Training and Resources

Forest Locations

Chopwell Woods is a real gem, set on the fringe of Gateshead. This is a 360-hectare mixed woodland, home to a range of flora and fauna, waiting to be discovered.

Our guided visits offer a fun day out with all the conveniences you would expect, including access to a classroom, toilets and free parking.

Elemore Hall has opened its doors and its grounds to school groups, so that other young people can experience the beautiful woodlands, ponds, wildflower meadows, orchards and bee hives that exist on their vast school site.

To enhance the visitor experience there is now a new purpose built classroom which boasts toilet facilities and a small kitchen area. To the front of the classroom there is an external teaching space which leads onto a large field, and to the side there is a large carpark which is suitable for coaches.

You can choose the curriculum content of your visit by selecting from our extensive range of sessions to Engage Pupils or have a visit tailor-made to your own requirements.

Additional charge of £30 for use of the Outdoor Classroom.

OASES holds the learning licence for Hamsterley Forest, a delightful 2000 hectare oasis of woodland lying between the Wear and Tees valleys, following the path of the Bedburn Beck.

Nestled within a sheltered valley, Hamsterley Forest contains a vast array of habitats (woodland, grassland, rivers and ponds) facilitating an exciting range of learning opportunities for all stages.

As well as providing a beautiful backdrop in which to learn, rest and play, Hamsterley Forest also boasts a Forest Classroom, a tea room, an extensive selection of play structures, an outdoor lunch area and toilet facilities. Schools visiting the forest can expect a wonderful day whether studying the forest itself, walking the various trails, playing on the equipment or getting wellies on and doing river studies.

Below you will find the details of the led visits that OASES can deliver on your behalf.

Alternatively, if you’re feeling confident, and wish to undertake a self-led visit, click here to arrange a SELF LED Hamsterley Forest Visit.

Ushaw is a unique estate located on the outskirts of Durham. The beautiful grounds are steeped in history and culture.

Discover Ushaw’s rich history and explore the vast estate facilitates, including its picturesque gardens, woodland and traditional games field.

Schools visiting Ushaw can expect an unforgettable day out, whether this is becoming a detective hunting for historical clues, playing traditional and modern local games or discovering the magical creatures who live in this unique place.

In addition to the varied outdoor grounds, Ushaw also boasts stunning Georgian and Gothic architecture, which hosts amenities including two tea rooms and toilet facilities.

You can choose the curriculum content of your visit by selecting from our extensive range of sessions below or have a visit tailor-made to your own curriculum focus and requirements.

Within the north east the Woodland Trust own many different sites, so there is bound to be a woodland worth visiting near to your school. Some sites, like Low Burnhall in central Durham, contain everything from ancient trees to whips, mown grass to wildflower meadows, so they are an ideal place to study habitats, lifecycles and classification.

You can choose the curriculum content of your visit by selecting from our extensive range of sessions to Engage Pupils or have a visit tailor-made to your own requirements.

Please be aware that most Woodland Trust sites do not contain toilets or an outdoor classroom, so half day visits are recommended.