Access | Facilities | Fishing | Contact
Sence Valley Forest Park was once part of a vast opencast coal mine and between 1982 and 1996 around eight million tons of coal were extracted. Once mining stopped the land was returned to open fields and three lakes were created, two of which form part of the River Sence.
The County Council obtained a third of the original mining area in 1996 and, thanks to help from The National Forest Tender Scheme and European funding, work soon began to improve the site. This included spreading 10,000 tons of sewage cake over the entire site to replace essential soil nutrients that were lost during mining.
In 2002 the Forestry Commission took over the management of the Park but Rangers from the County Council regularly patrol the site and are responsible for general maintenance.
Sence Valley Forest Park is a wonderful example of how a disused opencast colliery can be transformed into a diverse wildlife haven.
After being planted with over 98,000 trees this 150 acre site was opened to the public in September 1998 as part of The National Forest.
The park contains woodland, lakes linking to the River Sence, grassland and a wildflower meadow. Thanks to the varied habitat 150 bird species have been recorded at the park. An artifical Sand Martin nesting wall has also been constructed alongside the Horseshoe Lake. This along with the bird-hide makes the site an excellent spot for birdwatchers.
Opportunities for recreation at the park include fishing on one of the lakes, a bridleway, surfaced trails providing access for walkers, cyclists, and disabled visitors and a varied events program.
Look out for one of six Noon Columns that are dotted across The National Forest.
Sence Valley can be found between Ibstock and Coalville on the A447 Ravenstone Road just North of Ibstock.
The car park is open daily from 08 30 until dusk each day. Please see signs in the car park for precise closing times. The entrance has a height restriction barrier of 2.2m. Anyone wishing to enter the site with a larger vehicle should contact the distict office on 01889 586593 at least 48 hours in advance of a visit.
Fishing is allowed on Goss Water by permit available from Richards Field and Sport in Coalville tel 01530 815730.
Forestry Commission
Community Ranger
01889 586593
Or
Leicestershire County Council
Country Park Rangers
Tel: 01455 290429
Email: bosworth@leics.gov.uk
Emergency/out of hours: 07850 276225
