The Woodland Discovery Centre
Visit The Woods
The Woodland Discovery Centre
The J G Graves Woodland Discovery Centre is located in the heart of Sheffield’s largest ancient woodland, Ecclesall Woods, and is a bespoke indoor and outdoor facility, perfect for hosting a spectrum of events or simply as a starting point for enjoying a walk in the woods!
The Woods are always open. Standard car park and cafe hours are Tuesday to Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Office hours can vary but please get in touch:
Weddings: alison.reynolds@sheffield.gov.uk
Craft Courses: www.craftcourses.com
Friends of Ecclesall Woods: friends.ew1993@gmail.com
The Discovery Centre
The JG Graves Discovery Centre is the perfect starting point for your visit. Begin by picking up a seasonal guide in the central atrium, which features views of a wildlife pond and bird feeding station. The Centre also offers toilets, with additional outdoor toilets available in the car park when the building is closed.
Walks
Immerse yourself in ancient woodlands, towering trees, Q-pits, and the soothing sounds of birdsong. No matter which path you choose, there are numerous trails to explore. These free resources will guide you through the rich stories of the woodlands, from seasonal spotter guides to archaeological trails.
Woodland Coffee Stop
The Woodland Coffee Stop, located at The Discovery Centre, is the ideal place to pause before or after your walk. Enjoy a wide selection of quality refreshments, including hot and cold sandwiches, jacket potatoes, nachos and a tempting range of freshly made cakes. Sheltered and outdoor seating available.
Activities
There are regular activities hosted in the woods, from weekly walking and run groups to seasonal family workshops, all delivered by quality providers.
Events
Seasonal events, walks, talks and family activities take place here throughout the year – from Christmas pop up shops to Spring in the Woods!
Craft Courses
Traditional skills and heritage craft courses inspired by Ecclesall Woods’ beautiful ancient woodland and delivered by the friendly crafts people.
School Visits
On site school education sessions are delivered by Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust. Their sessions help children play wild, learn wild, get outside and connect with nature and work with the national curriculum.
Meeting Rooms
The meeting rooms are close to Sheffield city centre but feel a world away. Affordable, inspirational spaces, they offer the perfect retreat for meetings, away days, training workshops.
Wakes
The tranquility of Ecclesall Woods provides an ideal setting for hosting wakes and celebrations of life. The centre remains closed on Mondays, allowing you to fully embrace the serenity of the day.
Social Hire
Limited Saturday daytimes are available to host naming ceremonies, small parties and family events on site.
Volunteering
The Footpath and Restoration Group meet every Tuesday and work with the ranger team to make improvements throughout the woods.
Reporting a problem
If you wish to report fly-tipping, vandalism or incidents of anti-social behaviour then please get in touch. We can then make sure this information is logged and passed on to the relevant authorities.
If you wish to speak to someone about the dog waste bins then call the Parks & Countryside department on 0114 250 0500.