Dark Hill Plantation

Wood, Forest in Dorset

England

Dark Hill Plantation

Lulworth Castle A 17th-century hunting lodge erected in the style of a revival fortified castle, one of only five extant Elizabethan or Jacobean buildings of this type. It is listed with Historic England as a Scheduled monument — Lulworth Castle Credit: Graham Hogg

Dark Hill Plantation is a sprawling woodland area located in Dorset, England. Situated in the picturesque countryside, it covers an expansive area of dense forests and woodlands, making it a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

The plantation is renowned for its rich biodiversity and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Towering oak and beech trees dominate the landscape, providing a dense canopy that shelters a diverse range of plant species. Bluebells, wild garlic, and ferns carpet the forest floor, creating a stunning display of colors during the spring and summer months.

The plantation is also a thriving habitat for a plethora of wildlife. Visitors may catch glimpses of deer, foxes, badgers, and a multitude of bird species, including owls and woodpeckers. The peaceful ambiance and seclusion of the plantation make it an ideal location for birdwatching and wildlife photography.

For those seeking outdoor activities, Dark Hill Plantation offers numerous walking trails that wind through the woods, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. The trails vary in difficulty, catering to both casual strollers and experienced hikers. Picnic areas and benches are strategically placed throughout the plantation, providing opportunities for relaxation and enjoying the serene surroundings.

With its enchanting woodlands, diverse wildlife, and tranquil atmosphere, Dark Hill Plantation is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a break from the bustle of city life.

Show me another place!

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

Dark Hill Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.655626/-2.2083369 or Grid Reference SY8584. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Lulworth Castle

A 17th-century hunting lodge erected in the style of a revival fortified castle, one of only five extant Elizabethan or Jacobean buildings of this type. It is listed with Historic England as a Scheduled monument

Graham Hogg

A short walk to Belhuish Farm [1]

From the B3071 road, this track, a public footpath and permissive bridleway, runs alongside Burngate Wood towards Coombe Keynes. From the B3071 road, the walk follows the long distance Hardy Way to the cluster of buildings at Belhuish Farm and returns the same way. Almost exactly 1 mile.

Michael Dibb

Coombe Keynes hamlet [1]

East Coombe Farmhouse was probably built in the early 19th century in two builds. Constructed of brick with a stone gable wall, under a tile roof. There are various lean-to later extensions. Listed, grade II, with details at: Link

Coombe Keynes is a hamlet, and depopulated village in Dorset, some 1½ miles south of Wool and about 5 miles southwest of Wareham. Extensive settlement remains have been found by excavation to the east of the church, indicating that once there were many more buildings. The area of earthworks, extending to some 20 acres, is a Scheduled Ancient Monument with details at: Link

Michael Dibb

Coombe Keynes hamlet [2]

This early 19th century boundary wall, east of East Coombe Farmhouse, is constructed of brick and stone, with tiled capping. There is a similar, but lower wall in front of the house. Listed, for group value, grade II, with details at: Link

Michael Dibb

Coombe Keynes hamlet [3]

Dairy Barn is a barn and other farm buildings converted into a house. The main building is probably late 18th century. Constructed of rubble stone with brick dressings, quoins and buttresses, all under a slate roof with stone eaves courses. A lean-to with a catslide roof has pigeonholes. Listed, grade II, with details at: Link

Michael Dibb

Coombe Keynes hamlet [4]

The curiously named Odd Nod is a cottage in a terrace, probably built in the early 19th century. Constructed of rubble stone with brick dressings under a thatch roof. Some original internal features remain. Listed, grade II, with details at: Link

Michael Dibb

Coombe Keynes hamlet [5]

The curiously named Mini Nod is a cottage in a terrace, probably built in the early 19th century. Constructed of rubble stone with brick dressings under a thatch roof. Some original internal features remain. Listed, grade II, with details at: Link

Michael Dibb

Coombe Keynes hamlet [6]

The curiously named Cuckoo Nod is a cottage in a terrace, probably built in the early 19th century. Constructed of rubble stone with brick dressings under a thatch roof. A single-storey extension is of brick under a tile roof. Some original internal features remain. Listed, grade II, with details at: Link

Michael Dibb

Coombe Keynes hamlet [7]

The centre of the hamlet has this delightful small green, complete with a shady seat. Listed, grade II, with details at: Link

Michael Dibb

Coombe Keynes hamlet [8]

Numbers 7 and 8 Main Street, were originally built in the 17th century and converted to two cottages in the 19th century. Constructed of rubble stone, partly roughcast, under a thatch roof. The extension on the right is of brick under a tile roof. Some windows are horizontally sliding sashes. Listed, grade II, with details at: Link

Michael Dibb

Coombe Keynes hamlet [9]

The Longhouse, nearer the camera, and Carter Barn, were originally built in the 16th century and altered in the early 17th century and in the 18th. The Longhouse is constructed of brick and stone, raised in plastered cob, all under a thatch roof. Long-house plan with byre at west end, cross-passage, hall and inner room - all originally open to roof. Originally an attached barn to The Longhouse, now a private house, Carters Barn has a stone front wall, and had a series of brick piers on the north, carrying the thatch roof. Listed, grade II, with details at: Link

Michael Dibb

Coombe Keynes hamlet [10]

West Coombe Farmhouse Front has a 17th century wing at the rear and a 19th century wing. The front wing is of stone, plastered on the gable to the street. The rear wing is of brick on a stone base, raised in plastered cob. Both wings have slate roofs. Some original internal features remain. Listed, grade II, with details at: Link

Michael Dibb

Coombe Keynes hamlet [11]

Glimpsed behind its hedge, April Thatch is an 18th century detached cottage, largely reconstructed in the late 20th century. Constructed of plastered stone under a thatch roof. Listed, grade II, with details at: Link

Michael Dibb