Shepton Forest

Wood, Forest in Somerset Mendip

England

Shepton Forest

Car parked at the start of Fental Lane, Ukrainian flag on fence
Car parked at the start of Fental Lane, Ukrainian flag on fence Credit: Rob Purvis

Shepton Forest is a picturesque woodland located in the county of Somerset, England. Covering an area of approximately 500 acres, it is situated just outside the town of Shepton Mallet. The forest is known for its rich biodiversity and stunning natural beauty, attracting nature enthusiasts, hikers, and photographers alike.

The woodland is predominantly made up of a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees, creating a diverse and vibrant landscape throughout the seasons. Ancient oaks, beeches, and birches can be found alongside towering pines and firs, providing a habitat for a variety of wildlife. Visitors to Shepton Forest may encounter species such as deer, foxes, badgers, and an array of birdlife, making it a haven for nature lovers.

There are several well-marked trails that wind their way through the forest, offering different levels of difficulty to cater to all abilities. These paths provide opportunities for leisurely walks, challenging hikes, and even mountain biking. The forest also boasts a designated picnic area, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Shepton Forest is not only a recreational space but also plays a crucial role in conservation efforts. The woodland is carefully managed to maintain its ecological balance and protect its diverse flora and fauna. Local conservation organizations often organize educational events and guided walks to raise awareness about the importance of preserving this natural habitat.

In conclusion, Shepton Forest in Somerset is a stunning woodland destination that offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in nature. With its diverse range of trees, wildlife, and well-maintained trails, it is a perfect getaway for those seeking tranquility and a deeper connection with the natural world.

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Shepton Forest Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.206859/-2.4641994 or Grid Reference ST6745. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Car parked at the start of Fental Lane, Ukrainian flag on fence
Car parked at the start of Fental Lane, Ukrainian flag on fence
Tadhill House Farm buildings
Tadhill House Farm buildings
Old Milepost by A361, village of Dean The Milepost is located on the grass verge near houses on the South of the road.  Parish of Cranmore (Mendip District). Cast iron post, plated iron casting design, erected by the Shepton Mallet turnpike trust in the 19th Century. It has been broken and welded back together (on back of top "BUCI") and repositioned. A photograph before the repainting can be found here: <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6072295" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6072295">Link</a> 

Inscription reads:-  
SHEPTON / MALLET / 4 : : FROME / 8 : : LONDON / 111 

Milestone Society National ID: SO_SMFR04
Old Milepost by A361, village of Dean
The Milepost is located on the grass verge near houses on the South of the road.  Parish of Cranmore (Mendip District). Cast iron post, plated iron casting design, erected by the Shepton Mallet turnpike trust in the 19th Century. It has been broken and welded back together (on back of top "BUCI") and repositioned. A photograph before the repainting can be found here: Link  Inscription reads:- SHEPTON / MALLET / 4 : : FROME / 8 : : LONDON / 111 Milestone Society National ID: SO_SMFR04
Old Milestone by Old Wells Road, near Tadhill House Farm The Milestone is located on grass verge on the South of the road.  Parish of Downhead (Mendip District). Stone post (plate lost), Frome square iron plate design, erected by the Frome turnpike trust in the 18th Century, plate repainted by MSS summer 2009. An earlier photograph can be found here: <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6037568" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6037568">Link</a> 

Inscription reads:-  
Frome / 6 / Wells / 9 

Grade II listed. List Entry Number: 1345266 <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1345266" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1345266">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> 

Milestone Society National ID: SO_FRWL06
Old Milestone by Old Wells Road, near Tadhill House Farm
The Milestone is located on grass verge on the South of the road.  Parish of Downhead (Mendip District). Stone post (plate lost), Frome square iron plate design, erected by the Frome turnpike trust in the 18th Century, plate repainted by MSS summer 2009. An earlier photograph can be found here: Link Inscription reads:- Frome / 6 / Wells / 9 Grade II listed. List Entry Number: 1345266 LinkExternal link Milestone Society National ID: SO_FRWL06
2011 : The former Church of St.James, East Cranmore "The origin of the name Cranmore comes from the Old English Crane Mere meaning 'Cranes/herons' pool'." 
Copied from <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.cranmore.org/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.cranmore.org/">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> a most interesting website.

