Why we love Thetford Forest!

The Friends recently asked visitors to Thetford Forest what they loved about it – Here are some of the answers. in their own words!

I love Thetford Forest because...

• I and my kids love wandering in the woods and nature in general
• Fun filled place for adults and children
• Because we have safe carriage driving and simple open access for people and friends
• Biking, cycling
• fun for all the family -- love nature and outdoor activities
• It is a wonderful place to go for a walk and to go through by car or bike. I love the way deciduous trees have been planted along the roads. The autumn and spring colours are magnificent.
• the way they use natural materials to make equipment
• it's cool and fun
• I love coming here to see the goshawks hoping I will see one soon plus the wildlife want to be a warden
• it is a free place where everybody can enjoy space, fresh air and nature. It is a beautiful large forest and it's important that we don't sell forests to corporations because the public won't have any control or say any more about how they're run and it will be all for profit. All of England was once forest and we must preserve our heritage.
• of the wide variety of trees, lovely pines and others, loads to do... I could say so much more...
• Trees; contact with Earth/wildlife flora and fauna; close to where I live; used for all kinds of activities -- walking, cycling, horseriding, birdwatching, picnicking; well-run centre and facilities
• of the amenity it provides
• I love biking in wooded areas plus great fresh air
• the open fields, the noise of forest and I like cycling through all runs
• I like the cycling and the climbing. It's a very good resource.
• A good place to get fresh air
• the cycle routes are legend and go ape is immense
• Love the adventure park being with friends and family in the outdoors. Being able to take our puppy with us to share our adventure. Being able to play ball games in the open space.
• It is a beautiful local resource for leisure activities all year round.
• It's a convenient area for walking dogs
• We like the open space to escape and explore the forest together
• I like the forest because of the bike trails and go ape
• It provides an opportunity for so many things that people from all sectors of society to participate in. Not many opportunities left for full societal integration -- 'Big Society' eh Cameron!
• of the diversity of creatures and trees -- but not high lodge!
• because it is such a peaceful safe and enjoyable place to bring yourself and family for the day, would definitely come here again
• The forest is an invaluable resource for those needing some respite from the pressures of daily life. Being in the forest allows for time to contemplate where we are in our lives.
• It's great fun mountain biking and getting away from traffic
• Joe fell off his bike, it was classic!
• I am a local person and walk my dog regularly in the forest. I also enjoy the wildlife and flora
• It is the lung of the world! Relaxation. Education.
• I like the forest because I use it for mountain biking -- it would be a huge shame if forests were sold off as it would take away so many fun/exercise opportunities.
• of the live music
• I love the feel of the wood in the morning!
• there's lots to see in 'Lycra'
• It's free for ALL people to walk, ride horses, bikes or just lounge and enjoy OUR heritage -- we ride mountain bikes!
• It reminds me how small I am.
• It is a free natural resource for everyone. It should be kept for us and our descendants.
• It comes in all shapes and sizes! 'ONE SIZE FITS ALL'
• they have great concerts and lovely walks and cycle rides all clearly signed.
• I luv et I do!! ( to be said in a Suffolk accent !!)
• the trees make me feel so relaxed and healthy!
• we enjoy roaming around on our bikes
• I like cycling round the forest, walking/hiking. Nice place for family fun.
• Mountain biking -- exercise, out in the fresh air, with nature. Get people off the sofa!!
• I like the play equipment and the bike rides.
• the trees are my only friends!
• it is a wonderful area for exercise and relaxation, with a great variety of activities, and an excellent shop and cafe. It should be kept in public ownership.
• It blends well-managed and sustainable woodland with a beautiful and natural environment. Always a privilege abnd a joy for me and my dogs.
• I love walking and cycling in the forest and I used to work my dogs in harness in Thetford before I got ill. It is wonderful for wildlife and important to keep in public ownership run by the forestry commission.
• It is unique and a wonderful place to be
• It is a magical wild environment
• It give me the opportunity to have some wilderness right on the doorstep to enjoy wayching wildlife and taking long walks. It also allows those living in towns to have it nearby them.
• My home has been in the forest for the past 30 years. For me and my family it is the focus of our recreation - riding, walking, cycling, bird & wildlife watching. A wonderful resource that we treasure.
• It is a vital haven for some wonderful and often rare wildlife and plants. It is one of the best forests in the country for working and racing teams of Siberian Huskies and the sled dogs, and a great area for walkin, cycling, jogging And riding horses. I live in the middle of Thetford Forest and have for over 30 years. I firmly believe that it would be a disaster for our nation as a whole in both the short and long terms if we lose ANY of our national forests. No government has the right to sell or lease OUR forests.