Enchanting Facts About Savernake Forest: History, Hauntings & Ancient Trees
- lindsey7184
- Jul 16
- 3 min read
Savernake Forest is a magical place — steeped in history, whispered folklore, and home to some of Britain’s oldest living trees. Believed to be over 1,000 years old, this ancient Wiltshire woodland is full of surprises. Here are 10 fascinating facts to help you understand its beauty — and perhaps inspire your own visit to see if the legends are true...
#1 The whole estate is approximately 1,800 hectares, with most of the forest comprising a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) which is approximately 905 hectares, making it one of the largest privately owned woodlands in Britain. It’s privately owned but under a long-term lease to Forestry England (since 1939), who manage and conserve the SSSI.
#2 The SSSI designation recognises the forest’s exceptional biodiversity, including its ancient and veteran trees, unique woodland habitat, lichens, fungi, and rare wildlife. Rare wildlife includes, the Light Crimson Underwing Moth and the nationally rare Purple Emperor butterfly.
#3 It was mentioned in the Saxon charter from 934 AD, which is the earliest known documented mention of Savernake Forest, establishing it as a woodland of significance over 1,090 years ago!
#4 Historically Savernake Forest was used as a royal hunting forest for kings and nobles, where they hunted deer for centuries, and Henry VIII is known to have hunted there. Legend has it that he once courted Jane Seymour under Big Belly Oak, when she lived nearby at Wolf Hall.
#5 It’s home to some of Britain’s most magnificent ancient trees, including huge oaks, beech and sweet chestnut. Big Belly (or Bellied Oak – from research it seems to have two names) is thought to be over 1000 years old and located along the A346 (it’s now even pinned on Google maps, along with a few other named trees).
#6 There are 33 named trees across Savernake Forest. I came across a fantastic, detailed map (Savernake Forest, 6th edition by Peter Noble, updated 2024) that includes all the named trees, along with notable landmarks like pools, fallen trees, woodland compartments, and more. I wish I’d had it before visiting, and I’ll definitely use it next time!
#7 In the 18th century Lancelot Capability Brown was commissioned by Thomas Brudenell-Bruce, 1st Earl of Ailesbury, who wanted to enhance the landscape around his estate, Tottenham House. Capability Brown designed the Grand Avenue, a nearly 4-mile tree-lined avenue which runs through the forest, along with eight smaller avenues of beech, which radiate off a central point in each direction from the centre of the forest. Over time, however, these once-formal avenues have softened in appearance, with different species and younger, self-sown trees popping up and blending with the older trees.
#8 During World War II, Savernake Forest played a significant role as a major ammunition storage depot and was used by both British and American Forces. Due to its location and its extensive tree cover, the latter of which provided some camouflage from aerial reconnaissance – trees being awesome as always!
#9 “It’s rumoured to be haunted and has long been woven into local legends. Tales speak of phantom riders — one said to be a headless woman on a white horse — as well as misty figures on quiet forest paths and unexplained lights flickering through the trees.”
#10 Some say it has a strange atmosphere, especially at dusk or under the veil of mist. That it feels like someone is watching them or they’re being followed, especially near the Big Belly Oak. And some think it’s the trees themselves that hold ancient memories.
With over a thousand years of history, royal ties, and ancient trees that seem to whisper secrets, Savernake Forest feels like it’s writing its own mythology. But don’t just take my word for it — visit, wander, and decide for yourself...
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