Official Guide to North Walsham 2023-2024

The Local Environment 47
Bacton Wood (Witton Woods)
Bacton Wood, which is two miles north-east of North Walsham on the Happisburgh Road, dates
back to Saxon times, and includes ancient Sessile Oaks and at least thirty other species of tree.
Walk through a mosaic of conifers, mixed woodland and open areas with its heather, broom and
gorse providing a variety of colour through the changing seasons. The rich diversity of trees, plants,
insects, birds and animals found in these woods provide a lovely countryside experience for all the
family.
The woods are owned and maintained by The Forestry Commission and part managed by North
Norfolk District Council, forming between them the Countryside Partnership Project.
Known locally as ‘Witton Woods’, the area was first planted in 1956, with much of the central and
southern area formerly heathland, careful management of the ancient woodland that formed most
of the remaining area has resulted in natural regeneration of the broadleaf species and plants such
as Bluebells, Wood Sorrel and Dog’s Mercury.
As well as the flora and fauna, within the woods can be found a Bronze Age burial mound and
pot boiling site, an ancient ‘Grandparent’ oak and several ponds. If you find the pot boiling site, be
sure to keep an eye out for flint shards, these have broken off the stones, used to warm the pots in
ancient times.
There are three marked trails and many smaller paths that weave through the trees making Bacton
Wood an excellent place for all types of orienteering, walking, horse riding and cycling. The Woods
also host many regular events such as cross country running, competitions, orienteering, night
exercises, rambling, wildlife watching and navigation exercises.
web: www.forestryengland.uk/bacton-wood