Mortimer Forest

Mortimer Forest is a forest on the Shropshire/Herefordshire border in England, near the town of Ludlow.^[1]

History

Mortimer Forest was an ancient hunting forest, like similar areas including Bircher Common. According to the Forestry Commission, it is a remnant of the ancient Saxon hunting forests of Mocktree, Deerfold and BringewoodRemains of this 'ancient battleground' include a Castle Mound that was owned by powerful Marcher Lords, who had a base in Ludlow. Natural history includes very old Limestones and Shales laid down by the sea some 400 million years ago.

Location

Mortimer Forest is located In the county of Shropshire, West Midlands, England. The OS positioning is: SO480730, it is near the town of Ludlow, on the A49 road.

Climate

Mortimer Forest has typical forest climate, with lower-than-average light levels and a slightly cooler temperature. It is also in a hilly part of England, meaning it has a damp climate.

Geology

The limestones and shales of Mortimer Forest are around 400 million years old, making them round the Silurian/Ordivician age. Fossils are common in the Mortimer Forest, especially Corals, Trilobites and Shells. This indicates that at one time the Mortimer Forest area was Underwater.

Tourism

Mortimer Forest is owned by the Forestry Commission, who have done a number of things to facilitate tourists, including a website, signage, picnic tables, car parks, and laying out walking tracks for different fitness abilities.

References

1. ^ "Mortimer Forest, South Shropshire" Worcester News 23 February 2009 Retrieved 17 May 2011

External links

• Forestry Commission's page on The Mortimer Forest