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Explore High Ash
(Average user rating: unrated unrated)

Desert Rats memorial at High Ash in Thetford forest. East Anglia FD

The Cromwell tank marks the entrance to the forest.

This tank is a memorial to the 7th Armoured Division, known as the Desert Rats, who were based here during World War II.

The easy access route has interpretation boards explaining the history of the Desert Rats and their time in this area prior to D-Day. From this walk it is possible to locate the positions of some of the buildings from the army camp.

What do other visitors say?

The construction works has now finished and the walk reinstated.

Nicky Hooton - Recreation Ranger, 7/Nov/2011

We travelled to High Ash today having looked online for an interesting walk with our 3 children. It looks great, but its not until you get there that you realise there is a lot of construction work going on - something not mentioned on the website. Once there, it was also unclear whether it was closed to the public or not. We thought it would still be ok to walk as the construction work seemed to be on the main roadway only and there were no signs saying otherwise. However within a few minutes of setting off we realised that the footpath etc has been closed off. We were really dissapointed. I'm sure the walk is very good (it certainly looked interesting) its just a shame this website hadn't told us that the site was closed and when it is likely to re-open?

CMac, 29/Jan/2011

Please tell us about your visit

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

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Chalara ash dieback

Advice for visitors

What's Here?

  • Dogs on lead
  • Walking
  • Horse riding
    • The Forestry Commission has a Open Access policy for horse riding. As a consequence there are very few way-marked trails in the forest. O.S.Explorer map 229 shows areas owned by the Forestry Commission and open to the public to ride. Deboxing areas can be found at the east end of the Harling Drove (FR23) and north of the railway line at Santon Downham. The areas north of the railway line are best suited to horse riding as this is away from the concentration of visitors using High Lodge and the cycling trails. Please observe all signs especially those relating to 'Forest Operation'.
  • Parking
    • Off of the A1065
More about what's here

Location

OS Grid ref: TL813967
Postcode: IP26 5BX

Get directions

Contact

Nicky Russell

01842 819081
nicky.russell@­forestry.gsi.gov.uk

Opening & Parking

Opening Times:
Dawn to Dusk
Parking
Off of the A1065

Useful sites

Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification certifiedForest Stewardship Council certified