Great Plantation

Wood, Forest in Dorset

England

Great Plantation

Birch trees beside Puddletown Road Credit: JThomas

Great Plantation, located in Dorset, is a magnificent woodland that covers a vast area of the region. This breathtaking forest is known for its diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike. With its rich history and stunning natural beauty, Great Plantation provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The forest is home to a wide variety of tree species, including oak, beech, and ash, which create a dense canopy that provides shade and shelter for the abundant wildlife. Visitors to Great Plantation can expect to see an array of creatures, such as deer, foxes, badgers, and a plethora of bird species, making it a haven for wildlife lovers and birdwatchers.

The woodland boasts numerous walking trails and paths that meander through its enchanting landscape, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. These trails cater to all levels of fitness and provide an opportunity to explore the forest's hidden gems, such as tranquil ponds, ancient ruins, and vibrant wildflower meadows.

Great Plantation also offers recreational activities such as camping, picnicking, and nature photography, providing visitors with a chance to fully engage with the natural surroundings. The forest is well-maintained, with designated picnic areas and camping spots equipped with essential facilities.

Overall, Great Plantation in Dorset is a remarkable woodland that showcases the stunning natural beauty of the region. Whether it's a leisurely stroll, birdwatching, or camping, this forest provides an immersive experience for nature lovers of all ages.

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Great Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.695064/-2.2008522 or Grid Reference SY8588. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Birch trees beside Puddletown Road

JThomas

Puddletown Road

JThomas

Puddletown Road

Higher Hyde Heath nature reserve is to the right.

Robin Webster

Bare silver birches by Puddletown Road

On the edge of Higher Hyde Heath nature reserve

David Smith

Woolbridge Manor [1]

On the north bank of the River Frome, adjacent to Wool Bridge, stands Woolbridge Manor House and a cluster of farming outbuildings. The house was built in the 12th century and restored in the 17th century. One of the barns was a Saxon chapel, and later the manor was part of the monastery of Bindon Abbey. The house, some cottages and most of the outbuildings are listed. The detached early 17th century manor house was a restoration of a 12th century building with a wing added circa 1660. The main front is of brick with stone quoins and details, the other walls are of rubble stone, all under a tile roof with lower courses of stone slates. The interior has been greatly altered, but two wall paintings survive. The house features in Thomas Hardy's book, 'Tess of the Durbervilles'. Listed, grade II*, with details at: Link

Michael Dibb

Woolbridge Manor [2]

On the north bank of the River Frome, adjacent to Wool Bridge, stands Woolbridge Manor House and a cluster of farming outbuildings. The house was built in the 12th century and restored in the 17th century. One of the barns was a Saxon chapel, and later the manor was part of the monastery of Bindon Abbey. The house, some cottages and most of the outbuildings are listed. Chapel Barn contains some herringbone stone work, fragments of a Saxon chapel, and in common with many other chapels was built near a bridge to further the interests of an ancient monastery. Walls mainly of rubble stone, partly rebuilt in brick under a tiled roof with stone eaves courses. Listed, grade II, with details at: Link

Woolbridge Manor [3]

Woolbridge Manor [4]

Woolbridge Manor [5]

Woolbridge Manor [6]

On the north bank of the River Frome, adjacent to Wool Bridge, stands Woolbridge Manor House and a cluster of farming outbuildings. The house was built in the 12th century and restored in the 17th century. One of the barns was a Saxon chapel, and later the manor was part of the monastery of Bindon Abbey. The house, some cottages and most of the outbuildings are listed. Known as Harry's Cottages, this pair of cottages, adjacent to the manor house, were probably built in the 18th century. Constructed of a mixture of rubble stone, brick and plastered cob under thatch roofs. Listed, grade II, with details at: Link

Michael Dibb

Wool Bridge [1]

A bridge over the River Frome is recorded at this point in 1343, but the current Wool Bridge is probably 16th century. Repairs are documented in 1607, 1688, 1742 and 1806. An additional flood arch, was built in, probably, the late 19th century. During the Second World War, the bridge was widened and the parapets removed to allow tanks from nearby Bovingdon Camp to cross. The parapets were later rebuilt using the same stone. The bridge is now only passable to horse riders, cyclists and pedestrians. Listed, grade II*, with details at: Link

Michael Dibb

Wool Bridge [2]

Michael Dibb

Wool Bridge [3]

A plaque on the bridge. A bridge over the River Frome is recorded at this point in 1343, but the current Wool Bridge is probably 16th century. Repairs are documented in 1607, 1688, 1742 and 1806. An additional flood arch, was built in, probably, the late 19th century. During the Second World War, the bridge was widened and the parapets removed to allow tanks from nearby Bovingdon Camp to cross. The parapets were later rebuilt using the same stone. The bridge is now only passable to horse riders, cyclists and pedestrians. Listed, grade II*, with details at: Link

Michael Dibb

Wool Bridge [4]

The River Frome, looking downstream from the bridge. A bridge over the River Frome is recorded at this point in 1343, but the current Wool Bridge is probably 16th century. Repairs are documented in 1607, 1688, 1742 and 1806. An additional flood arch, was built in, probably, the late 19th century. During the Second World War, the bridge was widened and the parapets removed to allow tanks from nearby Bovingdon Camp to cross. The parapets were later rebuilt using the same stone. The bridge is now only passable to horse riders, cyclists and pedestrians. Listed, grade II*, with details at: Link

Michael Dibb

Wool Bridge [5]

The River Frome, looking upstream from the bridge. A bridge over the River Frome is recorded at this point in 1343, but the current Wool Bridge is probably 16th century. Repairs are documented in 1607, 1688, 1742 and 1806. An additional flood arch, was built in, probably, the late 19th century. During the Second World War, the bridge was widened and the parapets removed to allow tanks from nearby Bovingdon Camp to cross. The parapets were later rebuilt using the same stone. The bridge is now only passable to horse riders, cyclists and pedestrians. Listed, grade II*, with details at: Link

Michael Dibb

Wool features [4]

The village pound in Bindon Lane. The square enclosure of brick was probably built in the 19th century. Listed, grade II, with details at: Link

Wool is a large village in Dorset, midway between Dorchester and Poole, both about 10 miles distant. Set on the south bank of the River Frome, the village includes Bovington Camp army base to the north. The place-name 'Wool' is first recorded in Anglo-Saxon Writs in the first years of the 11th century. The ruins of Bindon Abbey are nearby, demolished in 1539, the stone was used to build castles in Portland, Lulworth and Sandsfoot.

Michael Dibb