Thornham Walks - for peace and fresh air

When travelling along the A140, you will have seen signs to Thornham Walks – perhaps you have visited us and experienced the delights of the Thornham Estate, or perhaps you have intended too but never got round to it. Well why not take that opportunity now?

With 12 miles of waymarked path through varied habitats of woods, parkland, farmland and local villages there is something for all the family to enjoy.

The canopy of the woodland is dominated by oak and ash, but in Victorian times more exotic species such as sweet chestnut, lime and turkey oak were introduced. There is something of interest and enjoyment for both amateur and professional naturalists throughout the year.

Thornham Walks prides itself on being accessible for all and with facilities for people with walking difficulties and for those in wheelchairs, where else can you leave the roads and travel through countryside on a metalled pathway? Our half-mile of surfaced path wends its way through the parkland and into the woods, passing the pinetum, bird hide, Walled Garden, Pets’ Graveyard and the Folly.

We also have two all-terrain wheelchairs for the more adventurous and we keep grass paths mown for a smoother ride.

Thornham Walks puts on an annual programme of events and activities and this information can be picked from the information point in the car park, in addition guided walks and environmental activities can also be arranged for groups.

Events planned at Thornham during February and March are:

February

  • Monday 15, 2pm - 4pm - Bat box building (children’s activity). Come and have a go at building your own bat box. Finished boxes can be purchased for £3. Meet at the main car park. Cost: children £3, accompanying adults free.
  • Wednesday 17, 10am – 3pm, Making Camp: Shelters, Tools and Utensils. Create a Stone Age village, construct a shelter to stay warm and dry. You will also be making cordage, tongs or bowls. Suitable for 8-14year olds only.Meet at main car park. Cost: £15 per child.  Booking essential – 01379 788345.

March

  • Sunday 7, 10am onwards - Bird ringing. Join Sid Batty, our resident bird ringer at our bird hide to see close up some of the regular visitors to the feeders. Bring binoculars and a camera. Meet at the Bird hide. Cost: free. 
  • Sunday 28, 9.30am-12.30pm, Willow weaving workshop. Tony Carter, a local basket maker, will be guiding you through the art of making a willow pea cone. Cost: adults £30, Key Card holders £25. Booking essential: 01379 788345.   

For further details about events at Thornham Walks and for booking, please phone 01379 788345 or email: Helen.sibley@midsuffolk.gov.uk or visit our web site: www.thornham.org.uk

-ENDS-

Media contact: Vicky Smy, Senior Communications Officer, telephone: 01449 724850, email:  vicky.smy@midsuffolk.gov.uk