What are the plans for Lynford Zone?
Over the coming months there will be a number of changes happening within the Lynford Zone. Please view the information below to help answer some of the questions you may have.
Lynford Arboretum Changes
Civil engineering dam maintenance
The upper and lower reservoirs (collectively, the Lynford Reservoirs), have water storage capacities of approximately 10,000m3 and 15,000m3 respectively. Currently, these waterbodies, both being under 25,000m3 capacity, are not subject to regulation under the Reservoirs Act 1975. However, it is expected that secondary legislation enacted under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 will soon reduce this capacity threshold to 10,000m3, thus requiring the Lynford Reservoirs be upgraded to ensure compliance with legislation.
The upper reservoir and spillway (including stonework masonry sill, brick masonry abutments, flint masonry wingwalls and a stone masonry apron) are both assumed to have been constructed as part of the original Lynford Hall in the 1850s.
As custodian of the assets, Forestry England is required to manage and maintain them. In March 2023, Forestry England commissioned a report to outline the flood risks that the reservoirs pose and the necessary upgrades that would need to take place to bring them in-line with the inevitable changes in legislation.
Alongside work to the upper spillway, we will be making the most of our contractor’s availability in the area and resurfacing the masonry arch Lynford upper bridge as well as creating a new trail diversion around ZigZag covert.
To complete the work safely, some of the walking trails around the Arboretum will be closed. These trails will be blocked off with barriers to clearly demarcate the closures.
- Phase 1 - Lynford Upper bridge - 1 to 2 weeks from 09/09/24 to 20/09/24.
- Phase 2 - Lynford Upper Dam - 4 to 5 weeks from 23/09/24 to 25/10/24.
- Phase 3 - Lynford Zig Zag trail - 2 to 3 days from 28/10/24 to 30/10/24.
Tree management at the Arboretum
During the months of late June and early July, the Lynford Arboretum extension was thinned by 20%. The trees were planted 50 years ago as part of the standard forestry crop rotation. As the arboretum developed, these trees protected the new collection from certain weather conditions. To continue to allow the expansion of the arboretum, we have had to cut 20% of these mature trees.
The main collection of trees that make up the Arboretum will continue to be managed throughout 2024/2025. This will primarily be undertaken in the Arboretum where we are felling trees that have been marked up as dying or overpopulated within the collection. Any trees that will be felled will be replaced.
Lynford Stag changes
New wellbeing walking trail
We have been working on a new wellbeing walk which will start at Lynford Stag, traveling along the old coach road, visiting the Arboretum on its way and circling round to end up back at Lynford Stag. This walk will be three miles in length with thoughtful and inspirational information boards along the way regarding wellbeing. This will be installed winter 2024.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still visit Lynford Arboretum, Water or Stag?
While this work is going on you will still be able to visit Lynford Arboretum and Lynford Water. There will be diversions and closures to sections of the trails while we improve and maintain the Lynford Zone.
The dams will continue to be monitored and maintained by our civil engineering department throughout 2024. There will be work starting in September 2024 that will last two months, where areas of Lynford Arboretum will be closed off. Please follow all diversions and closures.
The management of the collection at the Arboretum will be an ongoing project. During the management and maintenance members of the public are still allowed to access the Arboretum, however there might be diversions and closures in place.
During the installation of the Wellbeing walk that will link up Lynford stag and Lynford Arboretum, most visitors won't be affected. There is the potential that you might see members of staff and contractors installing equipment on the trail.
Please follow all site safety signage when visiting the sites that are located within the Lynford Zone in 2024 and 2025.
What is your policy on memorials on site?
Forestry England receives many requests for memorials, spreading of ashes or commemorative plaques and benches throughout Thetford Forest. These are places that mean a great deal to many people, and it is very understandable to wish to commemorate loved ones and honour their memory in beautiful surroundings.
One of the main reasons that these places are treasured by so many is because they provide access to such wonderful green spaces. In keeping with the policy for the Nations Forests, Forestry England and Friends of Thetford Forest can no longer agree to the placement of memorials, commemorations, or the scattering of ashes in Thetford Forest.
If you would like to contribute in their memory to support Forestry England or the Friends of Thetford Forest work through enhancing the forest for wildlife, archaeology and heritage, please visit https://www.forestryengland.uk/donate-today and Friends of Thetford Forest (FoTF)
Forestry England tree felling policy
We continually take care of the forests and landscapes that include the abundance of wildlife that can be found within them. We are in tune with the rhythms of the seasons and carefully balance the need for woodland management and sustainable timber with the year-round activities of wildlife. Forestry England's vision is to protect the most valuable places for wildlife in England can be found in the following link: Growing the future | For wildlife
There is no risk-free time of year for harvesting timber, but we always strive to minimise damage to the environment. Working in the wetter months increases risks that cause long term damage to soils. Protecting soils is important for the whole forest ecosystem. This means some of our work occurs in drier conditions, which are more likely to fall within the bird nesting season.
Forestry England manages the risk to minimise impacts by assessing the site and considering what needs to be in place to minimise disturbance to wildlife and the environment.
We do what we reasonably can to avoid disturbing or damaging birds’ nests. We also take extra care to look for wildlife that has special protection, including badgers, bats and rare or threatened birds. We either suspend or alter work to make sure this special wildlife is protected. Felling and nesting birds | Forestry England