Kielder Forest
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Sitka Spruce growing in Kielder Forest |
Kielder Forest is a large
forestry plantation in
Northumberland,
England. It is the largest forest in the
UK, and is planted mainly (80%) with
Sitka Spruce, with smaller plantings of
Norway Spruce,
Lodgepole Pine,
Scots Pine,
Douglas-fir and other
trees. There is a large
reservoir,
Kielder Water at the heart of the forest.
The forest is owned and managed by the
Forestry Commission.
Kielder Castle Visitor Centre is an 18th century hunting lodge, which has been converted into a visitor centre. It is an information centre and includes a shop, a maze and a picnic area. There are sculptures in the courtyard made of wood. The maze is made of thick walls, made of stones enclosed in wire mesh.
In the forest itself there are cycle paths, walking paths and a toll road for cars. There are also picnic areas where visitors are allowed to use barbeques.
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Kielder Water and Forest Park
