Forest bathing at Wayland Wood

Wayland Wood covers 33 hectares just south of Watton and is one of the largest woods in south Norfolk. It is ancient woodland, and hazel has been coppiced here since at least the 10th century; Norfolk Wildlife Trust still cuts it on rotation for wildlife, which keeps parts of the wood dense and full of birdsong. Oak, ash, hornbeam, field maple, bird cherry, downy birch and sallow grow alongside the hazel. Local tradition places the Babes in the Wood story here, and the wood is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

The small car park is on the A1075 towards Thetford, where traffic is fast and visibility poor, so slow down well before the entrance. A circular path goes round the wood, with others cutting through the glades and rides. It can be muddy at any time of year, and especially in winter. Spring is the time to come: bluebells, wood anemones, yellow archangel, early purple orchids and the rare yellow star-of-Bethlehem. In May the dawn chorus is strong. Only assistance dogs are allowed.