Ridge Copse

Wood, Forest in Somerset Mendip

England

Ridge Copse

A36 at the bottom of Black Dog Hill Seen from the lay-by to the south of the road. — A36 at the bottom of Black Dog Hill Credit: David Martin

Ridge Copse is a picturesque wood located in Somerset, England. Situated on the southern slopes of the Mendip Hills, this enchanting forest covers an area of approximately 100 hectares. It is renowned for its diverse wildlife and stunning natural beauty.

The copse features a mixture of broadleaf trees, including oak, ash, beech, and birch, creating a rich and varied woodland habitat. The dense canopy provides a haven for numerous bird species, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers. Visitors may catch a glimpse of woodpeckers, jays, and tawny owls among the trees.

Traversing through Ridge Copse is a network of well-maintained footpaths, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the forest's hidden treasures. The paths wind through the wood, leading to hidden clearings, babbling brooks, and peaceful picnic spots. The vibrant wildflowers that bloom in the spring create a colorful carpet on the forest floor, adding to its charm.

Beyond its natural beauty, Ridge Copse also holds historical significance. The site has been inhabited since ancient times, with evidence of human activity dating back to the Neolithic period. Archaeological excavations have uncovered flint tools and pottery fragments, providing insights into the area's past.

Ridge Copse is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, walkers, and families seeking a peaceful escape. Its tranquil atmosphere, stunning scenery, and abundant wildlife make it a cherished natural gem in the heart of Somerset.

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Ridge Copse Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.236617/-2.2752528 or Grid Reference ST8048. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

A36 at the bottom of Black Dog Hill

Seen from the lay-by to the south of the road.

David Martin

A36 towards Bath

Robin Webster

Down Milk empties at Clink Road, near Frome

View NE, towards Westbury, Reading and London; ex-GWR London - Reading - Westbury - Taunton etc. main line. (Just ahead of the train the Frome-avoiding line to Blatchbridge Junction commences). This is probably the very important Kensington - Plymouth Milk empties, returning tank-wagons to various Milk Depots in the West Country which supplied a large proportion of the capital's needs - before the age of Motorways. The locomotive is 4-6-0 No. 4941 'Llangedwyn Hall' (built 7/29, withdrawn 10/62).

Ben Brooksbank

Bristol - Weymouth express approaching Clink Road Junction, Frome

View NE, towards Westbury (and Bristol, via Bath), Newbury, Reading and London, etc.; ex-GWR Paddington - Reading - Westbury - Taunton - Exeter - Plymouth - Penzance, also Wilts., Somerset and Weymouth (Swindon/Bath - Westbury - Yeovil - Weymouth, main lines. (At Clink Road the Frome cut-off line ran to Blacksbridge Junction). The 09.43 Bristol Temple Meads to Weymouth is headed by 4-6-0 No. 5924 'Dinton Hall' (built 5/33, withdrawn 12/63) and will call in at Frome. (See also ST7948 : Down Milk empties at Clink Road, near Frome).

Ben Brooksbank

Waste Land Rodden Lake Stream

This small piece of land at the side of the railway is almost completely surrounded with built up land. It is too marshy for Building. Photo taken from a Yeovil to Bristol train.

Nigel Mykura

Edge of Frome

At one time none of the town was east of the River From but now nearly half of it is. This is the back of one of the large housing estates on the north eastern edge of the town, viewed from a Yeovil to Bristol train.

Nigel Mykura

Holmbury Close

Power lines, garages and 1980s houses in Frome.

Burgess Von Thunen

Countryside at Berkley Marsh

Looking towards the village of Berkley (left of centre) from a train on the main railway line between Westbury and Frome. Pylon lines, drainage channels and hedges cross this low-lying area of pasture.

Derek Harper

A361 near Frome

A stretch of A road running parallel to the main railway line between Taunton and Westbury as it avoids the loop into Frome station. The small rectangular field in between, shown as pasture on satellite images, has been dug up for something or other.

Derek Harper

Passing Berkley Marsh

The west of England mainline between Westbury and Taunton passes to the west of the village of Berkley Marsh. This view is taken early on a mid-August morning from Marsh Lane looking towards Westbury. The cows are all standing up, so it should be a fine day.

Martin Addison

Looking Towards Frome

The West of England mainline between Westbury and Taunton viewed from Marsh Bridge on Marsh Lane early on a mid-August morning.

Martin Addison

Waitrose Delivery

A Waitrose truck passes northbound up the A361 towards Melksham on the outskirts of Frome. Behind, on the right, is the Frome Premier Inn with its Frome Flyer restaurant located on Jenson Avenue - a reference to Formula One driver Jenson Button, who is from Frome.

Martin Addison

Coalway Lane Bridge

Now just a footpath rather than a lane, pedestrians are more likely to meet cyclists that horse-drawn carts! This is the bridge over the West of England mainline close to Clink Road Junction on the outskirts of Frome. Autumn is fast approaching and there is dew on the grass. The Blackberries have formed but have still to ripen.

Martin Addison

Jumbo Stone Train

Hanson's Class 59 diesel - 59101 'Village of Whatley' - accelerates through the outskirts of Frome with the 7A09 loaded stone train from Merehead Quarry to Acton Yard. Sometimes referred to as 'Jumbo', these very long trains are divided at Acton for onward delivery to distribution sites around London and the South east.

Martin Addison

Clink Road Junction

The West of England mainline with the Frome line diverging on the right. The netting suspended across the railway line at this point is temporary - there was maintenance work being carried out on the national grid network of pylons in the area. The train in the foreground has just come off the Frome branch and is the 2D03 service from Weymouth to Bristol Parkway - departing Weymouth at 05:33 and due at Parkway at 08:29. It called at Frome at 07:04 with next stop Westbury.

Martin Addison

Nearing Journey's End

Class 43, 43132, leads a First Great Western HST set towards Clink Road Junction at Coalway Lane. The bridge in the distance carries the A361 over the railway. The pink flowers of the Rosebay Willowherb are still going strong in this late summer view. This train is the (1J93) 18:06 service from Paddington which will terminate at Frome at 20:06.

Martin Addison