NWT Foxley Wood

Norfolk’s largest remaining ancient woodland. Its wide rides, originally created to allow the movement of felled timber, make wonderful paths far into the wood.

What to look for: Spring/summer bluebell, dog’s mercury, early purple orchid, herb Paris, lily of the valley, meadowsweet, water avens, fleabane. White admiral, purple hairstreak, meadow brown and ringlet butterflies, dark bush cricket. Sparrowhawk, tawny owl, great spotted and green woodpeckers. Autumn/winter oak, field maple, wild service, small-leaved lime, Midland hawthorn.

Facilities: Orientation station, information board and way-marked trails. Reserve leaflet. Woodland products for sale at certain times of the year.

Opening: Nature reserve open daily (except Thursdays) 10am to 5pm.

Directions: NWT Foxley Wood is 25km north west of Norwich. Leave Norwich on the A1067 Fakenham road, from which the wood is signposted on the right. Go through Foxley village and the entrance and car park is 2km ahead on the right.

Access: Parking is available in several small car parks just inside the nature reserve.

Did you know? NWT Foxley Wood was listed in the Domesday Book. In the past it was a hive of economic activity and provided much needed income in this corner of rural Norfolk. Bark was stripped here for use in the tanning industry well into the 19th century.