Mortimer Forest

Mortimer Forest was an ancient hunting forest, similar to areas including Bircher Common. According to Forestry England, it is a remnant of the ancient Saxon hunting forests of Mocktree, Deerfold and Bringewood. Remains of this 'ancient battleground' include a castle mound that was owned by powerful Marcher lords, who had considerable fortified bases at Wigmore and Ludlow. The name of the forest derives from the Mortimers, who were Marcher lords. Natural history includes very old limestones and shales laid down by the sea some 400 million years ago.

Mortimer Forest is owned by Forestry England, which has 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. National Cycle Network route 44 passes through, en route between Ludlow and Leominster. Also passing through the area is the Mortimer Trail, a long-distance footpath.