All events in
Rockingham Forest in 2025
King's Cliffe Wildplaces
January Workparty
Sunday 12th January 10 -12:30
The Common – green space at top of Oak Lane.
Open-air volunteering work, great for both mental and physical health
This month we are cutting some 'scallops' into the blackthorn, making space to encourage the diverse flora in that area, including orchids.
Workparties at Fermyn Woods Country Park
Sundays 19 Jan and 16th Feb
10:00-14:00
Meet near the Skylark Café (SP 952848, what3words/racks.digesting.stiletto nearest postcode NN14 3HS).
Join our friendly practical conservation group. We'll be clearing scrub to benefit butterflies - in particular the Dingy Skipper, Grizzled Skipper, and Green Hairstreak. We could do with your help!
Meeting for Tree Wardens
Wednesday 29th January
from 13:00 – 15:30
Coronation Park Pavilion in Corby
A session focusing on Hedge Planting and Growing led by the Tree Council's Sam Village
Tree Wardens are volunters who plant, protect and promote their local trees. No training or experience in tree management is needed – just a love of trees and a few hours to spare.
Workparty in Weldon
Woodland Park
4th Feb 10:00-14:30
Meet at the main entrance off Kettering Road, Weldon. Nearest postcode NN17 3JQ.
Work off the calories in the company of a group of like-minded folks and make a real difference for nature. We'll be clearing scrub to benefit the Dingy Skipper butterfly and Liquorice Piercer moth.
King's Cliffe Wildplaces
February Workparty
Sunday 9th February 10 -12:30
Meet KIng's Cliffe Active, PE8 6YH
Open-air volunteering work, great for both mental and physical health
This month we'll be working on the railway path between Kingsmead and Meadow Junction. We'll be taking down some trees which are looking a bit tricky, and having a bash at the brambles along the path.
Grafting Training
East Carlton Countryside Park - Taking cuttings
Wednesday 12 February, 2025
10:00am - 2pm
Coronation Park, Bowling Pavilion - Grafting
Wednesday 26 February, 2025
10:00am - 2pm
Have you ever wanted to learn the skills of selecting healthy cuttings from fruit
trees and grafting them onto new rootstock? Grafting is a wonderful skill to
renew and re invigorate trees, grow multiple varieties on one tree, and it can
save you money!
Tour of the exposed quarry areas at Prior's Hall, Corby
Friday 21st February 10:15 -12:00
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Meet at Sainsbury's Local carpark NN17 5EU
A gentle walk of about 2.5km along the gravelled paths and a rough track
Ian Clarke will talk about the types of rocks that can be seen at what was once a huge ironstone quarry. He will also have photos of what it once looked like, compared to now. More details about this Regionally Important Geological Site here.
FULLY BOOKED
Fruit grafting workshop
Brewery House Studio, High Street,
Ketton PE9 3TA
Learn how to graft fruit trees with local
experts - a workshop for novice propagators.
Saturday 22 February, 2025
10:00am - 1:00pm
The basic theories of grafting, followed by practical demonstrations and lots of hands- on practice. You will graft and take home two apple trees from a choice of many local and heritage varieties. £20, booking essential and limited places.
FULLY BOOKED
Fruit pruning worksop
Saturday 1 March, 2025 10:00am - 1:00pm
How to prune and care for fruit trees so that they stay healthy and yield maximum crops
Stamford Community Orchard,
Christ Church Close, PE9 1HS,
(what3words/grass.vase.slower)
Pruning is essential for the maintenance of fruit trees, but it is also a bewildering subject! Topics covered include formative, maintenance and restorative pruning, tools and their safe use, other guides and online advice. Booking essential and limited places.
Signs of Spring - Nature Walk
Meet somewhere in Nassington
- watch this space!
Sat 8 March 10am - 12:30pm
Join Nassington Nature for a leisurely walk around the parish - what could be nicer?
We'll be looking out for bursting buds, buzzing bees and bucolic birdsong! We'll choose the best area to explore nearer the day depending on how the spring is unfolding. More info available from Fran Hurst.
An early spring walk around
Cottingham village
Meet at the village shop (also a cafe!)
Tuesday 11th March, 2025. 10:00 - 11:30
Come and see the green spaces created by the village's very active FroGS group.
Guided by Diana Sharvill and others we'll also also learn about the geology of the area revealed by fossils in the building stone. More details here. This is free walk, but please book your place by email.
Introduction to hoverflies
with John Showers
Ring Haw Field Centre,
off Old Sulehay Road, Yarwell PE8 6PA
Saturday 12 April, 10:00 - 16:00
A workshop to help people with no prior experience to recognise adult hoverflies.
A practical workshop using pinned specimens, microscopes and identification keys. See John's page on the Flies of Rockingham Forest here . More details and buy tickets on the Wildlife Trust website.