Seen from the other side in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/485732">ST6843 : Former church at East Cranmore</a>
2011 : The former Church of St.James, East Cranmore
"The origin of the name Cranmore comes from the Old English Crane Mere meaning 'Cranes/herons' pool'." Copied from LinkExternal link a most interesting website. Seen from the other side in ST6843 : Former church at East Cranmore
2011 : Western Farm, Cranmore On the road between Cranmore and East Cranmore.
Farm land and buildings currently for sale.
2011 : Western Farm, Cranmore
On the road between Cranmore and East Cranmore. Farm land and buildings currently for sale.
2011 : Road to Wellington Farm, East Cranmore This is within half a mile of one of the largest quarries on the Mendips yet there is no sight and very little sound of it.
2011 : Road to Wellington Farm, East Cranmore
This is within half a mile of one of the largest quarries on the Mendips yet there is no sight and very little sound of it.
2011 : Main road through East  Cranmore The gateway on the right gives access to <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2357732">ST6843 : 2011 : The former Church of St.James, East Cranmore</a>
A little about East Cranmore in <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.francisfrith.com/east-cranmore/#utmcsr=bing.com&utmcmd=referral&utmccn=bing.com" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.francisfrith.com/east-cranmore/#utmcsr=bing.com&utmcmd=referral&utmccn=bing.com">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
2011 : Main road through East Cranmore
The gateway on the right gives access to ST6843 : 2011 : The former Church of St.James, East Cranmore A little about East Cranmore in LinkExternal link
2011 : Fields and view from the lane east of Cranmore Cranmore Tower [<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/ST6745">ST6745</a>] lifts its head above surrounding trees on the horizon.
A small beech wood begins showing its leaves, the foreground field looks a little sad, not sure what crop it contains.
2011 : Fields and view from the lane east of Cranmore
Cranmore Tower [ST6745] lifts its head above surrounding trees on the horizon. A small beech wood begins showing its leaves, the foreground field looks a little sad, not sure what crop it contains.
2011 : Fields near Western Farm, Cranmore Looking north west from the road between Cranmore and East Cranmore.
2011 : Fields near Western Farm, Cranmore
Looking north west from the road between Cranmore and East Cranmore.
2011 : Fields and hedgerows near Western Farm Seen from the road to Cranmore.
Cattle in the next field enjoy the new spring grass. Care must be taken to ensure they do not enjoy too much of it and suffer from the bloat, a condition in which fermentation gases build up in the stomach, usually painful, sometimes fatal if not treated.
These gases are rich in methane, the condition should not be relieved in the presence of a naked flame or other source of ignition, the results can be explosive.
For more info visit: <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/%24Department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex6769" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/%24Department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex6769">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
2011 : Fields and hedgerows near Western Farm
Seen from the road to Cranmore. Cattle in the next field enjoy the new spring grass. Care must be taken to ensure they do not enjoy too much of it and suffer from the bloat, a condition in which fermentation gases build up in the stomach, usually painful, sometimes fatal if not treated. These gases are rich in methane, the condition should not be relieved in the presence of a naked flame or other source of ignition, the results can be explosive. For more info visit: LinkExternal link
2011 : A gathering of toposcopes At a viewpoint south west of Merehead Quarry. On a day not suitable for long distance viewing.

Since writing the above have wondered what the collective noun for "toposcope" would be - a panorama perhaps?
2011 : A gathering of toposcopes
At a viewpoint south west of Merehead Quarry. On a day not suitable for long distance viewing. Since writing the above have wondered what the collective noun for "toposcope" would be - a panorama perhaps?
2011 : Warning sign, Merehead Quarry On a public footpath near the top of a cliff.
2011 : Warning sign, Merehead Quarry
On a public footpath near the top of a cliff.
2011 : Footpath and bridleway near Merehead Quarry Follows the edge of the quarry which is well protected.
Cranmore Tower appears on the hill in front <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/ST6745">ST6745</a>
2011 : Footpath and bridleway near Merehead Quarry
Follows the edge of the quarry which is well protected. Cranmore Tower appears on the hill in front ST6745
2011 : Minor road entering Waterlip A small business park is along the road opposite on the site of an old quarry.
2011 : Minor road entering Waterlip
A small business park is along the road opposite on the site of an old quarry.
2011 : Entrance to Waterlip Business Park On the site of a disused quarry.
2011 : Entrance to Waterlip Business Park
On the site of a disused quarry.
Sign for the Knatchbull Arms For information on this sign visit <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.sunriseag.net/adoptapub/more/0042Knatchbull.htm" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.sunriseag.net/adoptapub/more/0042Knatchbull.htm">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Sign for the Knatchbull Arms
For information on this sign visit LinkExternal link
The Knatchbull Arms, Stoke St Michael The building dates from the late 17th century and it was originally a house.  For a view of the sign <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2689324">ST6646 : Sign for the Knatchbull Arms</a>
The Knatchbull Arms, Stoke St Michael
The building dates from the late 17th century and it was originally a house. For a view of the sign ST6646 : Sign for the Knatchbull Arms
Show me another place!

Shepton Forest is located at Grid Ref: ST6745 (Lat: 51.206859, Lng: -2.4641994)

Administrative County: Somerset

District: Mendip

Police Authority: Avon and Somerset

What 3 Words

///seducing.kitten.inch. Near Shepton Mallet, Somerset

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