Abbots Wood

Wood, Forest in Somerset

England

Abbots Wood

Abbots Wood is a picturesque forest located in Somerset, England. Covering an area of approximately 200 hectares, this ancient woodland is a haven for both wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The woodland is situated near the village of Holford and is part of the Quantock Hills, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Abbots Wood is characterized by its diverse range of tree species, including oak, beech, and hazel. These trees create a dense canopy, providing a shaded and tranquil atmosphere within the forest. The woodland floor is adorned with an array of wildflowers, such as bluebells and primroses, which bloom during the spring months.

The forest is crisscrossed by a network of well-maintained footpaths, making it an ideal destination for walkers and hikers. These paths lead visitors through a variety of scenic landscapes, including open meadows, babbling brooks, and moss-covered boulders. The wood is also home to a number of natural springs, which add to its charm and beauty.

Abbots Wood is renowned for its abundant wildlife. Visitors may spot roe deer, badgers, and foxes roaming freely throughout the forest. The woodland is also a haven for birdwatchers, with species such as woodpeckers, owls, and warblers making their home in the trees.

Overall, Abbots Wood is a truly enchanting destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of nature. With its diverse flora, tranquil pathways, and abundant wildlife, this forest is a must-visit for anyone exploring the beauty of Somerset.

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Abbots Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.403326/-2.510637 or Grid Reference ST6467. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Keynsham Abbey Remains

Link

Sandy Gerrard

Direction Sign â Signpost on Redlynch Lane, Chewton Keynsham

Located on the southwest side of the T junction of Chewton Road and Redlynch Lane in Chewton Keynsham, Compton Dando parish. 3 arms and pyramid finial. All three arms can be seen in Link and Link , were gone by July 2019 and have now been restored, along with the finial. Milestone Society National ID: SO_ST6566

Roadside Relics

Crashing down on the footbridge

Storm Eunice swept the South West and this big tree was a casualty. It came down and hit the footbridge linking the school to the playing fields. Workers set about the fallen lumber and attend to the surrounding damage.

Neil Owen

The sign fades but the sentiment doesn't

A hand-made display of thanks on the Old Bristol Road may be in need of a little care, but remains valid and public.

Neil Owen

Direction Sign â Signpost on the B3116 in Keynsham

Located on the southwest side of the junction of the B3116 Wellsway and Chewton Road in Keynsham parish. 2 arms and restored pyramid finial. See also Link. Milestone Society National ID: SO_ST6567A

Roadside Relics

Direction Sign â Signpost on the B3116 in Keynsham

Located at the northern corner of a grass triangle in the centre of the junction of the B3116 Wellsway and Manor Road in Keynsham parish. 2 arms and pyramid finial. See also Link and Link

. Milestone Society National ID: SO_ST6567B

Roadside Relics

St Keyna's Wild Willow Wilderness

Wildlife area near Keynsham's primary school

Eirian Evans

St Keyna's Wild Willow Wilderness

A haven for wildlife near Keynsham's primary school

Eirian Evans

Kelston Road, Keynsham

Eirian Evans

Bath Road

Impressive building on Bath Road, in Keynsham.

Wayland Smith

Albert Mill, Keynsham

Now converted to housing with several adjoining new buildings. The old core has been retained and was open for Heritage Open Days. The mill has had a variety of uses but was latterly used for grinding woods for use in natural dyes. These included logwood that produces the dye haematoxylin that is still is used in cellular pathology laboratories the world over and provides the purple colour in the classic H & E stain. The mill has a very long history and was recorded in the Domesday Book. The current incarnation is a rebuilding following a fire in 1873. It ceased production in 1964 and was converted to accommodation in 1992.

Chris Allen

Albert Mill, Keynsham - wood chipper

This water wheel powered device may well be unique. The sloping device on the left receives woods used in dye production and uses a rack driven plunger to force them against a revolving disc carrying four blades that slice slivers of the end of the wood. The disc is driven by step-up gearing from a large external waterwheel. A flywheel provides momentum in the system. One of the woods that was chipped is logwood that is used to produce the purple dye haematoxylin. This is used in cellular pathology laboratories around the world as a nuclear stain. The mill is now accommodation but retains some machinery and was open for Heritage Open Days.

Chris Allen

Albert Mill, Keynsham

This former water mill was last used for processing dye woods such as logwood. This external breastshot wheel powered at least a chipper that still survives inside. Power is transmitted via the shaft and it has quite an unusual construction with curved lightweight spokes on the outer edges and a more robust cast central spider and radial arms. I do not recall seeing one quite like this. The mill was converted to housing in 1992 but retains features of interest and was open for Heritage Open Days.

Chris Allen

Entrance to Albert Mill, Keynsham

This housing development dates from 1992 and includes modern multistorey blocks adjoining the original water powered mill. The current incarnation is a rebuilding following a fire in 1873. It ceased production in 1964 and was converted to accommodation in 1992. The mill has had a variety of uses but was latterly used for grinding woods for use in natural dyes. These included logwood that produces the dye haematoxylin that is still is used in cellular pathology laboratories the world over and provides the purple colour in the classic H & E stain. The edge runner stones are part of the original plant. More machinery survives inside and there are two waterwheels - one internal and one external.

Chris Allen

Albert Mill, Keynsham - waterwheel

This mill was latterly used to produce dye woods but was converted to accommodation in 1992. This is one of two surviving wheels and is a breastshot wheel with ventilated buckets. The drive is taken via the shaft. The construction is unusual with curved spokes supporting the shrouds at the sides bit a more robust central cast spider and radial arms carrying the inner ends of the two rows of buckets.

Chris Allen

Albert Mill, Keynsham - waterwheel

This is the external waterwheel that has been preserved and may date from c1870. It is a breastshot wheel with ventilated buckets and measures 18' 1.25" diameter x 9' 11" wide. It is of an unusual design with three sets of spokes. The inner set is robust and consists of a cast spider and eight radial spokes. The outer rims are supported by sixteen very light radial spokes tied in with the same number of curved members of equally light construction. Writing in 1974 Joan Day stated that this construction appeared to be unique.

Chris Allen