Size: 82 acres (33.25 ha)
Near: Sheringham, Norfolk
The southern end of Old Wood is one of the highest points in Norfolk, with splendid views towards Sheringham and the sea beyond. A conservation programme is gradually restoring this former conifer plantation back to broadleaved wood, heathland and grassland. It is hoped that this will improve the wildlife habitat qualities of the site, which already hosts pipistrelle bats, adders and slow worms.
Some Coriscan pines and Douglas firs will be retained as their appearance in the landscape have become associated with the market town of Sheringham, and are referred to in the town motto.
Once re-established, the broadleaved woodland here will be left to regenerate itself, and Old Wood will become a patchwork of habitats to complement the surrounding landscape within the North Norfolk Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
The paths in Old Wood, although steep in places, are mostly surfaced and mainly dry. There’s a car park at the entrance on Pretty Corner, and another entrance off Briton’s Lane. The railway station in the town centre is a 15 minute walk away and has connections to Cromer and Norwich. Beyond Sheringham station, the line to Holt has been preserved as the North Norfolk Railway, or ‘The Poppy Line’.
Gifts in wills have helped the Woodland Trust to restore this coastal conifer plantation to more wildlife-rich habitats, within easy reach for visitors seeking a feeling of being close to nature, away from the bustle of Sheringham.
Visit 'Our Woods' to find out more about this wood
