Castlehill Wood

Wood, Forest in Somerset Mendip

England

Castlehill Wood

2011 : Track through Asham Wood Wikipedia has this to say:
&quot;Asham Wood is the largest and most diverse of the ancient semi-natural woods in the Mendips. It has been the subject of controversy and attempts to protect the environment from increased quarrying activity in the area.
The wood occupies 2 deep valleys and the intervening plateau. Most of the underlying rocks are calcareous Carboniferous Limestone and Shales, but Devonian Portishead Beds outcrop along the northern valley. There [is] a range of unusual flora and fauna.
At Asham Wood near Frome coppicing and 50 dormouse boxes have been introduced in order to encourage nesting. The boxes are monitored and dormice numbers are recorded.&quot; <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asham_Wood" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asham_Wood">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>

The only access to Asham Wood from the road is on the north east edge near Dead Womans Bottom, otherwise it is by footpath. — 2011 : Track through Asham Wood Credit: Maurice Pullin

Castlehill Wood is a picturesque woodland located in Somerset, England. Situated on the outskirts of the village of Castle Cary, this beautiful forest covers an area of approximately 20 hectares. It is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and those seeking tranquility in a natural environment.

The wood features a diverse range of trees, including oak, ash, beech, and sycamore, creating a rich and vibrant canopy that provides shade during the summer months. The forest floor is covered in a lush carpet of ferns, bluebells, and wildflowers, adding to the area's charm and beauty.

Castlehill Wood is home to a variety of wildlife, making it an ideal spot for birdwatching and nature photography. Visitors may spot species such as woodpeckers, tawny owls, and various small mammals, including foxes, badgers, and squirrels.

Several well-maintained trails wind their way through the woodland, offering visitors the opportunity to explore its natural wonders. These paths lead to hidden clearings, where one can enjoy a picnic or simply take a moment to appreciate the surrounding tranquility.

The wood has a rich history, with evidence of human activity dating back thousands of years. Archaeological finds, including ancient burial mounds and earthworks, hint at the area's significance in the past.

Castlehill Wood is a true gem of Somerset, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in nature's beauty and experience the serenity of a woodland setting. It is a place where one can escape the hustle and bustle of modern life and reconnect with the natural world.

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Castlehill Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.216462/-2.4190095 or Grid Reference ST7046. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

2011 : Track through Asham Wood

Wikipedia has this to say: "Asham Wood is the largest and most diverse of the ancient semi-natural woods in the Mendips. It has been the subject of controversy and attempts to protect the environment from increased quarrying activity in the area. The wood occupies 2 deep valleys and the intervening plateau. Most of the underlying rocks are calcareous Carboniferous Limestone and Shales, but Devonian Portishead Beds outcrop along the northern valley. There [is] a range of unusual flora and fauna. At Asham Wood near Frome coppicing and 50 dormouse boxes have been introduced in order to encourage nesting. The boxes are monitored and dormice numbers are recorded." Link

The only access to Asham Wood from the road is on the north east edge near Dead Womans Bottom, otherwise it is by footpath.

Maurice Pullin

2011 : Track through Asham Wood

The only access to Asham Wood from the road is on the north east edge near Dead Womans Bottom, otherwise it is by footpath.

Maurice Pullin

2011 : Into Asham Wood on the East Mendip Way

The East Mendip Way runs between Wells and Frome Link

Mendip Way Asham Wood is about two thirds of the way along starting from Wells.

Maurice Pullin

Road at Park Corner

Rob Purvis

Gate on Limekiln Lane onto guarded property

Rob Purvis

Finger Farm yard

Rob Purvis

Road to Mells at Finger Farm

Rob Purvis

A wet field entrance

Rob Purvis

Downhead, postbox and noticeboard

Rob Purvis

Lane junction at Downhead

Rob Purvis

Leigh-on-Mendip St Giles Church

Prounounced as in "lie in bed".

ChurchCrawler

On top of the Mendips

Fields and hedgerows near Leigh-upon-Mendip.

Patrick Mackie

New Manor Farm

The Mendip Way follows a route down this valley.

Patrick Mackie

Downhead parish church

The church of All Saints.

Patrick Mackie

Downhead parish church

Dedicated to All Saints.

Patrick Mackie

Interior of Downhead parish church

Looking east along the nave to the simple altar.

Patrick Mackie

2009 : A story of contrasts

The road to the left is signposted "Leigh upon Mendip" and to the right "Coleford" and "Vobster." The lane ahead goes nowhere in particular and the lorry came from Halecombe Limestone Quarry behind the camera. (The photographer was standing well up on the grass verge with his knees still shaking.)

Maurice Pullin

2009 : Entrance to a disused quarry

Where clerks once huddled over their mysterious ledgers, booking empty lorries in and full ones out. They probably lived in nearby Leigh upon Mendip. Halecombe Quarry still extracts limestone on the other side of the road.

Maurice Pullin

Show me another place!

Castlehill Wood is located at Grid Ref: ST7046 (Lat: 51.216462, Lng: -2.4190095)

Administrative County: Somerset

District: Mendip

Police Authority: Avon and Somerset