Dunwich Forest

(Average user rating 5 unrated

4.8/5)

Dunwich Forest is a mixture of coniferous and broadleaved woodland and is accessible from Dunwich village. The forest links into some wonderful conservation areas of marshland and wetland and is great for walkers. North Dunwich Forest has a circular 4 mile walk. Park either in the Newdelight Walks Car Park or the New Car Park and follow the orange topped posts.

Dunwich Rewilding Project

Dunwich Forest is currently undergoing a process of 'rewilding' with a long term plan to recreate and regenerate the natural landscape that existed prior to the conifer plantations. The managment of the forest is now a partnership between the Forestry Commission, Suffolk Wildlife Trust and RSBP. The more northern area being managed by SWT and grazed by a herd of Dartmoor ponies. The heathland habitat to the south is being managed by the RSPB. The area covered by heathland will increase as conifer crops are gradually harvested and areas of deciduous trees are allowed to revert to heather. Lowland heath is one of the rarest of all Britain's wildlife habitats and is vital to the survival of many rare species of birds, reptiles and butterflies.

How to get there:

Dunwich is the nearest town or village.

Follow the A12 north. Follow the signs for Dunwich village. The forest is adjacent.

OS Grid Reference: TM462712
For details of public transport visit http://www.transportdirect.info

User Comments

It's really a question of balance. Complete deforestation would be tragic but this is not as I see what is being planned. Instead avenues through the plantations are being widened and sculpted to create links between the wetland areas of Minsmere and the Dingle marshes. This will be good for wildlife conservation and will also create an attractive contrasting mosaic of colour for us all to enjoy.

CColes, 6/Feb/2012

I can■t believe people are against the plans to regenerate Dunwich forest to a more natural state. I understand why people are fond of the forest as am I, mainly because there is so little forest/ woodland cover in the UK. But this is not destruction of habitat but creation and we should get behind it! Let■s face it coniferous plantations are rather a sterile environment. I know scots pine supports a number of Invertebrates and birds woodpeckers and so on, but that habitat would still remain. The northern half of the forest is to be predominantly broad ■ leaf so it will not be ■baron■ it will encourage wild flowers and grown cover. Must human desires always come before nature? The plantations are not natural. Just trying to balance out the comments, probably failed HAHA!

Jack, 11/Dec/2011

4 Stars
i agree with the other statements;the pine trees are beautiful at all times of year,please do not pull any more down ,the landscape looks depressing without them(to the east of dunwich forest)lets keep it natural!

richard, 31/Oct/2010

More user comments

Please tell us about your visit

Please email us at nigel.turner@forestry.gsi.gov.uk if you have an enquiry or would like a reply to your comments.

Facilities and Activities

Contact:

Nigel Turner
01394 450164
e-mail: nigel.turner@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

What's of interest

For details of events and general information please see our "What's On" web page or telephone the Forest Office on 01394 450 164, or e-mail enquiries.eanglia@forestry.gsi.gov.uk.

Sandlings Forest Recreation Strategy
[PDF 2.3MB]
Current role and aspirations for the forests at Rendlesham, Tunstall and Dunwich over the next 15 years.