Sence Valley Forest Park

Once a vast open cast coal mine, which opened in 1982, 8 million tonnes of coal was produced from the site before its closure in 1996. Much of the area was restored to farmland, but 60 hectares were given to Leicestershire County Council for the creation of a forest park. A total of 100,000 trees have since been planted, transforming this section of the Sence Valley into a haven for wildlife and visitors alike. The Forest Park is managed by Forestry England and provides a wonderfully varied mosaic of woodlands, lakes, wildflower meadows and interlinking trails on the edge of Heather and Ibstock.

The new woodland has been carefully designed to be a sustainable, resilient forest with more than 17 different species of tree planted and a network of new footpaths installed. A huge range of community groups have been involved in the planting including groups from schools, local companies, WI branches and wildlife recorders. More than 150 bird species have been recorded at the park and an artificial sand martin nesting wall alongside Horseshoe Lake provides nesting sites. The Sence river is home to otters and there are signs of water voles on the river’s tributaries. The park is also a great area for bats with numerous sightings.

Visitors can explore the mixed forest on a network of walking, cycle and horse-riding trails or test their navigation skills around the wood on an orienteering course.

The car park is open to vehicles:

April to September: 8:00am - 7:00pm
October to March: 9:00am - 4:00pm

Open to pedestrian access at all times.