In this issue of Community Update, we are proud to announce that Rosliston Forestry Centre is the recipient of our Commitment to Excellence Award.
Nestled in the heart of the National Forest in South Derbyshire, Rosliston Forestry Centre is 154 acres of stunning open woodland, meadows, ponds and play areas. The site is managed by South Derbyshire District Council and offers everything for the perfect family day out, with a range of wellbeing activities, forest lodge accommodation, an onsite café and a wedding venue.
Visitors are welcome to visit the woodland for dog-walking, trail-walking and woodland walks, and picnics throughout the year. There are a whole host of organised, bookable activities, including: a pre-school ‘Saplings’ group, forest bathing, geocaching, foraging walks, as well as a weekly 5K Park Run and Nordic walking. The A.R.D. Birds of Prey Experience is perfect for bird-lovers and includes the opportunity to wear a falconer’s glove to handle birds such as Owls, Hawks and Falcons.
The centre began with the strategic planting of 120,000 new trees saplings between 1993 and 1997, to merge with an existing woodland and meadow ponds. We spoke to Site Manager Pete Bailey to find out what makes the centre so special,
“Rosliston Forestry Centre is great day out for all the family, it can be so wonderfully beneficial to people’s health and wellbeing when they engage with the natural environment, enabling our visitors to have inspiring and memorable adventures where you can explore, play, learn, exercise, eat, be creative, and celebrate in a sustainable woodland setting.
Following the success of our Easter egg hunt this year we will be running more of our family-orientated theme trails, to include a treasure hunt and woodland bingo. The Play/ adventure & sports vans will be visiting site during selected dates in August.”
There is the Hub café on-site, offering hot and cold refreshments, including scrumptious cakes and ice creams with products suitable for vegans, vegetarians and those on gluten-free diets.
For those looking for a beautiful woodland wedding venue, there are bespoke wedding packages available at The Glade. With a recently refurbished beautiful glass fronted marquee and a wooden Pagoda available for licenced ceremonies, couples can have a beautiful rustic wedding with up to 250 guests. Saffron Catering can provide tailor-made canapés on arrival, with eclectic wedding reception dining options such as hog roast, paella to a full-three course meal. The wedding couple can even stay in a secluded Forest Lodge on site, for their wedding night.
Visit England has awarded the lodges with three or four-star ratings and they are made from FSC-certified timber from sustainable choices. The lodges range in size and are perfect for couples through to larger groups offering weekend/ mid-week and longer breaks they come with comfy beds, spacious outdoor areas and fully equipped kitchens. Book your break today!
To find out more about the centre, see the websites below:
T 01283 563483