Visit to site where willow is grown for basket-making
North of King's Cliffe village
Friday 2 May 2025, 2:00-4:00pm
Sue and Kirk invite you to see where and how the willow for their basket-making is grown. This is the site described in Kirk's blog article
We'll see where willow is grown, harvested and graded, and wander through the young scrubby woodland and meadow. Tea brewed on an open fire and an option to visit the studio in Kings Cliffe afterwards. Book by email for this free unusual event.
Identifying Ancient Woodland
from physical features
Short and Southwick Wood
Glapthorn Road near Oundle PE8 5BD
Saturday 3 May, 10:00 - 16:00
Workshop in the woods with Andy Lear,
learning about this irreplaceable habitat
Ancient woodland and how to identify it through physical features, signs of former management and indicator species. See Andy's page on Ancient Woodland here . Buy tickets on the Wildlife Trust website.
Introduction to bumblebees
with Andy Benson
Ring Haw Field Centre,
off Old Sulehay Road, Yarwell PE8 6PA
Sunday 4 May, 10:00 - 16:00
Learn to identify the UK's most common bumblebees
A morning in the classroom will provide an overview of bumblebees and equip you with the skills you need . Then an afternoon starting to identifying them in the field. Details and buy tickets on the WT website.
Festival of Nature
Wicksteed Park, Kettering
Saturday 24 May, 10:30am - 5:00pm
Kettering Nature Group presents a celebration of wildlife and wellbeing at the home of children's play, Wicksteed Park
Discover and learn about wildlife and habitats. Connect with nature, guest speakers, exhibitors and plenty of outdoor activities for all age groups.
Free entry to the festival!
Introduction to wildflowers
with Matt Jackson
Ring Haw Field Centre,
off Old Sulehay Road, Yarwell PE8 6PA
Saturday 24 May, 10:00 - 16:00
Learn how to use identification keys rather than fieldguides to identify wildflowers
Most wildlife surveys start with the flowering plants, the most conspicuous species in the countryside, and are among the very best ‘indicators’ of habitat quality. Buy tickets etc. on the WT website
Walk on Bulwick Estates' land
Meet on the Laxton-Harringworth Road SP930965 (- to be confirmed)
Wednesday 28th May 2025. 10:00 - 12:30
See the environmental improvements already under way - regenerating quarries, highland cattle, rich wildflower meadows, wood pasture - and a spectacular view!
Guided by Graham Garratt we will walk around the Spanhoe quarry and airfield area, a distance of 3 miles, mainly on grassy paths. Early booking recommended for this free walk with limited availability. See the Bulwick Estates website for more about their project.
Woodland Plants and
Plant Communities
Ring Haw Field Centre,
off Old Sulehay Road, Yarwell PE8 6PA
Saturday 31 May, 10:00 - 16:00
Learn identification features of woodland plant species with Lewis Saunders
A workshop covering ancient woodland in the landscape and how to identify it - physical features, signs of former management and indicator species. Details and buy tickets on the WT website
Nature Walk in King's Cliffe
Meet at KC active carpark PE8 6YH
Sat 28 June 14:00-16:00
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Join Nassington Nature for a leisurely summer walk and guided tour around King's Cliffe Wildplaces
Led by Charles Tomalin through the beautiful wildlife areas around Kings Cliffe. Passing through meadows and woodlands we'll be looking out for butterflies and adders. Limited places - please contact Fran
Beginner's introduction to grasses with Brian Eversham
Sunday 8 June, 10:00 - 16:00
Learn how to identify common grasses using a hand lens in the field
Ring Haw Field Centre,
off Old Sulehay Road, Yarwell PE8 6PA
Brian will explain the structure of grasses,. and provide a short guide to recognising the most distinctive species. Keys to flowering and vegetative features will also be used. Buy tickets on the Wildlife Trust website
Circular walk from Woodford
Meet at Village Green, NN14 4HE
Sun 13 July 11:00-15:00
Scenic walk 6-mile walk from Woodford taking in picturesque villages and refreshment stops at Ringstead and Denford. Kknowledgeable local guide.
Mostly flat and suitable for all-terrain pushchairs, though not ideal for wheelchairs or mobility scooters due to some uneven sections. No need to book.
Appropriate footwear and clothing for the weather, water and suncream.
A summery stroll around traditional coppiced woodland
Rawhaw Wood, Pipewell, NN14 1QZ
Saturday 19 July, 2025, 10:00-12:00ish
Visit the woodland where Hugh and Carolyn live and make a living by coppicing hazel
Bring the family for a leisurely close-up look at the flowers and insects that are found in this unique habitat in mid summer. Have a look at Carolyn's picture diary and then please book your place by email. Places limited at this popular location
Guided walk through Boughton Park - "Northants' Versaille"
Church Lane, Weekley Curch, NN16 9UW
Thursday 31 July, 2025, 14:00-16:00
A rare chance to learn about the outstanding landscape restoration that has been taking place in the grounds of Boughton House.
David Cullum, the estate’s Parks & Gardens Manager, will discuss the restored avenues, formal canal system and reconstructed Star Pond, as well as some of the wilder features of the park. Free event but donations to local charities welcome. 2 to 2.5 miles.
