Rosliston Forestry Centre

Rosliston Forestry Centre was the first visitor centre in The National Forest, created on 90 ha of former farmland in the Mease Lowlands. It is owned jointly by South Derbyshire District Council and Forest Enterprise.

The centre provides a good range of facilities and events programme. Three waymarked trails, including an all-abilities track, take you around the site to view new woodland, an existing wood, flight ponds and meadows. The centre's classroom is well used by schools and a part-time education officer is employed by South Derbyshire District Council on the site. Group visits can be arranged through the education officer. Craft workshops include a ceramics studio, a natural medicine centre, wood carver and dog grooming service. A bird hide offers the chance to watch the wide variety of native birds which visit and breed on the site, including some of the UK's declining species, such as linnets and skylarks.

Woodland Walks, indoor and outdoor play, cycle hire, fishing, gift shop, ABC Crafts and restaurant - there's something for everyone at Rosliston Forestry Centre. There are education programmes, birds of prey, archery, woodland laser and laser clay shooting (pre-booking neccesary).

Description of Facilities

On site toilets, restaurant/cafe (seating 65), licensed, open evenings on request, all abilities trail, gift shop, picnic area, site ranger/tour guide available (pre booking required - £20 per hour), indoor and outdoor play areas. Group activities include birds of prey, cycle hire, crazy golf, environmental education, laser games, laser clay, archery and orienteering.

Disabled Facilities:

Loads to see and do key

Woodland key

Walks information

There are a variety of paths across the site, surfaced with concrete, compacted gravel, tarmac or grass. The way-marked Short Discovery and Adventure trails are suitable for all abilities. (Please note: the trails have slopes leading to and from the visitor centre). Visitors can cross the Greenheart Lake via a wooden boardwalk, which is wheelchair accessible.

Cycling information

Cycling trails as well as cycle hire, cafe, toilets, shower and other facilities on this site make it good for families. Tarmac paths and grass. Site on a slope - so some uphill cycling necessary.

Upcoming Events

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Archery Drop in Session
18 February 2013 to 30 August 2013
14:00 to 16:00

This session runs every Monday & Friday throughout most of South Derbyshire's school holiday periods. 9 arrows per person for £2.50. No need to book, just drop in between 2pm & 4pm and queue and do.

Wildlife Watch Drop in Session
19 February 2013 to 27 August 2013
14:00 to 16:00

Sessions run every Tuesday, throughout most of the South Derbyshire school holidays. Come and investigate the site with the Environmental Education Team looking for wildlife and trying out fun activities like nest making or pond dipping as you explore!! £2 per person. Meet in the Forest Classroom (same building as the Hub Cafe).

Kraftiz Drop-in Session
20 February 2013 to 28 August 2013
10:00 to 12:00

Running throughout most South Derbyshire school holidays, every Wednesday between 10am and 12pm. Join Julie for a craft activitiy in cluding stamping and card making. Adults and children welcome. £2.50 per person. For further details, 01283 480272 / 07971 268943

Woodland Laser Combat Drop-in Session
20 February 2013 to 29 August 2013
14:00 to 16:00

Every Wednesday and Thursday throughout most of the South Derbyshire school holidays, go wild in the woods!! Play a 10 minute game for £2.50 per person. No booking required. Turn up anytime between 2pm & 4pm, queue and do.

Archery Drop In Session
27 May 2013
14:00 to 16:00

Archery Drop In Session. No need to book, just drop in and have a go, see if you can hit the target!

£2.50 for 9 arrows.

Wildlife Watch Drop In Session
28 May 2013
14:00 to 16:00

Look for wildlife, try out nest making or pond dipping. Meet in the Forest Classroom (in the Cafe block) whatever the weather.

£2.00 per person.

Woodland Laser Combat
29 May 2013 to 30 May 2013
14:00 to 16:00

Drop In Session, go wild in the woods, play a 10 minute laser game in the Centre's combat wood, located at the site entrance!

£2.50 for 10 minutes.

The Glade - The Tale of Peter Rabbit
30 May 2013
11:00 to 15:45

Ting Tang Theatre Company present this interactive show in a fun, pantomime style, especially made for young audiences. The audience become Mr McGregor's allotment where the action takes place. Peter may need his allotment friends to help him escape from Mr McGregor's angry clutches. Characters will involve children in a singsong warm up. The show is outdoors in The Glade.

Performances at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.

Tickets available from Swadlincote TIC on 01283 222848.

Forest Frenzy
26 July 2013
12:00 to 17:00

Buy a wristband and from 12-5pm choose as many activities as you want (to include woodland laser combat, archery, climbing) and as many goes as you like for just £10 per child. No booking required. NEW FOR 2013 - half price adult for every full paying child!!!!

Nightworld
26 July 2013
19:30 to 23:00

Spend a summer evening learning more about the night sky and our nocturnal creatures!! £2.50 per person. Ring 01283 535039 for programme.

Out & Active Holiday Club
29 July 2013 to 02 August 2013
09:00 to 17:00

Fully supervised, fun-packed days for the kids. A fantastic range of outdoor activities may include archery, laser games and climbing wall. £20 per child per day. Suitable for children aged 8+. Booking essential and places are limited, so call early to avoid disappointment. Tel 01283 563483

Family Bushcraft Evening
14 August 2013
17:30 to 19:30

Come and learn how to survive in the wild!!! Suitable for children aged 7+. Adults £10, Child £7.50. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult. BOOKING ESSENTIAL 01283 563483

Out & Active Holiday Club
19 August 2013 to 23 August 2013
09:00 to 17:00

Junior Bushcraft Day
28 August 2013
10:00 to 16:00

Come and learn how to survive in the wild!! £20 per child. Suitable for children ages 8+. BOOKING ESSENTIAL 01283 563483

Forest Frenzy
30 August 2013
12:00 to 17:00

Last Night of The Proms
07 September 2013
From 19:00

Set in The Glade in the Forest, an outdoor arena and stage in the woods. An evening of popular songs and light classical music, sing-a-longs and lots of flay waving! Tickets: Adult £5, Concession/Child £2.50.

Hansel & Gretel Halloween Story Walk
31 October 2013
From 18:00

Join Theatre Company "Ting Tang" on this themed Halloween Walk. Walk times: 6pm, 7.15pm, 8.30pm & 9.45pm. Tickets priced at £6 per adult and £4 per child. Tel 01283 563483 to book tickets.

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The National Forest