Thetford Woodland Lodges

Thetford Forest is the largest manmade lowland forest in the UK. Its rich mix of pine, broadleaf and heathland habitat offers not only a place to explore but also a vital refuge for wildlife. These mature trees do more than define the landscape. They provide shade, shelter, character and biodiversity, all of which contribute to the forest’s value as a visitor destination.

When a new collection of woodland lodges was proposed in the heart of the forest, protecting this natural setting became a central concern. The chosen site included many established trees that the local authority and community were keen to retain. As in many developments, the challenge was how to carry out the necessary construction without damaging the root systems of the trees that gave the site its unique identity.

Tree roots can extend well beyond the canopy. On site, they are often overlooked until it is too late. Once compacted by vehicle movements or cut through during groundworks, the impact on tree health can be serious and permanent. In this case, with the weight of delivery vehicles and timber lodges needing to pass through or sit within root protection areas, a solution was needed that could protect the trees while allowing the project to move forward.

Our technical team worked closely with the contractor to assess the load demands and site layout. Based on this, we recommended a tailored ProtectaWeb™ tree root protection system. Installed above the root zone, the ProtectaWeb™ geocell created a reinforced surface that could support heavy loads without compacting the soil below. It also maintained the free flow of air and water to the roots, which is essential for long-term tree health.