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Santon Downham

(Average user rating5 unrated 5/5)
 

The Forest Office which is the administrative centre of the Thetford Forest Park, is based in Santon Downham. Much of the land here originally belonged to the Santon Downham estate, which was at one time owned by Charles Sloane (later Lord Cadogan ). An impressive avenue of Limes lines the Thetford road to the village. Local information and leaflets are available at the Forest Office.

 

 

How to get there:

Santon Downham is in Thetford Forest Park.
From Brandon take the B1107 towards Thetford.
On the outskirts of Brandon, fork left signposted Santon Downham and Forest District Offices.
Follow this road through the village until you reach the church.
Turn left and park in the Forest District Offices car park.
Santon Downham and Brandon are the nearest towns or villages.
OS Grid Reference: TL815877
For details of public transport visit http://www.transportdirect.info

Other places to go in Thetford Forest Park

User Comments

I believe that there is a meeting at Santon Downham in October on Tree diseases. I would be grateful for details

Michael Brett, 9/Sep/2011
5 Stars 5 Stars

One of the best places to see Lesser-spotted Woodpecker, Crossbill, Brambling, Siskin amoung many.

Steve Lyon, 21/Feb/2010

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.

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Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis)

Facilities and Activities

ToiletsInformationParkingRefreshments
WalkingHorse RidingWildlife Activities
Refreshments

Refreshments and light snacks are available from the village shop, adjacent to the car park.

Walking
The 5 mile orange walk (short cut available) can also be accessed from St Helen's Picnic site. It has interpretaion around the walk on some of the fascination history and wildlife of the area. A map showing the trail around Santon Downham is available from the Forest Office (office hours only), or you could print a copy before you visit.
Orange Walk
HorseRiding.gif
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'.
Wildlife Activities
The Little Ouse River valley provides a variety of habitats and many opportunities for wildlife watching.

Contact:

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

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