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Explore St Helen's
(Average user rating: 4 unrated 3.8/5)

FOREST TRAIL TOWARD LITTLE

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 Helen's 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.

Sunday 17th March 2013

The Orange trail at St Helen's picnic site will be closed to the general public from 10:00 - 15:00 because of a cycling event.

What do other visitors say?

Not only do the off-road motorcyclists continue to ride the forest paths, but now I've encountered quad-bikers along the riverside footpath, & A11 section of the Peddars Way, which is only just narrow enough to push a bicycle - where are people supposed to go when these riders come at you at speed - some1 will be hit sooner or later - response of Thetford Council to my report "inform police of registration numbers" - BUT! off-road bikes & quads don't have registration numbers...

Roy Barclay, 14/May/2013

Any anti-soical behaviour on the Foresrty Commssion estate should be reported to the Police by calling 101, give detailed descriptions of the people, vehicles (if any) and activity, do this immediately it is witnessed and ask for a CAD number.

Forestry Commission Response

Hi Nicky,we are a family from Essex who canoe the little Ouse and wanted to know if there is anywhere that we could camp safely while we explore the river and any help from you would be extremely grateful,regards,Steve

steve horntt-smith, 13/Sep/2012

Motorbikes are not allowed within Thetford Forest Park, there are 2 designated areas that they are allowed, near swaffham and near Hockham but nowhere else. All sightings of motorbikes within Thetford Forest should be reported to the police.

Nicky Russell - Recreation Ranger, 1/May/2012
More user comments

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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Advice for visitors

What's Here?

  • Dogs on lead
  • Easy Access
  • Toliets
  • 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 A134
  • Picnic
    • You are welcome to picnic here but please do not BBQ.
  • Walking
    • 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.
More about what's here

Location

OS Grid ref: TL820880
Postcode: IP27 0TJ

Get directions

Contact

Nicky Russell

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

Opening & Parking

Opening Times:
Dawn to Dusk
Parking
Off of the A134

Useful sites

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