Group visits to Shorne Woods Country Park

This site stands as the jewel in the crown of the Kent countryside, with its dramatic views across the Thames marshes. Visitors are treated to an enchanting journey through 288 acres of ancient woodland, rolling open meadows, or around ponds and wetland areas. In addition, the area’s sensory garden gives the visitor the chance to experience nature from a different perspective, whilst the arboretum contains almost every species of native tree found in the county. The park is renowned for its fungi and bluebells, and the woodlands are full of wildlife.

To plan your group visit, have a look below at all the walks, talks and activities on offer.

How to book your group visit

Facilities

• An award-winning visitor centre with shop, generating some of its own energy through wind turbines and solar panelling
• Cafe offering great food on a daily basis.
• Six trails for walking, between 1km and 6km and two trails for riding and cycling
• A number of outdoor play areas - catering for both very young and older children 
• Two electric buggies are available, allowing people with disabilities access to the park (free of charge when part of a group booking, though they need to be booked in advance). Use of buggies is subject to successfully completing a half hour induction session before the tour.
• Green flag site

Coach parking (PDF, 60k)

Getting to Shorne Woods Country Park

Find out more about Shorne Woods Country Park

Guided seasonal walks and talks

Fungi walks                            Duration: 2 hours                   When: October-November

Join local mycologist, Bryan Bullen, for an autumn stroll through the country park, seeking out varied species and discovering more about the fascinating world of fungi. Maximum number: 25

Spring walk                            Duration: 2 hours                   When: February-May

Join one of our Rangers on a walk around the park, to witness the beauty of spring. The trees and wild flowers will be in blossom, and the bluebells will be coming through in the woodlands (end April-May). Early purple orchids can be seen in April and May.   Maximum number: 25

Veteran tree walk                  Duration: 2 hours                    When: All year

Shorne Woods Country Park has areas of ancient woodland that have been in place for over 400 years old. In these areas are our tallest and oldest trees. You can see sweet chestnut, with their twisted trunks and towering oaks, some of which are up to 200 years old. Join one of the Rangers on a walk around the park; seek out these historic trees and learn about animal habitat related to them, the site history and how these important trees are managed. Maximum number: 25

Heritage walk                        Duration: 2 hours                    When: All year

Join our community archaeologist in a guided walk around the heritage features of the park. Within the woodlands are the remains of the medieval Randall Manor, home of the de Cobham family. This has been excavated and the main ‘hall’ house, storerooms, kitchen and bakery can be seen. This walk is at least 2kms and steep in places. Maximum number: 25

Site walk                              Duration: 2.5 hours                   When: All year

This is a 6km walk, which will take you to all the different habitats in the country park. You will get to see how the woodland management works, in each of the different stages. The trail goes through ancient woodlands. There you will see veteran trees, the claypits, where naturally seeded silver birch trees shelter the newer oaks, sweet chestnut and hornbeam. You will hear about the vast range of wildlife in the park, including small mammals, dragonflies, newts, butterflies and insects, depending on the season. Maximum number: 25 

Easy access walk                 Duration: 1 hour                        When: All year

Join one of our Rangers, on a gentle stroll around Shorne Woods Country Park. This route is accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs. You will take in the many features of the park and its wildlife, as well as visiting the sensory garden. Maximum number: 25

Sustainable energy talk       Duration: 45 minutes                When: All year  

Our visitor centre was built in 2006 and champions sustainable technologies and construction. The talk will explain how it was built, with wood all sourced from the South East of England, some even coming from the park itself, and the sustainable techniques that were used to make this a truly unique building. It will explore sustainable features including the biomass boiler which provides all the heating and hot water for the site in the winter, using wood produced in the park from sustainable woodland management. Amongst other features are a wind turbine which produces energy that is fed back into the National Grid; the Klargester biodigester that processes all the waste water from the site; and a rainwater harvester. Maximum number: 52

Short tour                            Duration: 45 minutes                 When: All year

An ideal follow-on from the sustainable energy talk is a tour of the park, seeing evidence of coppicing and the woodland management that contributes to the sustainability of the site. You will also be able to see some of the technology in use supporting the sustainable ethos of the park.

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Please note all walks, except the aasy access tour, require a reasonable level of fitness; as there are inclines throughout the park. Visitors are recommended to wear outdoor walking boots and clothing appropriate for the time of year. Waterproofs are highly recommended in the winter months; as are sun screen and insect repellent in the warmer months. Timing of plant sightings may depend on weather and conditions.

Activities

Geocaching                         Duration: 2 hours                      When: All year

Geocaching uses hand held GPS devices to help you discover hidden ‘treasure’ or ‘geocaches’ throughout the country park. This is a great competitive activity for groups. Parties of up to five can compete against each other to be the first to find a number of landmarks throughout the country park, and win the prize. Each group is given a handset containing the location of the geocaches before heading out into the park.          Maximum number: 50

Orienteering                       Duration: 2-4 hours                    When: All year

This is a great competitive activity for groups. Parties of up to five can compete against each other to be the first to find a number of landmarks throughout the country park, and win the prize. Each group is given a compass and a reference sheet, before heading out into the park. Different routes can be used for different lengths of time.                 Maximum number: 50

Forest crafts                        Duration: 2 hours                      When: All year

Join one of our Rangers exploring the woodland and learning about the environment. You can then forage for natural material to make into practical items, for example, mallets and pencils, ladders or rope bridges. These activities are great for both individuals and for team building events. Maximum number: 45