Talks to start with chiefs over massive Hamsterley Forest revamp

PROPOSALS for a massive revamp of facilities at Hamsterley Forest – including an “exhilarating” adventure course, up to 70 holiday cabins and a new cafe – are taking a major step forward.
Pre-planning talks between Forestry England and Durham County Council about the multi-million pound project are expected to take place this autumn. There will be a public consultation and exhibitions this winter to tell residents and visitors about the proposals.
The masterplan includes:
The demolition of several dilapidated structures
Improved visitor facilities in new energy-efficient buildings – including a new cafe and terrace, cycle hire, information point, better toilet facilities with a changing room, extra parking and more green space for picnicking and family activities.
Office space for 12 Forestry England employees.
A new blue-graded mountain bike trail.
A new Forestry England operational depot for Forestry England equipment and vehicles.
Go Ape high ropes course
A holiday cabin development, delivered with Forest Holidays.
A spokesperson said: “Hamsterley Forest has become more popular and while this connects more people with the nation’s forests, benefits the rural economy and the wildlife is safeguarded, our ageing facilities are under strain.
“We have plans to make improvements to benefit all our visitors and forest users.”
“We have begun discussions with Forest Holidays, who are one of our long-term partners, to explore options for a site with up to 70 environmentally sensitive cabins.
“In the last 50 years, we have created eight sensitively-placed cabin sites in forests we care for.”
Forestry England is now recruiting for a project officer and project manager to take the scheme forward.
The job advert states: “With visitor numbers to Hamsterley Forest Centre growing year on year, with potential to reach 300,000, in the next five years.
“The Hamsterley Masterplan development is a key project to support the growth of the site.”
Before the pandemic, the forest attracted 250,000 visitors. Forestry England said its work with Forest Holidays, which is registered as an independent company but is part owned by Forestry England, to create luxury cabins is nearing completion.
The scheme would then be put to county planning officers. The government body said ecological survey work was taking place this summer and would continue this autumn. Traffic surveys are also taking place.
Forestry England said: “All development plans would be subject to planning consents and public consultation, so people will have the chance to give their thoughts and opinions when relevant information is ready to share.”