Size:

89.72 ha (221.70 acres)

Grid reference:

TM322630

Map reference:

Explorer 212
OS Landranger 156

This expanse of relatively young woodland is interspersed with pockets of ancient woodland, wide rides and wildflower meadows, making it a beautiful and diverse site. Its undulating paths offer splendid views over the surrounding countryside, and its five ponds are full of fascinating wildlife.

Features

  • Parking at site
  • Public access
  • Autumn colour
  • Grassland
  • Broadleaved woodland

How to get to Pound Farm

The 90-hectare (220-acres) site sits between the village of Great Glenham and the market town of Framlingham in Suffolk.

It is set in a rolling landscape of farmland (mostly arable), woodland and hedgerows. Cransford Meadow, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), is close to the northern boundary.

From Framlingham, head south on Riverside towards Well Close Square/B1116. Turn left onto Albert Place/B1116 and then take another left onto Fore Street/B1119. Follow the B1119 for approximately 4.8km (3 miles) – there is a brown tourist sign indicating the site’s location. The car park is less than 200m away, on the right hand-side.

The nearest train station is Saxmundham, 7.4km (4.6 miles) from the wood.

Visit National Rail for more information.

The closest bus stop is at Framlingham, a 6.4km (4-mile) walk from the site.

Visit Traveline for more information.

Facilities and access 

There are two kissing gate pedestrian entrances at either end of a public right of way. There is a welcome point next to the main car park with a map of the woodland and information on key features. There are also a number of seats around the ride network which provide opportunities for rest and picnics.

Paths are mainly grass and are undulating. They are mown regularly, but during the winter months the site becomes waterlogged and muddy.

The site has a large, hard-surfaced free car park with space for about 15 vehicles.

The nearest public toilets are in Framlingham, 6.4km (4 miles) away. The toilets at The Crown Inn in Great Glenham, 4km (2.5 miles) from the site, can be used by customers.

Wildlife and habitats

Animals

The five ponds on-site provide important habitats for invertebrates as well as rarer amphibians, such as the great crested newt and palmate newt, both of which have been recorded at Pound Farm.

Look out for:

Trees, plants and fungi

The varied woodland at Pound Farm is dotted with areas of ancient woodland totalling 7ha (17.3 acres) and comprising three copses containing ash, oak, field maple, sycamore, hazel, hawthorn and elder. The ground flora is dominated by dog's mercury, with wood anemone, primrose, lesser celandine and red campion. The largest, Broom Covert, shows evidence of past coppicing and has a path running through it with a small bridge.

Look out for:

Habitats

This diverse site has a wealth of habitats, with areas of ancient woodland, wide rides and wildflower meadows. 

Explore:

About Pound Farm

History

Until 1990, the Pound Farm site was mostly arable farming land with pockets of ancient woodland. From 1990 to 1993, more than 60,000 native broadleaf trees were planted over an area of 56 hectares (138.4 acres) under the Farm Woodland Scheme and the Woodland Grant Scheme.

The wider area has historic significance. When Queen Mary Tudor seized power in 1553 she collected her forces at the nearby Framlingham Castle before marching on London.

Things to do in Pound Farm

Download

Pound Farm Management Plan

PDF  (152 KB)