Thetford Forest



Thetford Forest is in Norfolk and Suffolk in England, United Kingdom.

Understand
A man-made forest of 47,000 acres (19,000 hectares) and an area of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

History
Created after the First World War when the UK was in need of timber, today the area is managed by The Forestry Commission. Although the creation of the forest destroyed the existing environment, that existing environment was also man made through flint extraction works (e.g. Grime's Graves a Neolithic flint mining complex).

Landscape
When first planted, the Scots pine was the main species grown. However gradually the Corsican pine has been planted instead due to its increased resistance to fungal attack and insect pests. A variety of other species have been planted but have been less commercially successful. Hardwood trees are used in belts beside roads in part to act as fire breaks; these include oak, beech, lime, walnut, red oak, and maple.

Flora and fauna
The area has an extremely diverse wildlife and natural history attracts many visitors to the forest.

The forest has 3 main species of deer, Red Deer, Roe Deer and Muntjac with small numbers of Fallow Deer. Deer can cause a lot of forest damage, particularly to young saplings, so their numbers (particularly those of Muntjac) are managed. The forest is one of the best places in England to see Woodlarks (particularly Mar-Apr), best seen in the forest clearings. Other bird species in the forest include Redpoll, Blackcap, Mandarins, Bramblings, Firecrest, Goshawk, Nuthatches, Common Crossbills, Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Siskins, etc.

The Forrestry Commission provide advice about biosecurity and steps visitors should take to avoid spreading plant diseases Forrestry Commission biosecurity advice page.

Climate
Being in East Anglia the forest enjoys a drier climate than the more western parts of the UK. Winter temperatures range 0-7°C and typically have 11 rain days a month. In summer Jul & Aug range 11-23°C with 9 rain days each month. Winter sunshine hours per month can be as low as 40 hrs in Dec but improve to over 200 hrs in July. Detailed information can be found on the UK Met Office Thetford Climate page or UK Met Office East of England Climate page.

Not permitted
To ensure the safety and enjoyment of users of the forest a number of activities are not allowed (or strictly controlled or confined to specific areas)
 * Drones are not permitted within the park.
 * Metal detecting is not permitted within the park.
 * Commercial mushroom and fungus collection is not allowed though personal use is.
 * Geocaching is controlled and has strict placement conditions (check with Forestry Commission).
 * Bracken/ Moss/ Bonsai Collecting required advance authorisation from the Forestry Commission.
 * Husky sled racing is confined to 4 specific areas in the park.
 * Motorbikes are not permitted within the park except in the two specific allocated locations.
 * Archery is confined to 3 specific locations within the park.
 * 4x4 vehicles are generally not permitted in the part though some can be authorised in advance by the Forrestry commission.

For full details see Forestry Commission Activities in Thetford Forest

By road
Thetford is 5 miles from the centre of the forest and lies on its outer edges. The A134 runs to King's Lynn] 25 miles) to the N and to [[Thetford (5 miles) to the S. The A1065 runs through and beside the forest, from Swaffham and beyond to the N and to Mildenhall to the S. The A11 main road Cambridge, Newmarket, Thetford, Norwich runs past the SE edge of the forest.

By bus
There are no bus services into the forest.

Coach Services Ltd routes 40, 86 and 200/201 run to Brandon on the W edge of the forest.

By bicycle

 * The Peddars Way long distance path (46 miles) running from Holme-next-the-Sea passes through the E outlying forest areas.
 * National Cycle Route 13 from Fakenham to the N and Colchester to the S runs to the SE side of the forest.
 * Regional Cycle Route 30 runs through the forest, from Lowestoft to the E and to Downham Market to the W.

On foot
The Peddars Way long distance path (46 miles) running from Holme-next-the-Sea passes through the E outlying forest areas.

Fees and permits
Entry to the forest is free, though some of the attractions may levy a charge.

Get around
The forest is crossed by the A134 main road, and the B1065, B1107 and B1106 minor roads (and a few small lanes). There are many marked trails and paths within the forest for walkers, runners & cyclists. The forest has an "open access" policy for horse riders on Forrestry Commission freehold land. The forest has an "open access" policy for Carriage Driving on Forrestry Commission freehold land & Shouldham woods.

Buy
Main shop are in neighbouring towns Thetford, Brandon, Mildenhall, Attleborough and [Bury St Edmunds]].

Eat
Also, check the surrounding towns and villages such as Thetford, Mildenhall & Attleborough.

Drink
Also, check the surrounding towns and villages such as Thetford, Mildenhall & Attleborough.

Sleep
There are no accommodations inside the forest areas, but rather in towns and villages around the park Thetford, Attleborough, Mildenhall, Bury St Edmunds.

Camping
Camping is not permitted in the park area, but there are several campsites nearby.

Stay safe
Some parts of the forest are remote and it can get hot in summer so take appropriate precautions.

Forrestry activities take place (e.g. felling of trees) to check before setting out with Forrestry Commission Operations Plans - East of England.

For cyclists, the Forrestry Commission provide information of bike safety.

Go next

 * Bury St Edmunds
 * Thetford
 * Swaffham
 * Attleborough
 * Ely
 * Cambridge
 * Norwich