A FOREST near Herefordshire has been ranked among the best in the country.

Mortimer Forest is 13th on a list of 50 must-visit forests in the UK as compiled by HomeToGo.

The rating is based on a variety of factors including hectares covered, autumnal hours of sunshine, average rainfall, and under-the-radar status, with the forest awarded a 9.28 out of 10 score for serenity.

The woodlands were originally made up of ancient royal chases and deer parks, with much of the present-day forest largely being planted by the Forestry Commission in the 1920s.

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The woods boast five allocated walking trails of various lengths and difficulties and is home to a diverse array of plants and animals.

A spokesperson said: “Spectacular birds of prey can be found here and small birds such as nuthatches and warblers are often seen.

“Open spaces within the forest provide warm spots for butterflies, the Wood White being an important species and open places for reptiles to bask in the sun.

“Keep an eye out for the unique longhaired fallow deer which lives in the forest.”