Salcey Forest
Salcey Forest in Northamptonshire is a former mediæval hunting forest in the south of the county, beside the Buckinghamshire border.
Location
The forest lies to the east of the village of Hartwell, between Northampton and Newport Pagnell. It is managed by the Forestry Commission and is still commercially exploited for timber products. Part of the forest is designated an SSSI for its flora and fauna.
Description
In 2005, a tree top forest walk was constructed which has attracted many visitors and rises through the forest to a height of about 49 feet, at a gradient not exceeding 1 in 12. At the end, a raised viewing platform sits above it at 59 feet from the ground, which is accessed by stairs. Northampton town can be seen from the top of the final tower. The project was placed first in the Environmental category of the British Construction Industry Awards 2006. There is a similar but longer raised walkway at Kew Gardens.
There are public footpaths through the forest and a range of wildlife can be observed. The forest is a remnant of the mediæval royal hunting forest. Reminders of the past can still be found, with several miles of ancient woodland, building remains and ancient trees. The 'druids' or veteran oaks in Salcey are rare and distinct wildlife habitats, and some of the veteran oaks are believed to be over 500 years old.
The forest has a café in one of the main parking areas - which is pay and display, next to the children's play area - most of the remaining parking areas in the forest are free. It is an Official Bookcrossing zone and has two bookshelves where books can left or taken for free.
During the Second World War, elephants from circuses were put to use to fell trees, all the horses' having been requisitioned for the war. There is a pond named The Elephant Pond where the elephants could bathe at the end of the day.
The forest was served by its own railway station on the Stratford-upon-Avon and Midland Junction Railway until 1908.
Art and culture
There are nine sculptures in Salcey Forest by Linda Johns.
Author Laura Beatty lives in the forest and it provides the inspiration for her 2008 novel Pollard.[1]
Outside links
- Forestry Commission - Salcey Forest
- Salcey Forest Bookcrossing Page
- Save our Salcey website
- Linda Johns Salcey sculpture website