Our Parks and Open Spaces service includes the provision and management of formal and country parks, open spaces within towns and villages, the countryside and natural environment.

Forest Heath´s contrasting landscape of brecks, fens, chalk downland and clay downland, as well as Britain´s largest lowland pine forest, requires complex protection and management, whilst making it an exceptional area for exploring and appreciating walking, horseriding, bird watching, etc.

It has an extensive network of footpaths and bridleways, although limited in the Newmarket area due to the constraints of land use by the horseracing industry.

There are currently major countryside attractions at High Lodge in Brandon (Forest Enterprise) and Brandon Country Park (owned by Suffolk County Council and managed in partnership with Forest Heath District Council), attracting around 400,000 visitors a year.

The only formal public park within the district is the Memorial Hall Gardens in Newmarket, which is now managed by Newmarket Town Council since its transfer from Forest Heath District Council in 2000.

Most villages have recreation grounds with some informal areas.

We welcome your comments regarding Parks, Open Spaces & Countryside. To complete an on line questionnaire click on www.greenstat.org.uk