Explore Lynford Arboretum

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Lynford Arboretum is a popular place for quiet recreation. It is noted for its variety of bird life, spring flowers and autumn fungi.

Collection of trees

The Arboretum contains many interesting trees for example mature Norway Spruce usually only seen as a Christmas tree, Chinese Fir and Serbian Spruce which is extremely rare in the wild. It has been calculated that the ancient oak tree planted in the south of the Arboretum was planted in 1671 and therefore would have been a substantial specimen when Lynford Hall and estate was purchased in 1865 by Mr Stephen Lyne-Stephens. Since then the Arboretum has grown and has over 200 tree species, with future plans to increase the collection.

Footpaths are suitable for wheelchair users.

Chequered History

Formerly part of Lynford Hall estate, the Arboretum still retains features which reflect its "parkland" origins. The present hall has a chequered history. It has served as a military hospital, Forestry Commission forester training school (1947 - 1957) and is currently a hotel and conference centre.

Day to day management of Lynford Arboretum is carried out by volunteers from Friends of Thetford Forest.