Mortimer Forest facts for kids
Mortimer Forest is a large forest located on the border between Shropshire and Herefordshire in England. It's close to the town of Ludlow. This forest covers a hilly area, including a hill called High Vinnalls, which is about 375 meters (1,230 feet) high.
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A Look Back in Time: History of Mortimer Forest
Mortimer Forest has a very long history. It was once an ancient hunting forest, much like other old areas such as Bircher Common. The Forestry Commission says it is what's left of even older Saxon hunting forests. These were called Mocktree, Deerfold, and Bringewood.
This area was once a place of battles. You can still find a castle mound there. Powerful lords, known as Marcher lords, owned this castle. They had strong forts at Wigmore and Ludlow. The forest gets its name from the Mortimers, who were these Marcher lords.
The rocks in Mortimer Forest are also very old. They are made of limestones and shales. These rocks were formed by the sea about 400 million years ago.
Where is Mortimer Forest Located?
Mortimer Forest is found right on the border between the counties of Shropshire and Herefordshire. This area is in the West Midlands part of England. It is very close to the town of Ludlow, which is on the A49 road.
What is the Climate Like in Mortimer Forest?
Mortimer Forest has a typical forest climate. This means it usually has less sunlight than open areas. The temperature is also a bit cooler inside the forest. Since it is in a hilly part of England, the climate here is often quite damp.
Exploring the Geology of Mortimer Forest
The rocks you find in Mortimer Forest are very old. The limestones and shales are about 400 million years old. This means they formed during the Silurian and Ordovician periods.
You can often find fossils in Mortimer Forest. Things like corals, trilobites, and shells are common. Finding these fossils tells us something amazing. It shows that the Mortimer Forest area was once completely underwater!
Visiting Mortimer Forest: Tourism and Activities
Mortimer Forest is owned by the Forestry Commission. They work hard to make it a great place for visitors. They have a website with information and put up signs to guide people. You can also find picnic tables and car parks.
The Forestry Commission has also created many walking tracks. These tracks are designed for different fitness levels. So, there's a path for everyone to enjoy.
The National Cycle Network has a route, route 44, that goes through the forest. This route connects Ludlow and Leominster. Also, the Mortimer Trail passes through the area. This is a long-distance footpath for hikers.
