Sence Valley Forest Park

Roy Davenport

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Open-cast mining started in 1982 and continued for a period of fourteen years until 1996, during which time approximately eight million tons of coal were extracted from the site for use in the power industry. After the completion of coal extraction, the site was restored to an approved contour plan to form the landscape which exists today. This restoration work included the re-establishment of the River Sence through the site and the formation of the three new lakes. It is part of the National Forest and 98,000 trees were planted throughout the site during the winter of 1997-98. The primary aim of the tree planting is to produce usable timber. Commercial tree species such as Corsican pine, sycamore and poplar, which grow well on disturbed soils, have therefore been planted in most of the plantation areas. However, care has been taken in the design of the planting to ensure that these commercial plantations blend into the newly formed landscape. Attractive native species have been planted along the edges of the commercial blocks adjacent to access routes to give the plantations a pleasant varied appearance. The design of the forest has also sought to preserve the river corridor and water bodies in the site by leaving some areas adjacent to the water unplanted.

England - Central England - Leicestershire - Countryside

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Castle, Flowers, Food Shop, Great Views, Industrial Archaeology, Lake/Loch, Pub, Public Transport, River, Tea Shop, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland

8/21/2013 - Roy Davenport

21/08/13 Walk re-routed at WP04

8/8/2013 - Mangal Mistry

I did this walk again recently? It’s a wonderful walk, with beautiful scenery, lakes, flowering plants, butterflies and birds. There is only one snag. There is this overgrown path from point 4 to point 5. This path has a hedge on one side and a chain link fence on the other side. Brambles, nettles and other plants have overgrown and interwoven a solid barrier. I could see that no one had attempted to walk this path for a long time. To walk this you need secateurs or machete, which I didn’t have. I forced myself with my body and bear hands and I tell you it was an agony. After what seemed like ages, I emerged on the other side, bleeding, itchy, sore, and exhausted. Still, I enjoyed the rest of the walk. So be warned, - if you attempt this walk, wear some tough clothes, take gloves, secateurs, and if possible a machete or find another route. You can see my photos of this walk at http://tinyurl.com/ldfsg83

8/20/2012 - Sonia Smith

2nd time I have done this walk. Lovely variety of terrain. After rain, a good idea is to wear waterproof trousers and/or gaiters as in parts the grass is very long and there are stinging nettles this time of year (August). The paths didn't seem to be well used, but they were still clear. That is probably because of the bad summer weather. A lovely walk however and recommended. Nice food at the Cattows Tea Rooms.

6/17/2011 - Mangal Mistry

14/06/11 I did this walk on a really nice sunny day. Very easy to find the walk and very easy to follow. Amazing scenery, lakes, wildlife, birds, flowers, especially poppies - see my photos at https://picasaweb.google.com/115223343309924949617/Copy25OfCopyOfMyPics000389Walk3491SenceValleyForestPark140611 Make sure you are wearing long trousers - some paths are very overgrown with nettles and brambles. (point 4).