Haymaking Time at King's Cliffe!
Village Field near Kings Cliffe Active, PE8 6YH
Come and learn to use a scythe in the traditional way as we remove the dead grass and flowers from the meadow. Many hands..!
Sat 9th and Sun 10th August
10am- 3pm each day
Help manage the wonderful wildflower meadow - scythes and rakes supplied or bring your own plus gloves and suitable footwear. Free tuition available! Contact Charles Tomalin for more details
Discovering August's flowers in a National Nature Reserve
Easton Hornstocks, north of King's Cliffe
Saturday 16 August 2025, 10:00-12:00ish
Led by Brian Laney the expertly enthusiastic Northants county recorder
An rare chance to visit this reserve which is usually closed to the public, combined with the opportunity to share Brian's amazing floral knowledge and keen eye will make this a memorable morning. Book early for this one!
Nassington Village Bat Walk
Meet in St Mary’s churchyard on Nassington Church Street, PE8 6QG
Wednesday 3 September 2025,
7:30pm -9:30pm
Finishing by the river at The Queen’s Head on Station Road
Nicole Schreiner and Ellen Pentland from the Beds, Cambs & Northants Wildlife Trust will lead a bat walk around the village and down to the River Nene. All welcome
Species and habitat classification with Brian Eversham
Sunday 7 September, 10:00 - 16:00
Ring Haw Field Centre,
off Old Sulehay Road, Yarwell PE8 6PA
An introduction to basic ecology, species and habitat classification (BES1)
Introduction to the basic ecology of species and their populations, with a description and classification of the main habitats in the area.
Tour of a re-wiggled brook
Between King's Cliffe and Blatherwycke, details on booking
Thursday 11 September, 2025. 2:00pm
Natural England's Dave Pritchard will explain the work carried out to slow the flow of water in Willow Brook.
Blatherwycke Estate, the Environment Agency and Natural England worked together on this major wetland habitat creation, with the work carried out last autumn. Early booking recommended for what will be a fascinating afternoon.
Tipping Point - an artwork
Hazel and Thoroughsale Woods
Corby, NN17 1QG
19-21 September, 2025. 8:00-9:30pm
An artwork by Luke Jerram, with surround sound audio by Dan Jones and Simon Birch
In the largest urban Ancient Woodland in the UK, at the heart of Corby town centre,Tipping Point uses immersive light, smoke, and sound to simulate the drama of a forest fire.
Discover Northants Walk
KIngscliffe to Apethorpe etc
Start: near the Church PE8 6XA
Sunday 21st September, 2025. 11:00-13:30
A 4-mile walk to celebrate the launch of new walking leaflets designed for Discover Northamptonshire.
Led by a local guide - please click below for details and to contact organiser, Lucy Hawes
Identification and surveying
of small mammals
Ring Haw Field Centre,
off Old Sulehay Road, Yarwell PE8 6PA
Saturday/Sunday 25 -26 October 2025
A workshop demonstrating the identification of small mammals led by Peter Pilbeam
There will be a sessions on British mammals in general, methods of study, owl pellet analysis and small mammal surveying. Various small mammal traps will be set overnight and the catch opened next morning
Hidden Fungus at Collyweston Great Wood
Collyweston Great Wood off the A47
Saturday 1 November 2025 10:00 -12:00
An event for beginners and experts alike, organised by the Peterborough Group of the Wildlife Trust
A rare opportunity for a woodland walk in search of the fungus at this stunning 'permit only' National Nature Reserve. Price £10, or £5 for WT members. Booking essential
Working Party with
Nassington Nature
Meet at St Mary's Churchyard, Nassington
Sat 15 November 10:00-12:30
Join Nassington Nature for an hour or so and help clear some space for new plants
Wear suitable gloves and footwear – and bring along any equipment you have,
such as secateurs, forks, rakes or loppers.
Please contact Fran for more info.
Discover Northants Walk
Oundle circular walks
Start: Main St, Cotterstock PE8 5HD
Sunday 16th Nov, 2025 11:00-15:00ish
A 6-mile walk with breaks for refreshments and taking in two of the circular walks near the River Nene.
Led by a local guide - please click below for details and to contact organiser, Lucy Hawes for last minute changes
Discover Northants Walk
Gretton to Rockingham
Start: Corby Rd, Gretton NN17 3BN
Sunday 15th Dec, 2025 11:00-15:00ish
A 6-mile there-and-back-again walk with breaks for refreshments. Magnificent views of the Welland Valley.
Led by a local guide - please click below for details and to contact organiser, Lucy Hawes
What have you missed?
There is a complete list of all events during 2023-24 here.
Our series of guided walks started at the beginning of 2022. Here you can read a report on some of the most memorable ones that took place that year.
Discovering Rockingham Forest.
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If you are organising a forest-related event and would like us to advertise it on this page, please contact us. (It's free!)​​