Thetford Heath NNR
Although most NNRs are managed by Natural England, 88 are wholly or partly managed by other bodies approved by Council, under Section 35 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
County: Suffolk
Main habitats: Lowland Heath
Area: 98 Ha
Site map: Nature on the Map
The Thetford Heath reserve is managed by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust.
Please note that, due to the sensitivity of the heath's habitats, access to the reserve is by permit only. For details email the Norfolk Wildlife Trust or telephone 01603 625540.
Thetford Heath is a fine example of open Breckland grass heath and is of considerable importance for its periglacial 'patterned ground'. The patterns seen here are stone stripes and polygons formed by the action of frost that sorted and 'heaved' stones to form geometric shapes. Thetford Heath was the first site in Britain where this type of landform was recognised.
As well as grass heath, the site has areas of heather and lichen-dominated heath, neutral grassland, stands of bracken, scattered trees and scrub and small areas of pine and oak woodland.
Rare plants found at the site include breckland thyme, purple-stem cat's-tail, wall bedstraw and sickle medick. The very rare perennial knawel and breckland mugwort have both been introduced to this site in order to conserve dwindling populations. There is also a notable lichen population, including several nationally scarce species.
Birdlife on the heath includes common curlew, green woodpecker, linnet, yellowhammer and skylark.
Location and access
Access during the summer months is by permit only for special projects. During winter months the site is CROW Access, commencing 31st October to 1st March.
Thetford Heath is three km south of Thetford between the A11 and A134. The reserve's southern boundary is a minor road connecting the villages of Barnham and Elveden.
The nearest train station is in Thetford.
First Group operates a bus service along the A134 from Thetford to Bury St Edmunds, 18 km to the south.
The reserve's northern boundary is part of a major trail, St Edmunds Way, and this connects with another path, the New Barnham Slip (forming the reserve's western boundary) that leads to the Icknield Way.
Facilities
The nearest toilets and refreshments are in local towns and villages.
