Cobham Frith

At 4,500 acres, Savernake Forest is the largest, indeed the only, privately owned forest in Britain. At one point the forest was 40,000 acres, ten times its current size. It is currently under the ownership of the Earl of Cardigan having passed down through 31 generations; much of it is leased to the Forestry Commission. Through the forest runs the Grand Avenue. At just over 4 miles it is the longest avenue in the country. Savernake Forest is an ancient woodland referred to in a Saxon charter of AD934 as "Safernoc".

During WWII a contingent of the US Army used the forest as a base for D-day preparations. The Officers were based at the then family home of Tottenham House. The house is currently leased to the Amber Foundation, a charity for the unemployed.

Nearby is the town of Marlborough, which is one of several towns that lay claim to having the widest high street in Britain. It is certainly a very wide high street and it hosts lots of small independent shops and restaurants and is well worth a look round if you're in the area.

The forest has a wide variety of wildlife including Roe, Fallow and Red Deer and increasing numbers of Muntjac Deer. The area is of particular interest as well due to its rare fungus and lichens.

At over 1,000 years old the famous "Belly Oak" is known to all who drive along the Marlborough to Burbage road. As well as this there are several named oak trees throughout the forest, such as the "Saddle Oak", "Amity Oak" and the appropriately named "King of Limbs".

All the usual woodland birds are in evidence at Savernake, along with Hawfinch, Crossbill, Nightjar and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. The ever declining Willow Tit has been seen in past years. As is normal with all scarce birds patience and perseverance are often the only way of securing a sighting.

There are miles of trackways throughout the main and adjoining woodland and the best way to explore is simply to just start walking and see where it takes you. With a map in hand you should be able to find your way round fairly easily. Eight Walks, in the centre of the forest, would make a good starting point. As with many woodland areas the route underfoot can be muddy, so good boots are recommended.

Access to the forest is permitted by the owners; although please note there are no public footpaths or vehicular rights of way.