Country Parks school visits

Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve comprises 450 acres of ancient heath and forest, the legendary home of Robin Hood, and one of the oldest areas of native woodland in Europe.

The park provides an inspiring outdoor classroom for school groups.

Ranger - led activities

Environmental education activities are available on a self-led or ranger-led basis. Activities led by park rangers are available on Tuesdays and Thursday mornings only, and cost £20 for a one hour and, or £40 for a two hour session.

Topics available

Guided walk with a ranger.  These walks can be designed around any ability or interest.  When booking or making a pre-visit, decide with us how you would like the walk tailoring.  Time and distance are variable according to group ability and timetable.  Possible subjects include Sherwood Forest habitats, tracks trails and signs of wildlife, mammals, birds and amphibians.

Medieval life & Robin Hood  Travel back in time to the 13th century and discover what life was really like in the Royal Hunting Forest of Sherwood.  Ages 7-11 years.

Get to know trees (younger children). A simple introduction to trees, their function and importance in today's world.  Ages 4-7 years.

Trees & woodland (older children).  Walk through the ancient forest and identify the tree species.  Measure the height and girth of trees and discuss their place within the wider picture of forestry.  Ages 7 - 11 years.

Mini beasts  (April - August).  Over 1500 species of invertebrates have been discovered at Sherwood Forest, many of which ar associated with dead wood.  During this activity children are introduced to the world of mini beasts (invertebrates) and by the end of the session will be able to recognise several species using simple keys.  Ages 7-15 years

Centre orienteering.  An ideal starter course to introduce the basic concepts of map reading and orientation.  This course takes place around the visitor centre and students are asked to find 15 points which are marked on a map provided.  The course is suited to intrioducing map features at a basic level.  Ages 5 - 9 years.

Full orienteering course -Ranger Introduction.  Using a professional orienteering map and course (designed by Notts Orienteering Club).  This activity is for older groups to test orienteering skills.  Your group will be given a Silva compass, whistle, map clipboard and pencil and (after tuition from the ranger) be sent off round the course.  Can be adapted to group knowledge, physical ability and time available.  Age 9 years +.

Self - led activities

These are group activities led by you, with no ranger involvement.  Prices include equipment hire and guidance sheets.  Half days can be morning or afternoon.  Full day = 9.30 am - 4.30 pm

Parachute & games pamphlet.  The parachute is a useful way of involving a large group of people in an activity at the same time and because of its novelty even those who normally tend to opt out are often keen to participate.  Between 20 and 50 children can get involved.  Most games aim to promote co-operation rather than competition, making it a perfect activity for classes and fostering group togetherness.  All stages.  £10 half day, £15 full day.

Way marked trails.  Trails leaflets available from Visitor Information.  The blue route takes you on a 45 minute circular path around the Major Oak. The green route takes approximately 1 hour and skirts along the longhorn cattle enclosure.  The red trail is a 2 hour circuit round the forest. Suitable for all ages.  FREE.

Shelter building / settlement  Life as an outlaw in 1248 was very different to today.  Travel back to the time when the Sheriff of Nottingham's men patrolled the forest in search of outlaws.  As you become an outlaw and become aware of the danger you will need to construct a shelter using materials found on the forest floor.  Ages 7-16.  Half day £10, full day £15.

Waking your senses.  This activity is designed to allow children to get in touch with their surroundings using their senses, and to encourage them to appreciate the sounds, smells, textures and colours to be found in the forest.  The hour is split into four activities, each focussing on a specific sense.  By the end of the session, the aim is to help the group more aware of their own senses and also of those used by animals in the forest.  Reception age and Key Stage 1.  half day £10, full day £15.

Music in the forest  Sherwood Forest is full of natural sounds, such as birds singing and the wind blowing through the trees, as well as man-made sounds.  This activity encourages pupils to listen and study these sounds and develop their own interpretation of sounds that they hear on the musical instruments provided.  This activity can be done either in the middle of the forest or in the open air theatre.  Ages 5-11.  Half day £10, full day £15.

Mini-beasts (May - September only).  Over 1500 species of invertebrates have been discovered at Sherwood Forest, many of which are associated with dead wood.  This activity introduces children to the world of mini beasts (invertebrates) and teaches them to recognise several species using simple keys.  key stages 1&2.  Half day £10, full day £15.

Centre orienteering.  An ideal starter course introducing the basic concepts of map reading and orientation.  This course takes place around the visitor centre and students are asked to find 15 points marked on a map provided.  The course is suited to introducing map features at a basic level.  Maps and equiopment provided.  Ages 5-9.  Half day £10, full day £15.

Wildwood art.  A forest full of light shape and colour is the perfect environment to develop creativity within children.  Pupils will be able to further their own ideas and feelings and create patterns, shapes and masterpieces using the natural resources around them.  Not only does this activity develop their creativity but also an understanding of the visual, tactile and sensory qualities of natural materials.  Key stages 1&2.  Half day £5, full day £10.

ParkLife - active Sherwood.  Encourage physical activity and make exercise fun by exploring the concept of the forest as an outdoor gymnasium.  Participants will learn new forms of exercise using everyday pieces of equipment found in the forest - for example - a park bench.  They will be able to devise and practise their own 'fitness trail' around the foerst and learn how to keep an exercise log book.  No specialist equipment required, just comfortable outdoor clothing and footwear.  If you wish to develop the activity further, pedometres and stopwatches can be used.  We will supply the ParkLife booklet, explaining activities.  Duration 1 or 2 hours.  FREE.  

Forest classroom

A classroom is available for hire, located close to the Rangers' Office and Visitor Centre reception.  This seats approximately 35 pupils, with floor mats available for extra seating.  You can also hire the classroom as a convenient 'home base' for the class to leave bags and coats, eat lunch etc.

Hire cost £15 all day.

Booking a visit

We strongly recommend that before bringing a group to the park you arrange a pre-visit.  Our park ranger team will help familiarise you with the site and answer any questions you have.

To make a booking, arrange a pre-visit, or simply for a chat about what is available, please email us or telephone 01623 823202.