St Helens

(Average user rating 5 unrated

4.3/5)

The Little Ouse Valley between Brandon and Thetford has been designated a Forest Nature Reserve by the Forestry Commission in recognition of its importance to wildlife. Along the valley, wetland areas of alder carr and fen, poplars, damp grazing meadows and reedbeds support a rich variety of plants, insects and birds. St Helens picnic site, next to the river, is a good base from which to explore. Following the Orange Walk you will pass a number of informative panels, some of general interest and some with more historical and ecological interest. An impressive display of snowdrops can be seen at Santon Downham in the early spring in the woodland opposite the village shop.

The toilet facilities at St Helens are now closed for the winter, reopening on 30 March 2012.

How to get there:

St Helens is in Thetford Forest Park.

St Helens picnic site is located on the outskirts of the village of Santon Downham.

From Brandon, take the B1107 towards Thetford. Just outside of Brandon, fork left, signposted Santon Downham and Forest District Offices. Follow this road through the village until you reach the church. Turn left, towards the village shop. Continue on this road, over the river and turn immediately right signposted St Helens Picnic Site.

Santon Downham and Brandon are the nearest towns or villages.

OS Grid Reference: TL820880
For details of public transport visit http://www.transportdirect.info

Other places to go in Thetford Forest Park

User Comments

5 Stars
Great picknik spot and great little stream when it gets hot :)

Anonymous, 3/Jun/2011

4 Stars
Enjoyable walk, river and village excellent.

Anonymous, 30/Dec/2010

4 Stars
Lovely picnic site, with the river running through it. Nice walking route.

Sue, 11/May/2009

Please tell us about your visit

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

Facilities and Activities

The 5 mile Orange walk (short cut available) can also be accessed from Santon Downham. It has interpretation around the walk on some of the fascinating history and wildlife of the area. A map of the walk around St Helens and Santon Downham is available from Forest Office (office hours only), or you could dowload a copy before you visit.
Easy Access Trail
Orange Walk

A good site for wildlife watching.

Contact:

Nicky Hooton
01842 819081
e-mail: nicky.hooton@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

What's of interest

Historically, the river valley provided an important routeway for travellers. A peep through the mists of time might reveal a picture of pilgrims heading from Brandon, via St Helens well, towards Walsingham Shrine, or a scene with cargo vessels passing through river staunches - a form of lock - sailing from Thetford seaward to the wash!