Hankley Wood

Wood, Forest in Somerset

England

Hankley Wood

Wellow Ford Ford on Mill Hill in Wellow, taken from the southern side of the ford.
Photograph taken during a dry spell in Summer; the ford is running very low. Note that after heavy rainfall the ford can run much higher with a considerable force of water which can make crossing hazardous. — Wellow Ford Credit: Kevin Pearson

Hankley Wood is a quaint and picturesque forest located in Somerset, England. It covers an area of approximately 200 acres and is renowned for its natural beauty and diverse wildlife. The wood is situated near the village of Hankley and is easily accessible to locals and tourists alike.

The wood boasts a rich history, dating back centuries. It was originally part of a larger ancient forest that covered much of Somerset. Today, it stands as a testament to the region's natural heritage and offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in its tranquil and serene atmosphere.

Hankley Wood is characterized by its dense canopy of towering oak, beech, and ash trees, which provide shade and shelter to numerous species of flora and fauna. The forest floor is adorned with a vibrant carpet of bluebells, wild garlic, and other native plants, creating a stunning display during the spring months.

The woodland is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, as it is home to a variety of animals and birds. Visitors may spot deer, foxes, badgers, and rabbits, along with a plethora of bird species, including woodpeckers, owls, and various songbirds.

For those seeking outdoor activities, Hankley Wood offers a network of well-maintained trails and paths, ideal for hiking, walking, and cycling. The wood also features picnic areas and benches, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

In summary, Hankley Wood is a captivating forest in Somerset, offering a wealth of natural beauty, wildlife, and recreational opportunities for all to enjoy.

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Hankley Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.327651/-2.3523666 or Grid Reference ST7558. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Wellow Ford

Ford on Mill Hill in Wellow, taken from the southern side of the ford. Photograph taken during a dry spell in Summer; the ford is running very low. Note that after heavy rainfall the ford can run much higher with a considerable force of water which can make crossing hazardous.

Kevin Pearson

Gate on NCN24 Two Tunnels Greenway near Wellow

The second of four swing gates on the NCN24 heading from Wellow to the Two Tunnels. Springs on some of the gates are very stiff, especially on the first gate off Ford Road in Wellow. Path here is compacted gravel in generally good condition, with a few potholes, and muddy/rutted patches in wet weather. The path changes to tarmac past Midford.

Kevin Pearson

Pavilion, Hinton Charterhouse CC

The new pavilion of Hinton Charterhouse Cricket Club Link

, used for the first time in the 2023 season. The spacious pavilion includes a bar, an indoor area for cricket teas, an open-sided but covered area for the scorer and other spectators to sit, and an electronic scoreboard which allows the par score according to the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern system to be displayed. The ground is on private land belonging to Hinton House. A match is about to begin between Hinton Charterhouse CC Veterans XI and the Somerset Allsorts Link

HelenK

Path towards Norton Barn

A network of footpaths extends from the west of the village of Hinton Charterhouse, in varying states of upkeep. This one is carefully fenced off from the adjacent field containing cattle and well trodden, though a little further on it becomes far less passable.

HelenK

A junction of two footpaths

Barely visible in the hedge is a kissing gate which is where another footpath - in theory - branches off towards Wellow Lane from the well-marked one from the west side of Hinton Charterhouse across Hinton Farm.

HelenK

Maize field, Hinton Farm

This bridleway heading towards Cleaves Wood crosses Hinton Farm Link

which like much around Hinton Charterhouse is now connected to the Dyson family. A field of maize can be glimpsed through the hedge.

HelenK

Old Direction Sign - Signpost by Bath Hill, Wellow parish

Located on the northwest side of the junction of Bath Hill and The Square in Wellow parish. 3 arms and pyramid finial. See also Link and Link. Milestone Society National ID: SO_ST7358

G Fawcett

The ford in spate

After heavy rainfall in the preceding days and weeks, the water was nearly a foot deep, according to the marker. A bridge provides an alternative for pedestrians.

HelenK

Site of railway bridge

The railway line, here running alongside Wellow Brook, crossed the road here.

HelenK

Beginning of the bridleway

The bridleway to Stoney Littleton starts here. The muddy conditions here gave only a hint of the quagmire which awaited further along.

HelenK

Wet seat

A small fountain on one side, a bench on the other. See ST7358 : You can't drink that! for a closer look at the face.

Neil Owen

You can't drink that!

A stick, left in the little drinking fountain in Wellow. See ST7358 : Wet seat for a wider view of this combined fountain and seat.

Neil Owen

Rusty rustic

A Somerset County Council signpost, showing a few signs of weathering.

Neil Owen

Business hasn't been good

A small shop beside the Fox and Badger pub in Wellow; judging by the emptiness it looks like it closed some time ago. See ST7458 : Rotten frames and rotten sills for a closer look.

Neil Owen

Rotten frames and rotten sills

A shop in Wellow has seen better days. However, among the dead leaves in the sill was a peacock butterfly (in late February!) that was desperately trying to get out. See ST7458 : A door in need for the door.

Neil Owen

A door in need

The last time this shop door was open looks a long time ago. See ST7458 : Business hasn't been good for a wider view.

Neil Owen

Red spells danger

An old traffic sign, giving a little more emphasis to the watery hazard. See ST7458 : Wellow High Street for a wider view. It is a Royal Labels Factory product.

Neil Owen