News from the Park and Forest

Why we have no rubbish bins

Moors Valley has always had a ‘no rubbish bin policy’.
Rubbish that is generated from purchases on site – Visitor Centre gift shop, restaurant, ice cream kiosk, go ape shop, railway gift shop and kiosks – can be returned to these outlets and is recycled where possible. However, visitors bringing picnic, barbeque and other rubbish to the site are asked to take their rubbish home, just as they would if they were visiting any other area of countryside where bins aren’t provided.

Bins, however often they are emptied, are unsightly, can smell, attract wasps and vermin and be dangerous to wildlife.
To empty bins vehicles are necessary, compromising visitor peace and safety.

Eight dog bins are provided in the Forest (see map leaflet).
Nappy bins are provided in the family toilets.

School holidays

As many of our regular visitors will know, Moors Valley can get very busy during the school holidays as lots of families visit us to enjoy the sunshine!
During especially busy periods we may have to close the Park when the car park becomes full (most likely between 12pm and 2pm. On these occasions we will open again as soon as we have enough car park spaces for the rest of the day (usually after around 1hr to 1.5hrs). Our best advice is to arrange to arrive earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon to reduce risk of disappointment.
Visitors with pre-booked activities such as Go Ape or Ranger-led events will be allowed entry while we are closed.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused at times when we are closed. Please note that parking along the driveway and Horton Road is not permitted.

Play improvements

Work is now completed on the extended Infants Play Area with sand excavators, train and wizards hideaway. Out on the Play Trail  the Snake Pit has been replaced with a larger more exciting version by the original artist Andy Frost. Wibbly Wobble has replaced the Webs structure. The Funnel Trap has been removed to make way for an exciting new structure later in the year.
We’re working hard to improve the forest and everything it has to offer. When you pay for car parking at Moors Valley you’re making a direct contribution to that work – which includes new play structures like this – so thank you, we couldn’t do it without you.

Award winning!

Following our two gold awards in the prestigious 2016 Dorset Tourism Awards for both the Access an Inclusivity and Sustainable Tourism categories we were thrilled to be presented with two bronze awards at the South West Excellence in Tourism Awards in the same categories. The judging panel considered our commitment to customer service, facilities management, information, accessibility, use of social media and effectiveness of websites as well as our environment and programme of events to help visitors learn and be active throughout the year.
Thank you to all our lovely visitors and partner organisations for your continued support.