheels, hire a bike from Grounds Cycle Centre (weekends only) or bring your own, then refuel at the café.

forestryengland.uk/hicks-lodge

Ever wondered what happens in the forest after dark?Join us at Hicks Lodge for a free guided bat walk and talk and disco...
02/09/2026

Ever wondered what happens in the forest after dark?

Join us at Hicks Lodge for a free guided bat walk and talk and discover more about some of the forest's most fascinating residents. Learn how bats navigate, hunt and thrive at night before heading out with experienced guides to see what you can spot and hear around the forest.

Places are limited, so book your free space today.

🔗 https://www.forestryengland.uk/forest-event/events-hicks-lodge/free-guided-bat-walk-and-talk

Forest Runner is back for 2026 🌲🏃Whether you're chasing your first 5k, looking for a reason to get outdoors or simply wa...
02/09/2026

Forest Runner is back for 2026 🌲🏃

Whether you're chasing your first 5k, looking for a reason to get outdoors or simply want more time in nature, our free Strava challenge is a great way to explore Hicks Lodge on foot.

With wide, accessible trails and plenty of woodland to explore, it's a great place to get moving outdoors.

Complete your 5k between 7 and 20 September to earn an exclusive digital badge on Strava and be in with the chance of winning prizes worth over £500.

Read the full T&Cs and sign up today 👉 forestryeng.land/forest-runner-2026-strava

If quiet and space is what you're looking for Hicks Lodge's lakeside trail is flat, easy underfoot, with benches for jus...
29/08/2026

If quiet and space is what you're looking for Hicks Lodge's lakeside trail is flat, easy underfoot, with benches for just sitting and watching the water.

More about Hicks Lodge: https://www.forestryengland.uk/hicks-lodge

Escape to Hicks Lodge this bank holiday weekend ✨Why not park for free and unlock exclusive discounts by becoming a Fore...
27/08/2026

Escape to Hicks Lodge this bank holiday weekend ✨

Why not park for free and unlock exclusive discounts by becoming a Forestry England member ahead of your visit?

See what adventures await 👉 forestryeng.land/your-year-of-adventure

💚🌳🏃‍♀️
24/08/2026

💚🌳🏃‍♀️

Calling all women in Leicestershire! 📣

This Woman Runs and Forestry England are teaming up to launch a brand-new weekly trail run for women at Hicks Lodge, and we’re looking for volunteers to help bring it to life! 🏃‍♀️

Could you be a Run Angel? If you’re passionate about running, love encouraging other women and want to be part of a brilliant local community, we’d love to hear from you.
✨ Based in Leicestershire
✨ Passionate about running and women’s fitness
✨ Ready to help create a welcoming, supportive space for women

Come and be part of something new, help more women discover the joy of trail running, and make a real difference in your local community.

📍 Hicks Lodge
🌲 In partnership with Forestry England

Interested? Email [email protected] to register your interest and find out more!

Pedal and Play at Hicks Lodge is easy to miss if you've only ever done the main play area, but it's worth the detour. Th...
23/08/2026

Pedal and Play at Hicks Lodge is easy to miss if you've only ever done the main play area, but it's worth the detour. Three challenges make up the course: the Hub for cornering and rollers, the Pedal for learning berms, and the Mirror for racing a mate (don't forget to ring the bell at the finish).

Get the basics here and the blue graded Shellbrook Trail is the next step when you're ready. forestryengland.uk/hicks-lodge/pedal-and-play-hicks-lodge

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