Shootershill Copse

Wood, Forest in Somerset

England

Shootershill Copse

A lane into the estate The view is along Top Lane, which is in the Stourhead estate. There is a benchmark on the left which took some effort to free from the undergrowth. The wall mentioned in the OS description (see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6935237">ST7633 : Benchmark freed from nettles and ivy</a>) is actually the lower parapet over the stream connecting the various ornamental lakes – the headwaters of the River Stour.
A lane into the estate Credit: Neville Goodman

Shootershill Copse is a charming woodland located in Somerset, England. Situated near the village of Shootershill, this copse covers an area of approximately 50 acres, making it a significant natural feature in the region. The copse is predominantly composed of deciduous trees, including oak, beech, and ash, which create a rich tapestry of colors throughout the seasons.

The woodland is a haven for wildlife, providing a diverse habitat for various species. Visitors to Shootershill Copse may be lucky enough to spot an array of birds such as woodpeckers, tits, and warblers, as well as mammals like deer, foxes, and badgers. The copse also boasts a variety of plant life, with bluebells carpeting the forest floor in spring and wild garlic filling the air with its pungent aroma.

Several well-maintained trails meander through the copse, allowing visitors to explore its beauty at their own pace. These paths offer opportunities for leisurely walks, jogging, and even horse riding. The copse is a popular destination for nature lovers, dog walkers, and families seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Shootershill Copse is easily accessible, with a car park located nearby, as well as public transport links within walking distance. The copse is open to the public year-round, and there are no entrance fees, making it an ideal destination for a day trip or a quick nature getaway.

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Shootershill Copse Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.095933/-2.3477594 or Grid Reference ST7533. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

A lane into the estate The view is along Top Lane, which is in the Stourhead estate. There is a benchmark on the left which took some effort to free from the undergrowth. The wall mentioned in the OS description (see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6935237">ST7633 : Benchmark freed from nettles and ivy</a>) is actually the lower parapet over the stream connecting the various ornamental lakes – the headwaters of the River Stour.
A lane into the estate
The view is along Top Lane, which is in the Stourhead estate. There is a benchmark on the left which took some effort to free from the undergrowth. The wall mentioned in the OS description (see ST7633 : Benchmark freed from nettles and ivy) is actually the lower parapet over the stream connecting the various ornamental lakes – the headwaters of the River Stour.
Benchmark freed from nettles and ivy Once the ivy, nettles, brambles, moss and various other bits and pieces had been scraped aside <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6935234">ST7633 : A lane into the estate</a>, the benchmark (NBM WALL SW SIDE TOP LANE NE FACE E ANG) was revealed as remarkably undamaged.
Benchmark freed from nettles and ivy
Once the ivy, nettles, brambles, moss and various other bits and pieces had been scraped aside ST7633 : A lane into the estate, the benchmark (NBM WALL SW SIDE TOP LANE NE FACE E ANG) was revealed as remarkably undamaged.
Looking from the woods across the pool above the Lily Pond
Looking from the woods across the pool above the Lily Pond
Path through the woods by Six Wells Bottom
Path through the woods by Six Wells Bottom
Path through the woods west of Iron Bridge
Path through the woods west of Iron Bridge
View through the trees to The Pantheon One of a number of stone structures built around the lake. Modelled on the Pantheon in Rome, it was originally called the Temple of Hercules as it was home to a statue of Hercules created by Rysbrack. It was renamed the Pantheon when statues including Diana, Flora, Isis and St Susanna were added in the 1760s. Famous architect Henry Flitcroft designed the structure.
View through the trees to The Pantheon
One of a number of stone structures built around the lake. Modelled on the Pantheon in Rome, it was originally called the Temple of Hercules as it was home to a statue of Hercules created by Rysbrack. It was renamed the Pantheon when statues including Diana, Flora, Isis and St Susanna were added in the 1760s. Famous architect Henry Flitcroft designed the structure.
The Pantheon Viewed from across the lake.
The Pantheon
Viewed from across the lake.
The Palladian Bridge Inspired by the work of 16th-century architect Palladio, this five-arched stone bridge was built in 1762. Although ornamental, the bridge was intended to look practical. It was designed to create the illusion that a river flows through the village and under the bridge.
The Palladian Bridge
Inspired by the work of 16th-century architect Palladio, this five-arched stone bridge was built in 1762. Although ornamental, the bridge was intended to look practical. It was designed to create the illusion that a river flows through the village and under the bridge.
View of the Pantheon beyond the Palladian Bridge The Gothic cottage is just to the right of the Pantheon.
View of the Pantheon beyond the Palladian Bridge
The Gothic cottage is just to the right of the Pantheon.
The Grotto Stourhead’s Grotto is a circular, domed chamber built to resemble a cave.
The Grotto
Stourhead’s Grotto is a circular, domed chamber built to resemble a cave.
The Temple of Apollo This circular temple was built in 1765, by the architect Henry Flitcroft, to outdo William Chamber's earlier Temple of the Sun at Kew. It is dedicated to Apollo.
The Temple of Apollo
This circular temple was built in 1765, by the architect Henry Flitcroft, to outdo William Chamber's earlier Temple of the Sun at Kew. It is dedicated to Apollo.
View across the lake from the Temple of Apollo Henry ‘the Magnificent’ and his architect Henry Flitcroft planned the lake before work began on the garden buildings such as the Temple of Flora, Pantheon and Grotto.
View across the lake from the Temple of Apollo
Henry ‘the Magnificent’ and his architect Henry Flitcroft planned the lake before work began on the garden buildings such as the Temple of Flora, Pantheon and Grotto.
Entrance to the Temple of Apollo The table just inside was set up for a Wedding.
Entrance to the Temple of Apollo
The table just inside was set up for a Wedding.
Detail inside the Temple of Apollo Apollo was a Sun god.
Detail inside the Temple of Apollo
Apollo was a Sun god.
The Grotto Cool place to sit out of the sun.
The Grotto
Cool place to sit out of the sun.
The Pantheon
The Pantheon
Details inside the Pantheon
Details inside the Pantheon
Track in Beaumont's Wood Tree covered escarpment below King Alfred's Tower - part of the Stourhead Estate, belonging to the National Trust.
The photograph shows the track branching off the Leland Trail/MacMillan Way Long Distance Footpaths.
Track in Beaumont's Wood
Tree covered escarpment below King Alfred's Tower - part of the Stourhead Estate, belonging to the National Trust. The photograph shows the track branching off the Leland Trail/MacMillan Way Long Distance Footpaths.
Show me another place!

Shootershill Copse is located at Grid Ref: ST7533 (Lat: 51.095933, Lng: -2.3477594)

Unitary Authority: Wiltshire

Police Authority: Wiltshire

What 3 Words

///limped.squashes.hacksaw. Near Bourton, Dorset

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