Mitcheldean Common

Wood, Forest in Gloucestershire Forest of Dean

England

Mitcheldean Common

The Crown Inn no more The village pub appears to be closing for good. — The Crown Inn no more Credit: Jonathan Billinger

Mitcheldean Common is a stunning woodland area located in Gloucestershire, England. Spanning approximately 400 acres, it is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its unique ecological and historical significance. The common sits on the edge of the Forest of Dean, one of the largest remaining ancient woodlands in the country.

The woodland is predominantly composed of oak, beech, and ash trees, creating a dense canopy that provides a habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna. Bluebells, wild garlic, and wood sorrel carpet the forest floor during spring, offering a picturesque scene. The Common is also home to various bird species, including the rare pied flycatcher and wood warbler, making it a popular spot for birdwatching enthusiasts.

In addition to its natural beauty, Mitcheldean Common is steeped in history. It was once part of the Royal Hunting Forest and contains the remains of medieval charcoal platforms, evidence of the area's historical importance in the production of charcoal for the iron industry. These platforms are a reminder of the common's past use and contribute to its cultural significance.

The woodland offers a network of trails and paths, allowing visitors to explore its tranquil surroundings. It is a popular destination for walkers, nature lovers, and photographers who appreciate its serene atmosphere and stunning vistas. The Common is managed by the Forestry Commission, ensuring the preservation of its unique ecology and heritage for future generations to enjoy.

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Mitcheldean Common Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.881293/-2.4967731 or Grid Reference SO6520. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Crown Inn no more

The village pub appears to be closing for good.

Jonathan Billinger

Former brewery, Mitcheldean

I was very surprised to find this unexpectedly while passing through. Initially owned by the Wintle family this brewery became the largest in the Forest of Dean in the 19th century. It was acquired by Cheltenham and Hereford Breweries in 1930. After 1930 it housed the wartime base of British Acoustic Films, later Rank Precision Industries. By 1960 manufacture of Rank Xerox photocopiers led to rapid expansion but decline followed in the 1980s-1990s. The site is now a large business village with these two buildings from the original brewery on the edge of a complex with multiple large buildings.

Chris Allen

Town Hall, Mitcheldean

Listed Grade II.

Chris Allen

Parish Church of St Michael and All Angels, Mitcheldean

Chris Allen

Mitcheldean Library

Chris Allen

Co-Operative food store and Post Office, Mitcheldean

Chris Allen

Old town Hall and The White Horse public house, Mitcheldean

Chris Allen

Former brewery, Mitcheldean

I was very surprised to find this unexpectedly while passing through. Initially owned by the Wintle family this brewery became the largest in the Forest of Dean in the 19th century. It was acquired by Cheltenham and Hereford Breweries in 1930. After 1930 it housed the wartime base of British Acoustic Films, later Rank Precision Industries. By 1960 manufacture of Rank Xerox photocopiers led to rapid expansion but decline followed in the 1980s-1990s. The site is now a large business village with two buildings from the original brewery on the edge of a complex with multiple large buildings.

Chris Allen

Former brewery, Mitcheldean

I was very surprised to find this unexpectedly while passing through. Initially owned by the Wintle family this brewery became the largest in the Forest of Dean in the 19th century. It was acquired by Cheltenham and Hereford Breweries in 1930. After 1930 it housed the wartime base of British Acoustic Films, later Rank Precision Industries. By 1960 manufacture of Rank Xerox photocopiers led to rapid expansion but decline followed in the 1980s-1990s. The site is now a large business village with two buildings from the original brewery on the edge of a complex with multiple large buildings.

Chris Allen

Church of St Michael and All Angels, Mitcheldean

A large parish church with origins stretching back to 14th century and showing subsequent changes and restorations the last being in the 19th century. The importance of this church was recognised with Grade I listing dating all the way back to 1955 by English Heritage.

Colin Cheesman

Cattle on hillside

don cload

Rolling hills

don cload

Deansway Road, Mitcheldean

The village housing is dominated by the former Rank Xerox buildings which are now a huge sprawling business park.

Jonathan Billinger

Carisbrooke Road, Mitcheldean

Two posh new bus shelters on the edge of the village.

Jonathan Billinger

Toll House, Townend

The Old Pike House in Mitcheldean on the B4224. Originally guarding the Mitcheldean to Lea Turnpike, opened in 1769. Served Huntley and Mitcheldean Turnpike Trust. Milestone Society National ID: GL.MDE02

Mr Red

Old Bridge Marker on Hawthorns Road, Hope Mansell

Bridge Marker in the northeast parapet of a bridge on Hawthorns Road over the disused Mitcheldean Road and Forest of Dean Junction Railway. Hope Mansell parish. Inscribed G.W.R. possibly above S D C. The bridge is on a railway line built c.1874 by different contractors for the Mitcheldean Road and Forest of Dean Junction Railway Company. This company was absorbed by the GWR in 1880, who completed the line soon after. The stone is thought to mark the Great Western Railway's ownership of, or responsibility for, the bridge. The vertical groove next to the stone is unexplained but might show where a bridge weight plate, e.g. Link was fixed to the parapet. Milestone Society National ID: HF_HOPEMA01br

Roadside Relics