The warren near Cambridgeshire with evidence of human life from 500,000 years ago

Matthew Senior
·2-min read
The site of Mildenhall Warren
-Credit: (Image: Keith Evans/Geograph)


Here in Cambridgeshire, we're blessed with many unique ancient woodlands, forests and monuments. However, there is one place that, whilst not well known, is steeped in history.

Mildenhall Warren, in Suffolk, is only a 45-minute drive from Cambridge city centre. It provides visitors with peaceful walking trails and the opportunity to spot all kinds of wildlife.

But the area has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). According to Forestry England, there is evidence of human habitation from 500,000 years ago and 700 years of rabbit warrens.

Read more: Nine medieval Cambridgeshire villages that have been lost in time

Read more: Take a look around the Cambridgeshire town that did not exist 30 years ago

And it is these rabbit warrens which give the area its name. Warrens were areas of land that were designated specifically for the breeding of rabbits. This meant that there would be a constant supply of fresh meat and skins. The practice was first introduced to southern England by the Normans in 1100.

The first documented reference of Mildenhall Warren was back in 1323, when Bury Abbey recorded income from it. It was then owned consecutively by the Bacon, North and Bunbury families, before being bought by the Forestry Commission in 1934.

Within the warren is Mildenhall Warren Lodge, which is also known as the Old Keeper's Lodge. The exact date of its construction is not known but it was referenced in the Will of of Nicholas Mey dated 1540 and George Childerstone’s Will of 1662, including contents and warrener’s nets.

The lodge continued to be used as a dwelling until the early 20th century. Over the years, there have been numerous restoration works that have taken place. It was restored by Friends of Thetford Forest from 2000 to 2002, and again from to 2012 to 2013 when the building was given a new roof. It is now a scheduled monument, which means it will be preserved for generations to come.

Nowadays, the site is hugely popular with walkers and dog owners, with plenty of different routes to explore. One of these trails starts from the car park and takes you through beautiful woodland scenery and back along the channel.

Mildenhall Warren is located approximately ten miles north of Bury St Edmunds and is open 365 days a year. For more information, click here.

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