The National Forest

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.

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:

Designated disabled toilets and parking.

Woodland key

Bus Service

Children's Play Area

Disabled Access

Information

Parking

Picnic Facilities

Refreshments

Toilets on Site

Walking

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