Silverhill Coppice

Wood, Forest in Gloucestershire Forest of Dean

England

Silverhill Coppice

M50 looking west at junction 2 Credit: Colin Pyle

Silverhill Coppice is a picturesque woodland located in the county of Gloucestershire, England. It covers an area of approximately 100 acres and is known for its rich biodiversity and stunning natural beauty. The coppice is situated on the slopes of a hill, providing visitors with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

The woodland is predominantly composed of broadleaf trees such as oak, beech, and ash, which create a dense and enchanting canopy, allowing only dappled sunlight to filter through. The forest floor is carpeted with a diverse array of wildflowers, ferns, and mosses, adding to the area's charm.

Silverhill Coppice is home to a wide range of wildlife, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. It provides a habitat for various bird species, including woodpeckers, thrushes, and owls. Mammals such as deer, foxes, and badgers can also be spotted within the woodland.

Visitors to Silverhill Coppice can enjoy a network of well-maintained trails that wind through the forest, allowing for leisurely walks and peaceful exploration. These trails also provide access to several picnic areas, where visitors can relax and immerse themselves in the tranquility of the surroundings.

The woodland is managed by the local forestry commission, ensuring its conservation and preservation for future generations to enjoy. It is open to the public throughout the year, free of charge, making it an accessible and popular destination for families, hikers, and nature lovers alike.

Silverhill Coppice is a true gem in the Gloucestershire countryside, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and providing a haven for both flora and fauna.

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Silverhill Coppice Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.003973/-2.3780802 or Grid Reference SO7434. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

M50 looking west at junction 2

Colin Pyle

M50 looking west

Colin Pyle

M50 westbound at Bromsberrow Heath

Colin Pyle

Wild daffodils by the M50

These Narcissus pseudonarcissus clothe the slopes surrounding the Highways Authority depot at Junction 2 of the M50.

Jonathan Billinger

Clencher's Mill

Taken on a visit during the National Mills Weekend. An 18th century timber framed mill with an iron overshot waterwheel dating back to 1820. The waterwheel is accessed from the open doorway. When, in the 1920s, the water supply via the leet was cut off the mill was driven from an engine in the building on the left with a drive shaft passing overhead.

Bob Embleton

Clencher's Mill

Taken on a visit during the National Mills Weekend. An 18th century timber framed mill with an iron overshot waterwheel dating back to 1820. When, in the 1920s, the water supply via the leet was cut off the mill was driven from an engine in the building on the right with a drive shaft passing overhead.

Bob Embleton

Outbuildings, Clencher's Mill

I was told these were pigsties. The front wall is two bricks 18" deep. The left end wall is modern breeze block so the building may have been shortened.

Bob Embleton

The mill stones, Clencher's Mill

Taken on a visit during the National Mills Weekend. An 18th century timber framed mill with an iron overshot waterwheel dating back to the 1820. The corn for grinding was shaken from the wooden hopper into the centre of the top stone. The string disappearing through a hole to the floor below controlled the feed of corn to the mill - when a bag of milled flour was full the miller pulled the string and the corn stopped flowing. The metal lever on the wall on the left of the picture controlled the water flow over the wheel, housed beyond the brick wall. The horizontal shaft with the leather belt must be a 1920s addition when the water supply to the leet was cut off and the mill was powered from an engine in an adjacent building.

Bob Embleton

Clenchers Mill

This is the watermill for Eastnor Castle and was open for National Mills Weekend. There is an overshot wheel and a single pair of stones.

Chris Allen

Clenchers Mill, near Eastnor

The estate watermill for Eastnor Castle and shortly to be restored to working order. This is the overshot water wheel. The wooden penstock is at the top. The railing is obviously more modern.

Chris Allen

Clenchers Mill, near Eastnor

This is the gear room of this 18th century timber framed watermill. The wheel is of 1820. The pit wheel is at the back and the wallow is out of mesh on the beam carrying the footstep bearing for the main shaft. There is one surviving set of stones driven to the right. The stones on the left are missing but sufficient remains to show there must have been a pair here. The vertical centre boarding is curved to clear the great spur wheel.

Chris Allen

Clenchers Mill

This shows the pit wheel, great spur wheel and single surviving stone nut. The jacking ring has been used to take the stone nut out of engagement. The axle of the wheel can be seen to be metal. This watermill was open for National Mills Weekend.

Chris Allen

Clenchers Mill - stone floor

The single surviving pair of stones and a crusher for animal feed are on the right. The lever on the wall on the left opens the penstock for the overshot waterwheel. The crownwheel is just left of centre and operates one shaft for the sack hoist and one for other auxiliaries.

Chris Allen

Clenchers Mill, sack hoist mechanism

This roller on an arm is pulled onto the sack hoist belt (vertical belt left of centre) to tighten it and engage the sack hoist and pulled off to release it. There are two cords to operate it. I have never seen one like it before. This watermill was open for National Mills Weekend.

Chris Allen

Clenchers Mill near Eastnor

The leat is on the right with the by-pass sluice in the foreground. The mill is beyond and the wheel is under the slate roof that is catching the light. The leat is currently dry but restoration is anticipated within three years.

Chris Allen