During 2026 there will be ongoing improvement works happening in Rendlesham Forest, including creating new trails, enhancing our visitor offering, and forestry operations. The forest remains open during this work, but diversions may be in place. Safety for visitors and staff is our top priority, so please respect any closures in place and follow signed diversions.
Help to improve access at Rendlesham Forest
We've successfully secured funding to make access improvements in Rendlesham Forest. Our aim is to help more people enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits of spending time in nature, with changes that support accessibility and inclusion for all.
As part of the project, we're planning to:
- create a new easy-access trail of approximately 1km, with a smooth, wheelchair-friendly surface.
- introduce new inclusive play features, designed for a wide range of ages and abilities.
This will also form part of a longer-term plan to replace the current play equipment, much of which is now nearing the end of its life.
Forestry operations at Rendlesham
Rendlesham Forest is an active working woodland that produces sustainable timber. Our work ensures responsible forest management and contributes to reducing reliance on less sustainably managed forests worldwide.
Time period of work
January 2026 - December 2026
Temporary closures and trail diversions
Timber harvesting operations will require temporary closures and diversions. Please follow all on-site signs for safety, even on weekends. The table below will be regularly updated with the current status.
Please click here for an up to date map of thinning operations happening on site.
Last updated: 12th January 2026
| Facility | Status |
|---|---|
| Camping | Closed - reopening Easter 2026 |
| Cafe | Open weekends and holidays |
| Play area | Open |
| UFO Trail | Closed |
| Fido cycle trail | Diverted |
| Easy Access trail | Closed |
| Phoenix trail | Open |
| Main Car Park | Open |
| Overflow car park | Open |
| Planespotters car park | Open |
| Butley Corner car park | Open |
Thinning out forests
When we plant a forest to produce timber, we often place trees close together so that they grow tall and straight with fewer branches. This produces stronger timber with fewer knots in the wood. Some trees will not grow as well as others, so we fell the smaller trees to create space and light for the others to grow better. This is called thinning.
The wood from the smaller trees that are thinned is used for things like fence posts, pallets, wood chips and fuel. The remaining trees will carry on growing and produce a good quality timber crop.
Volunteering update
Update on the current situation and next steps regarding the Viking Trail in Tunstall Forest.
Firstly, we would like to thank the TROG members who have maintained the trail over many years and welcome their support as we transition to Forestry England (FE) directed Viking Trail Volunteers.
On 13 August 2025, a meeting was held with TROG representatives to discuss their aspirations, event management, and future harvesting plans that may affect the trail. TROG confirmed that they would no longer operate as an organisation following their AGM, and that maintenance of the trail would transition to Forestry England.
At that time, FE explained that thinning works would take place around the Viking Trail, though the extent of the impact was unclear. We reaffirmed our commitment to reinstating the trail but noted that its full length would be under review due to financial and staffing constraints.
Current Position
- TROG has confirmed it has ceased operating and is dispersing assets. Forestry England is awaiting confirmation of the removal of the container from the site.
- Tunstall is a working forest producing sustainable timber. Like all Forestry England sites, it operates under a rolling forest management plan to balance timber production, recreation, and conservation.
- Over the next few years, significant timber management and harvesting will occur across Tunstall. This will make sections of the Viking Trail inaccessible and unrideable. There is no guarantee the trail can be restored to its former state after operations.
- Changes within the Forestry England team and temporary staff reductions mean roles and priorities are being reviewed to ensure safe and effective management of the Sandlings Beat, which includes Tunstall and other major forests.
Because of these factors, volunteer trail maintenance is paused until staff are recruited and trained, the future of the trail is clear, and it is financially viable.
Next Steps
While TROG will no longer be involved as an independent group, we value the support of those who have championed the Viking Trail and mountain biking. Opportunities to volunteer will be limited initially due to operational activities, and the trail may not return to its previous size or route. However, Forestry England remains committed to the trail and will provide updates once the impact of harvesting works is confirmed.
Thank you for your patience and understanding. We hope this email clarifies our current position regarding volunteering for Viking Trail maintenance.
Contact the Rendlesham team
If you have any queries about the improvement works happening at Rendlesham, please email sandlingsranger@forestryengland.uk