Rishbeth Wood
Rishbeth Wood is an interesting mixture of Pine, Oak, Beech and Larch. It is particularly attractive in autumn and is a good fungi hunting area. On the approach to the wood you cross a sandy heathland and pass by the Thetford Warren Lodge which dates back to 1400. The Warren Lodge was built by the Prior of Thetford for his warrener at a time when rabbit farming was very important in Breckland. The rabbits were farmed both for fur and meat. During the 1850s it was a lucrative business with over 30,000 carcasses a year being sent to market in London. The last rabbit farms disappeared from the area during the 1950s. The lodge functioned as both house and fortress, as theft by marauding gangs of poachers was common.
The rabbit skins were used locally in Brandon for clothing and hat trimming.
Another Warren Lodge can be found in the Forest at Mildenhall.
Walking trails
The Red walk is 3.5 miles long. A guide map showing 26 trails around the forest is available for £1 from High Lodge Forest Centre or from the Forest Office at Santon Downham Office hours only).
Red Walk
How to get there:
Rishbeth Wood is in Thetford Forest Park. Thetford is the nearest town or village.
From Thetford, take the B1107 towards Brandon., Rishbeth Wood is approximately one mile along this road on the left hand side.
OS Grid Reference: TL 841 841
Other places to go in Thetford Forest Park