Birchen Wood

Wood, Forest in Herefordshire

England

Birchen Wood

Hollybush Hill It can be quite hard to imagine that 2000 years ago this quiet spot was part of a busy town - the Midsummer Hill iron-age hill-fort.
Excavations in the late 1960s by Stan Stanford showed the area full of small building plots.
Each plot had been reused time and time again over the centuries suggesting continuous occupation.
The buildings used four posts arranged in a square - not at all like the round huts usually depicted for this era.
Evidence for similar square buildings have been found in other so called &quot;hill-forts&quot; in Herefordshire and the Welsh Marches — Hollybush Hill Credit: Bob Embleton

Birchen Wood is a picturesque woodland located in Herefordshire, England. Covering an area of approximately 150 hectares, it is a haven for nature enthusiasts and a popular destination for outdoor activities. The wood is primarily composed of birch trees, which give it its name, but it also features a diverse range of other tree species, including oak, ash, and beech.

This ancient woodland is known for its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. Visitors can explore the network of well-maintained trails that wind through the wood, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside and providing a chance to observe the abundant wildlife. The wood is home to a variety of bird species, such as woodpeckers, owls, and warblers, making it a haven for birdwatchers.

Birchen Wood also boasts a rich history, with evidence of human activity dating back centuries. The remains of ancient earthworks and boundary banks can still be seen, offering a glimpse into the area's past. The wood has been managed sustainably for many years, ensuring its continued preservation and allowing visitors to enjoy its beauty for generations to come.

In addition to its natural and historical significance, Birchen Wood provides recreational opportunities for visitors. It is a popular spot for walking, jogging, and cycling, with designated paths catering to different levels of difficulty. The wood is also a great place for picnics and family outings, with ample space and facilities available.

Overall, Birchen Wood is a gem of Herefordshire, offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of nature, with its enchanting woodland, diverse wildlife, and recreational amenities making it a must-visit destination for all nature lovers.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Birchen Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.04191/-2.3621294 or Grid Reference SO7538. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Hollybush Hill

It can be quite hard to imagine that 2000 years ago this quiet spot was part of a busy town - the Midsummer Hill iron-age hill-fort. Excavations in the late 1960s by Stan Stanford showed the area full of small building plots. Each plot had been reused time and time again over the centuries suggesting continuous occupation. The buildings used four posts arranged in a square - not at all like the round huts usually depicted for this era. Evidence for similar square buildings have been found in other so called "hill-forts" in Herefordshire and the Welsh Marches

Bob Embleton

North gate of Midsummer Hill iron-age hill-fort

Looking north along the Malvern Hills. Another hill-fort occupies Herefordshire Beacon on the left. Straight ahead are three overlapping peaks of Pinnacle Hill (north and south) and Black Hill. In the far distance one can just make out Worcestershire Beacon in the haze.

Bob Embleton

The shelter on Midsummer Hill

The shelter was built by the owners of Eastnor Castle and the hill. In 1923 the hill was given to the National Trust in memory of Captain Reginald Somers Cocks, MC who died in the first world war.

Bob Embleton

Hillfort ditch on Midsummer Hill

Looking north-west from Midsummer Hill with the Somers Obelisk on the left and Peacock Villa on the right. A commanding view across the countryside as autumn takes a grip. The ditch just below runs around the complete top of Midsummer Hill and Hollybush Hill to enclose a large area. Less well-known than its neighbour the Hereford Beacon, but may well have been just as important in the Iron Age.

Trevor Rickard

The obelisk from Midsummer Hill

From Midsummer Hill looking west across Eastnor Park to Frith Hill above Ledbury.

Trevor Rickard

Red Deer in Eastnor Park

View north-east towards a group of deer foraging amongst the bracken. Around 200 deer roam the large area of parkland.

Trevor Rickard

Hounds on Broad Down

View north to the Herefordshire Beacon with Clutter's Cave just ahead. The Ledbury Hunt is scouring the Eastnor estate off to the left and these hounds have come up to the hilltop to check things out.

Trevor Rickard

Hound on Broad Down

A member of the Ledbury Hunt pack bounds across the top of the down. Bredon Hill and the Cotswold escarpment in the distance to the east.

Trevor Rickard

Track across Castlemorton Common

Heading east towards Bowling Green.

Trevor Rickard

Boundary Stones, British Camp, the Malvern Hills

Two boundary markers: the right-hand one being a somewhat sunken stone and the other being a Malvern Hills Conservators' blue brick marker. They are on the ridge of the Malvern hills in the saddle between Herefordshire Beacon and Millennium Hill. The iron-age hill fort known as British camp occupies both hill tops and these markers are close to the western gate to the fort.

Bob Embleton

Boundary marker, British Camp, Malvern

The blue brick marker is bears the inscription MHC 159. It was placed here by the Malvern Hills Conservators on the ridge of the hills in the saddle between Herefordshire Beacon and Millennium Hill. The peak of the latter can be seen along the well worn ridge. Just behind the marker and barely visible in this photo is a much older boundary stone in a somewhat sunken state. If one looks carefully it is possible to see the levelled hut platforms of the iron-age town on the slopes of the hill side.

Bob Embleton

Big Chill 2011, Eastnor Deer Park

Viewed from British Camp on the Malvern Hills in the week preceding the weekend musical festival. Eastnor Castle is visible on the left and in the lower right-hand corner are Netherton Cottages.

Bob Embleton

Millennium Hill, Malvern Hills

The hill is the southern of two peaks included in the iron-age hill fort known as British Camp. Almost all of the Malvern Hills is under the care of the Malvern Hills Conservators and is open to the public and very popular with dog walkers.

Bob Embleton

Boundary Stones, British Camp, the Malvern Hills

The county boundary making use of the iron-age defensive ditch. The stone marker is older and the blue brick is a Malvern Hills Conservator marker.

Bob Embleton

Big Chill 2011, Eastnor Deer Park

On the Friday morning, yet still more vehicles arriving.

Bob Embleton

Hollybush Fete, Hollybush Church Hall, 2011

An auction of donated items too good for the bric-a-brac stall is taking place. On the other side of the hall the skittles competition was taking place. On this side books, CDs, a raffle. Inside the hall, Cakes, jams, produce (I bought a box of quinces for £1!) clothes, and the bric-a-brac stall. Scrummy cakes and cups of tea served in the adjoining room.

Bob Embleton