Visitor information

Discover Sence Valley’s history, take a walk or spot some wildlife

Located north-west of Leicester, discover Sence Valley’s history. Once part of a large coal mine that closed in 1996, Forestry England planted 98,000 trees in 1998, transforming the valley into a haven for wildlife and visitors. In 2018  a further 48 hectares (102 acres) of the original opencast was acquired which has now been planted with 100,000 trees which will develop into a mature woodland. A Cherry Tree avenue has also been created to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the forming of the Forestry Commission. 

Explore the mixed forest on our network of trails or test your navigation skills around the wood on our orienteering courses. A bird-spotter’s paradise, 150 bird species have been recorded in the area so make sure to stop by the bird hide and viewing screen to try and spot the rare diving birds or the grebes!

Feel good in the forest1

Feel Good in the Forest at Sence Valley

Forestry England's social prescribing project Feel Good in the Forest is aimed at improving the physical and mental health of those most in need. Based at Sence Valley, Hicks Lodge and surrounding National Forest sites, join us for weekly walks and other activities.
Forest event
Third Thursday of each month
12pm until approximately 2pm
Meet at the bottom car park

An easy-going walk around the main lakes, giving you a short introduction to nature, the story of the swans and pointing out some of the plants of Sence Valley.

These walks are...

Forest event
3rd Thursday of the Month (ending December 2025)
1pm to 3pm
The Yurt at Sence Valley

Pop into the Yurt at Sence Valley on the 3rd Thursday of the Month (1pm-3pm) for free advice, chats and more with BUILD

BUILD, support individuals who face barriers to accessing...

Forest event
Every Friday
10.30am to 11.30am
Meet at the top car park, by the Little Blue Bird café and toilets

Join Active Mums Club’s fantastic walk leader Freya, on the Active Mums Club Buggy walk around Sence Valley.

Meeting in the car park, you will enjoy a walk around the forest and...

Forest event
Saturday 19 April
10am to 2pm
Lower car park

Are you out and about over the Easter weekend? Why not pop in to Sence Valley and meet our rangers - they'll be there with some of our wonderful volunteers, some nature crafts and...

Food and drink

The Little Bluebird Cafe

The Little Bluebird Cafe

Enjoy a delicious range of hot and cold drinks and food to take away! Open Wednesday to Sunday - check out the Facebook page for times.

Connect with nature through sensory exploration and uncover the wellbeing benefits of forests.

Immerse yourself in the soothing forest with our Feel Good in the Forest activity bag...

Enjoy a tasty treat in the forest at Sence Valley. Just bring along good food and company!

There are three picnic areas near to both car parks and also at a scenic point next to...

Explore Sence Valley on its surfaced trails that run throughout the woodland, and around the lakes.

Some informal tracks through the trees have been created with the on-site...

Spending time amongst the trees and really noticing nature is scientifically proven to boost our mental and physical health. Take some time for you and try our new wellbeing trail...

Membership invitation - click to find out more about membership
Volunteer with us invitation - click to discover volunteer opportunities across England