Exploring a Medieval Hunting Forest

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Salcey Forest is a wonderful place to visit, somewhere I try and visit in different seasons, to see how the environment effects the trees and woodland. This magnificent woodland has many miles of ancient wood banks, building remains and ancient trees. The 'druids', or veteran oaks, are rare and amazing wildlife habitats, and some of the old oaks are over 600 years old.

The forest is located in the midlands, around 7 miles from Northampton. It’s great to have places like this close to where you live. For me it’s about a 40-minute drive through some lovely countryside.Salcey Forest is known as a medieval royal hunting forest, you can picture it as you wander down its many pathways and trails, imagining it on horseback in years gone by hunting deer and game for dinner!

As well as the woodland trails, they have an adventure play area for the kids, and the coffee at the cafe is good, even if you can’t sit down and enjoy a cuppa at the moment (hopefully after Covid it will get back to normal!)

Salcey Forest used to have a tree top walkway, this was an extensive structure from which you could walk amongst the treetops. It’s closed at the moment as it’s apparently not safe, a real shame as it was a great experience, I hope they reinstate it soon! 

I hope you enjoy these photos, which show the big trees, as well as the little things that you can see too. Sometimes it’s good to look down as well as up!