Britain's Roswell: Investigating Rendlesham Forest
In December 1980, US Air Force personnel stationed at RAF Woodbridge reported a series of encounters with an unidentified craft in Rendlesham Forest, Suffolk. The incident — Britain's most famous UFO case — left physical evidence including ground impressions, radiation readings, and multiple military witnesses. Forty-five years later, the forest remains one of the most investigated paranormal locations in the world.
What Happened
Over three nights (26-28 December 1980), multiple USAF personnel reported seeing strange lights in the forest. On the first night, three servicemen approached what they described as a glowing metallic object. Deputy base commander Lt. Col. Charles Halt led a follow-up investigation on the third night, recording his observations on a now-famous audio tape. Radiation readings at the landing site were 25 times above normal background levels.
The UFO Trail
The Forestry Commission has marked a 3km walking trail through the key incident locations:
- East Gate: Where the initial security patrol first spotted the lights
- The Landing Site: Where the craft allegedly touched down (marked with a model of the craft)
- Halt's observation point: Where Lt. Col. Halt observed the lights on the third night
The trail is open year-round and accessible in daylight. For investigation purposes, visit the trail during the day to orient yourself, then return after dark.
Camping Options
Wild camping is not permitted in Rendlesham Forest itself. However, several options exist:
- Tangham Campsite: Forestry Commission campsite within the forest (seasonal)
- Rendlesham Forest Centre: Day parking available for night investigation access
- Local campsites: Several within 5 miles of the forest
Investigation Tips
- Bring a Geiger counter or radiation detector — elevated readings are still occasionally reported
- EMF baseline readings at the landing site are notably different from surrounding forest
- Audio recording is particularly productive here — unexplained sounds are regularly captured
- December visits (anniversary period) attract other investigators — good for collaboration but increased contamination of the site
- The forest is home to deer and other wildlife that can produce startling noises after dark
