Thetford Forest Park
East Anglia
England
Santon Downham and Brandon are the nearest towns or villages.
OS Grid Reference: TL820880
The Little Ouse Valley between Brandon and Thetford has been designated a Forest Nature Reserve by Forest Enterprise 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. There is also a children's play area.
How to get there:
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.
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Facilities:
Activities
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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 fascination 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. |
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A good site for wildlife watching. |
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Other places to go in Thetford Forest ParkRishbeth WoodThe Kings ForestHigh Lodge Forest CentreWest StowHigh AshThorpe WoodlandsLynford Arboretum and LakesLynford StagMaydayHigh Lodge Forest Centre Christmas Tree SalesCranberry RoughGreat HockhamSanton DownhamTwo Mile BottomShouldham Warren
Contact:
Recreation Rangers
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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