The countryside classroom allows a lesson to come to life through using a hands-on approach, which in turn helps to make the lesson a memorable one. Cwmcarn Forest with its diversity of habitats offers the ideal location for visiting schools and groups to study many elements of Environmental Education first hand.

Cwmcarn Forest’s new Visitor Centre has a well-equipped education room for use by visiting schools, together with a café, gift shop and toilets. The 7-mile Forest Drive allows visitors into the heart of Cwmcarn Forest, rising through the hills, to permit spectacular views of the surrounding area. Along the route are a number of car parks, some containing Artwork, some with BBQ sites, and a children’s play area, and each having interpretation panels to give an insight into what can be seen (standard entry fee to the Forest Drive may apply).

At Cwmcarn Forest we have activities that are designed around the National Curriculum including maths, pond dipping, minibeast hunts, discovering habitats, past present and future, etc. If you are studying a particular topic or carrying out a project at school not normally covered at Cwmcarn, we would try to tailor your visit to further develop your needs.

Schools and groups are also welcome to make self-led visits to Cwmcarn Forest and make use of the facilities.

As well as formal education sessions there are other interesting ways to get yourself or your children involved in wildlife, such as joining in one of the events that take place at Cwmcarn Forest.

Caerphilly County Borough Council and the Forestry Commission Wales jointly run Cwmcarn Forest’s Education Service.

All visits need to be booked in advance through the Visitor Centre. Use of the facilities are free, however there is a small charge for the booking of the Education Room. Standard entry fee to the Forest Drive may apply for visits not led by Cwmcarn Forest staff. Please contact us to check availability, make a booking or enquire further about the education facilities.