Bacton Wood

Wood, Forest in Norfolk North Norfolk

England

Bacton Wood

Meadowsweet The lovely summer smell of Meadowsweet on the banks of the newly restored Dilham Canal at Ebridge. — Meadowsweet Credit: John Wernham

Bacton Wood is a beautiful woodland located in Norfolk, England. Situated near the village of Bacton, it covers an area of approximately 280 acres and is managed by the Forestry Commission. This ancient woodland has a rich history and is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers.

The wood is predominantly composed of mixed broadleaf trees, including oak, beech, ash, and birch, creating a diverse and vibrant ecosystem. These trees provide a habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, badgers, and numerous bird species. Visitors can often spot woodpeckers, owls, and other woodland birds while exploring the area.

Bacton Wood offers a range of walking trails, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the peaceful surroundings. The trails meander through the woodland, passing through enchanting glades and alongside babbling brooks. The wood also features a picnic area, making it a perfect spot for a family day out.

In addition to its natural beauty, Bacton Wood has historical significance. The area was once part of the royal hunting grounds during the medieval period. Remnants of ancient earthworks and ditches can still be seen today, serving as a reminder of the wood's past.

Overall, Bacton Wood is a captivating destination that offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and rich history, it is a must-visit location for anyone seeking to reconnect with nature in Norfolk.

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Bacton Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.827041/1.4310066 or Grid Reference TG3131. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Meadowsweet

The lovely summer smell of Meadowsweet on the banks of the newly restored Dilham Canal at Ebridge.

John Wernham

Ladybirds in beechmast

Caught between the slats of a picnic table under a beech tree, Bacton Wood.

Barbara Carr

Witton sign

At the southern end of Bacton Wood, at the junction with Hall Road.

Barbara Carr

Track through Bacton Wood

Heading southwest from the picnic and car parking site.

Barbara Carr

Junction of 'Quiet Lanes'

Many lanes in this area are signed as 'Quiet Lanes'. There seems to be no measures taken to ensure they are quiet, the idea just takes advantage of the fact that they do naturally tend to be lightly used.

Robin Webster

Muntjac deer in pasture beside the Dilham Canal

Reeves's Muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi) were introduced to England around 1925 when some escaped from Woburn Park, joined sometime later by escapees from Whipsnade Zoo. They have expanded rapidly and can now be found in most English counties south of the M62 and also in Wales. The British Deer Society believes that muntjac may soon become the most numerous species of deer in England. Muntjac are the oldest known deer, appearing 15-35 million years ago.

Evelyn Simak

Reeves's Muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi)

Muntjacs were introduced to England around 1925 when some escaped from Woburn Park, joined sometime later by escapees from Whipsnade Zoo. They have expanded rapidly and can now be found in most English counties south of the M62 and also in Wales. The British Deer Society believes that muntjac may soon become the most numerous species of deer in England. Muntjac are the oldest known deer, appearing 15-35 million years ago. This pair was foraging in a pasture beside the Dilham Canal.

Evelyn Simak

Reeves's Muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi)

Foraging in a pasture beside the Dilham Canal. For a wider view see > Link. Muntjacs were introduced to England around 1925 when some escaped from Woburn Park, joined sometime later by escapees from Whipsnade Zoo. They have expanded rapidly and can now be found in most English counties south of the M62 and also in Wales. The British Deer Society believes that muntjac may soon become the most numerous species of deer in England. Muntjac are the oldest known deer, appearing 15-35 million years ago.

Evelyn Simak

Muntjacs beside the Dilham Canal

Evelyn Simak

Towpath along the Dilham Canal

Since 2000 the East Anglian Waterways Association has been holding work parties on the canal with the aim of returning the canal to use. In 2008 they were instrumental in the setting up of the North Walsham & Dilham Canal Trust. Over the past nine years extensive work has been carried out, in conjunction with the then canal owners - the North Walsham Canal Company - from Honing Lock up to Bacton Wood lock > Link. The canal has been reopened to canoeists up to Honing Staithe Cut, where the 100 yard branch has been cleared and a circular walk established leading off the Weavers' Way long distance path. At all four lock sites the chambers have been cleared of tree growth, and deterioration slowed. At Briggate > Link extensive work has been undertaken to clear the original millpond, and extensive tree growth is in the process of being removed from the Ebridge-Bacton Wood pound. For more information go to Link

Evelyn Simak

Reeds beside the Dilham Canal

Evelyn Simak

Pasture beside the Dilham Canal

This section of the canal and towpath have as yet to be restored.

Evelyn Simak

Path along the Dilham Canal

Evelyn Simak

Edingthorpe village sign

In a semicircular top to the sign is what appears to be a Gallas plough which is featured on the Northrepps sign. In the main illustration the church is pictured with its round tower and octagonal belfry. In the foreground is a team of horses seemingly ploughing the churchyard. Link

Adrian S Pye