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St Helens


(Average user rating4 unrated 3.8/5)

About St Helens

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.

The Orange Walking Trail at St Helens picnic site will be close to the general public on Sunday 18 March from 10:00 until 15:00 due to a cycling event.

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

What's on in Thetford Forest Park

June

July

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FOREST TRAIL THROUGH MATURE

Facilities:

ToiletsInformationParkingEasy AccessOther Facilities

Activities

Barbecue
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.
Easy Access Trail
Orange Walk
Orange Walk
Wildlife Activities A good site for wildlife watching.

Contact:

Nicky Russell

01842 819081
e-mail: nicky.russell@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

User Comments

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
2 Stars 2 Stars

It is dangerouse as motorcycles do not stay in there designated area and ride on the small narrow footpaths puting walkers at risk of being knocked over and being hit by stones and flint chipsthat fly of there wheels I can see someone getting badly hurt or killed due to these crazy motorcyclists.l

Anonymous, 11/Mar/2012
5 Stars 5 Stars

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

Anonymous, 3/Jun/2011
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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!

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