Bark in the Dark FAQs

Bark in the Dark is a 5km evening and night-time walk for people and their dogs that takes place at selected Forestry England sites across England. We have previously held Bark in the Dark events during March as well as at Christmas time. In 2022 we will be holding Bark in the Dark at Halloween.

At Sherwood Pines Forestry Park, Nottinghamshire, NG21 9HJ (please note – this is different from Sherwood Forest).

Not at all. Everyone is welcome to come along, with or without a dog.

Ticket prices* are as below:

• Adults £18.50
• Children 16 and under £12
• 5-year-olds and under free
• Dogs free

*Prices subject to a booking fee.

£3 per car – this is to be paid in advance when purchasing tickets online.

Yes. Due to the nature of the event, we are unable to facilitate ticket sales on the night.

No, this is completely up to you. If you, your child or dog would like to get sponsored for taking part please go to https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/barkinthedark2022  where you will find a ready-made Bark in the Dark fundraising page for you to use.

Walker registration opens at 17.30pm and will close at 18.30pm. Walkers can set off as soon as they have registered.

Yes, there are plenty of toilets available on site.

The route is accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs but please bear in mind that this is a forest and can get muddy in places.

It won’t be completely dark as some uplighters and lit-up decorations will be used along the route. Everyone will be required to have either a handheld or head torch too so there should be plenty of light.

No, this is a family event – the emphasis is on fun rather than fright.

Due to the amount of people and dogs on the site for this event we ask that you keep your dog on a lead at all times.

Yes, the site’s café will be open during the event serving hot and cold snacks and drinks.

There will be over 2,000 people on site for this event and many will have dogs with them. If your dog is nervous, you may want to keep towards the back of the walk so your four-legged friend doesn’t feel overcrowded or overwhelmed.

Unfortunately, if you arrive after registration has closed you won’t be able to take part in the event. This is due to safety reasons.

Your ticket money will go towards the work of Blue Cross, helping sick, injured and homeless pets get the care they need to thrive and find new loving homes.

Yes please!! Any children (16 and under) in fancy dress can enter into a competition on the night. On arrival, go to the Blue Cross information stand and the team will give you details on how to enter. For prize details please go to the official Facebook Event Page for Bark in the Dark here: https://www.facebook.com/events/569175651548007

• All walkers must each have either a handheld torch or a head torch
• All dogs must have a high-vis collar or flashing/light up tag

The Blue Cross stands / competitions and the Sherwood Pines Café can take payment by card. Please bring cash for the craft stalls at the event, as not all of them will be able to take card payments.

If you require a Personal Assistant ticket, please contact the Customer Relations team at Forestry England on 0300 067 4000 or [email protected] (Monday – Friday between 9am and 5pm).