Planning a visit to Lynford Water? Here are some of our most frequently asked questions about visiting the site. Check before you travel to make the most of your journey.
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Are we allowed to open water swim?
Can we bring our own stand-up paddle boards, canoes and kayaks?
Can we light a barbecue or campfire?
What are your thoughts on potential algae blooms on site?
Are we allowed to open water swim?
We do acknowledge there is open water swimming on site. Forestry England have undertaken a risk assessment for open water swimming and have taken a risk-based approach.
Please follow the Outdoors Swimmers code and we strongly recommend gaining open water swimming training.
Users in or around the water should assess the conditions, their own health and their judgement before interacting with the water.
We do not allow group organising or advertising of events on site. All ‘organised’ activities must apply for permission.
Can we bring our own stand-up paddle boards, canoes and kayaks?
We currently do not allow personal use of paddleboards, canoes or kayaks, as the degree of user experience cannot be ascertained or accredited therefore for safety reasons, we have decided to only allow one approved provider who has been trained, briefed on Health and Safety of the site with biosecurity and conservation concerns.
Can we fish on site?
We do not allow fishing of any kind on site.
Can we light a barbecue or campfire?
As with all Forestry England sites in Thetford, we do not allow any barbecues of campfires on site.
What is your litter policy?
All litter should be taken home. It is your responsibility to manage your own waste.
What are your thoughts on potential algae blooms on site?
Bacteria and algae levels can fluctuate in lakes and ponds. This is a natural process dependent upon environmental conditions.
Some people and dogs are more sensitive to these changes and particularly during hot and dry weather spells, exposure may lead to symptoms such as upset stomachs and skin irritations.
Users in or around the water should assess the conditions, their own or pets’ health and their judgement before interacting with the water.
Are we allowed to camp at Lynford Water?
As with all Thetford Forest sites and car parks, we do not allow camping or campervans overnight of any kind.
What is your policy on dogs on site?
We welcome dogs to the nation's forest but occasionally they can cause issues when accessing water from wildlife disturbance, erosion of the banks and contamination of ponds with silt or flea treatments.
Please help us to keep Lynford Water accessible to all by clearing up after your dog, keeping your dog under control and waiting several days after flea treatment before allowing access to the lake.
