Sheloes Copse

Wood, Forest in Wiltshire

England

Sheloes Copse

Shaftesbury: dense fog on the A350 It is 1:50 on a Monday morning and my southbound trip on the A350 between Warminster and Blandford Forum is marked by thick fog. 

Here, the street lighting as we enter the suburbs of Shaftesbury, at least provide reasonable visibility but I have been slowed to 25mph for longish stretches in the rural unlit parts, despite knowing the roads well and traffic being almost non-existent at this time of the day. 

Being able to see only three white lines ahead, it is quite disconcerting to realise that, on a road that you think you know in great detail right down to slight bends and awkward potholes, you don't actually know which way the next bend is going to turn.
Shaftesbury: dense fog on the A350 Credit: Chris Downer

Sheloes Copse is a captivating woodland located in Wiltshire, England. Spanning across a vast area, this beautiful copse is a natural treasure that offers a tranquil retreat for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike. The copse is situated on the outskirts of a small rural village, creating a seamless blend between the convenience of civilization and the serene ambiance of the forest.

The woodland is primarily composed of deciduous trees, with a mixture of oak, beech, and birch dominating the landscape. The copse is renowned for its dense foliage and towering canopies, providing a cool and shady environment during the summer months. The forest floor is adorned with a rich carpet of wildflowers, adding vibrant pops of color to the greenery.

Sheloes Copse is home to a diverse array of wildlife. Birdwatchers can spot various species, including woodpeckers, owls, and songbirds, while small mammals like squirrels and hedgehogs scuttle amongst the undergrowth. The copse also boasts a small stream that meanders through the forest, attracting a variety of aquatic creatures such as frogs and newts.

Visitors can explore the copse on a network of well-maintained footpaths, which wind their way through the enchanting woodland. These paths offer a chance to discover hidden pockets of natural beauty, including secluded clearings and ancient trees with gnarled trunks.

Sheloes Copse is a haven for those seeking solace in nature. Its picturesque charm, diverse flora and fauna, and peaceful atmosphere make it an idyllic destination for anyone longing to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

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Sheloes Copse Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.02766/-2.1892408 or Grid Reference ST8625. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Shaftesbury: dense fog on the A350 It is 1:50 on a Monday morning and my southbound trip on the A350 between Warminster and Blandford Forum is marked by thick fog. 

Here, the street lighting as we enter the suburbs of Shaftesbury, at least provide reasonable visibility but I have been slowed to 25mph for longish stretches in the rural unlit parts, despite knowing the roads well and traffic being almost non-existent at this time of the day. 

Being able to see only three white lines ahead, it is quite disconcerting to realise that, on a road that you think you know in great detail right down to slight bends and awkward potholes, you don't actually know which way the next bend is going to turn.
Shaftesbury: dense fog on the A350
It is 1:50 on a Monday morning and my southbound trip on the A350 between Warminster and Blandford Forum is marked by thick fog. Here, the street lighting as we enter the suburbs of Shaftesbury, at least provide reasonable visibility but I have been slowed to 25mph for longish stretches in the rural unlit parts, despite knowing the roads well and traffic being almost non-existent at this time of the day. Being able to see only three white lines ahead, it is quite disconcerting to realise that, on a road that you think you know in great detail right down to slight bends and awkward potholes, you don't actually know which way the next bend is going to turn.
Shaftesbury: arriving foggily at Ivy Cross It is a few minutes before 2am on a foggy night and we reach the Ivy Cross roundabout, with the service station thankfully open to quench the thirst of both the car and its driver.
Shaftesbury: arriving foggily at Ivy Cross
It is a few minutes before 2am on a foggy night and we reach the Ivy Cross roundabout, with the service station thankfully open to quench the thirst of both the car and its driver.
Old Milepost in Motcombe Metal post with attached metal plate by the UC road, in parish of MOTCOMBE (NORTH DORSET District), opposite village hall exit, against hedge, on West side of road. Erected by the Wincanton turnpike trust in the 19th century. 

Inscription reads:-
SHAFTESBURY
2
MERE
5½ 

Milestone Society National ID: DO_SFME02.
Old Milepost in Motcombe
Metal post with attached metal plate by the UC road, in parish of MOTCOMBE (NORTH DORSET District), opposite village hall exit, against hedge, on West side of road. Erected by the Wincanton turnpike trust in the 19th century. Inscription reads:- SHAFTESBURY 2 MERE 5½ Milestone Society National ID: DO_SFME02.
Petrol station on Grosvenor Road, Shaftesbury
Petrol station on Grosvenor Road, Shaftesbury
Bungalow on Homefield, Shaftesbury
Bungalow on Homefield, Shaftesbury
Petrol station on Grosvenor Road, Shaftesbury
Petrol station on Grosvenor Road, Shaftesbury
Old Milestone by the A350, Semley Common Shaston stone by the A350, in parish of Sedgehill and Semley (Salisbury District), Semley Common, by the road.

