Thetford Forest is the UK’s largest man-made lowland forest. It was created after the First World War to provide a strategic reserve of timber, since the country had lost so many oaks and other slow-growing trees as a consequence of the war’s demands. The creation of the forest replaced much of the typical Breckland environment of gorse and sandy ridges, ending the frequent problem of sand blows.

I visited in early winter, and was captivated by the variety of mushrooms.

Further visits in different seasons have fixed this fast into one of my favourite spots to visit in Norfolk.

I’ve only really explored the North part of the forest. There are plenty of small parking areas scattered around, as well as a picnic site (52°27’14.7″N 0°41’09.4″E). I’m sure the rest has similar areas of access.