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Description
Thetford Forest stretches from the south of Norfolk to north Suffolk, composed mainly of heathland with pines and broadleaved trees. The forest covers a huge area. It provides a haven for wildlife and plants, covering more than 19,000 ha. and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. At the heart of Thetford Forest you’ll find High Lodge Forest Centre.
The Thetford Forest area holds rare birds like Stone-curlew, European Turtle Dove and Eurasian Nightjar, but these of course are hard to find. You have a better chance on seeing nice birds like Eurasian Hobby, Wood Lark, Tree Pipit, Garden Warbler, Common Redstart, Song Thrush, Yellowhammer, Eurasian Skylark, Marsh Tit, Common Crossbill and different species of woodpecker. And much more, see the extended bird list below. A feral population of Golden Pheasant also existed in the forest, but despite their brilliant colours, they were very elusive in dense young trees; as of 2023, this population has effectively died out, with only 4 birds (3 males, 1 female) still known.
Details
Access
The High Lodge Centre is accessed from the B1107, with brown signs for the Forest Centre. Start out from High Lodge Visitor Centre on one of the themed trails. The Pine Trail and the Nature Trail are just 1.6km long and the Beech Trail and the Fir Trail are 4.8km.
The Fir trail is a circular trail through Thetford Forest that takes you deep into the forest and shown on the map below. The walk is relatively flat with just a few steady slopes and the woodland tracks will be muddy after wet weather and in winter. The route is waymarked. The visitor centre can get very busy at peak times but once you're out into the forest it soon becomes peaceful again. You can start the walk from the Adder Car Park at the High Lodge Centre. Click on the P in the map to get directions. The parking is pay and display.