Lost since 1970.

Inscription reads:-
II
Miles From
SHASTON
1766
(Shaston is the old name for Shaftesbury)

Milestone Society National ID: WI_WMSH13
Old Milestone by the A350, Semley Common
Shaston stone by the A350, in parish of Sedgehill and Semley (Salisbury District), Semley Common, by the road. Lost since 1970. Inscription reads:- II Miles From SHASTON 1766 (Shaston is the old name for Shaftesbury) Milestone Society National ID: WI_WMSH13
Old Milestone by the A350, Semley Road, north of Shaftesbury Carved stone post by the A350, in parish of DONHEAD ST MARY (SALISBURY District), Semley Road, Shaftesbury; 30m North of lay-by outside reservoir, by the road, on East side of road. Dorset 3 (limestone), erected by the Shaftesbury & New Road to Blandford turnpike trust in the 18th century. 

Inscription reads:-
: (DO)NHEAD / (ST MARY) : : 1 / Mile From / SHASTON / XIII To / BLANDFORD / 1766 : : DONHEAD / ST (MARY) :
Carved benchmark bottom right of front face.

Milestone Society National ID: WI_WMSH14.
Old Milestone by the A350, Semley Road, north of Shaftesbury
Carved stone post by the A350, in parish of DONHEAD ST MARY (SALISBURY District), Semley Road, Shaftesbury; 30m North of lay-by outside reservoir, by the road, on East side of road. Dorset 3 (limestone), erected by the Shaftesbury & New Road to Blandford turnpike trust in the 18th century. Inscription reads:- : (DO)NHEAD / (ST MARY) : : 1 / Mile From / SHASTON / XIII To / BLANDFORD / 1766 : : DONHEAD / ST (MARY) : Carved benchmark bottom right of front face. Milestone Society National ID: WI_WMSH14.
North Gate Toll House, Shaftesbury Toll House by the A350, Grosvenor Road, in the parish of Shaftesbury (North Dorset District), at entrance to Travis Perkins Builders Yard, Littledown, SP7.

Demolished after October 2011.

Surveyed

Milestone Society National ID: DO.SHA01
North Gate Toll House, Shaftesbury
Toll House by the A350, Grosvenor Road, in the parish of Shaftesbury (North Dorset District), at entrance to Travis Perkins Builders Yard, Littledown, SP7. Demolished after October 2011. Surveyed Milestone Society National ID: DO.SHA01
Builders Flytip Found just off the A350 Shaftesbury to Warminster Road, on the lane towards Donhead St Mary.
Builders Flytip
Found just off the A350 Shaftesbury to Warminster Road, on the lane towards Donhead St Mary.
Grazing Donkeys at Semley Common These donkeys are about forty years old and have grazed on the common for most of their lives.  The srapyard is in the background.
Grazing Donkeys at Semley Common
These donkeys are about forty years old and have grazed on the common for most of their lives. The srapyard is in the background.
St Mary's Church, Motcombe The church was built in 1846.
St Mary's Church, Motcombe
The church was built in 1846.
St Mary's Churchyard Remains of a cross in the churchyard and the school in the background.
St Mary's Churchyard
Remains of a cross in the churchyard and the school in the background.
Churchyard of St Mary's Church
Churchyard of St Mary's Church
Lichen covered Tomb at St Mary's Church
Lichen covered Tomb at St Mary's Church
Font in St Mary's Church The font dates from the 13th century and the cover from the 17th century.
Font in St Mary's Church
The font dates from the 13th century and the cover from the 17th century.
Tomb in St Mary's Churchyard
Tomb in St Mary's Churchyard
Motcombe School
Motcombe School
Show me another place!

Sheloes Copse is located at Grid Ref: ST8625 (Lat: 51.02766, Lng: -2.1892408)

Unitary Authority: Wiltshire

Police Authority: Wiltshire

What 3 Words

///stance.decoding.vote. Near Motcombe, Dorset

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 51.02766,-2.1892408
Kingsettle Wood
Addr Postcode: SP7 9HF
Operator: Woodland Trust
Place: locality
Website: http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/map/kingsettle/51.028825/-2.193204/
Lat/Long: 51.029141/-2.1930424
Barrier: stile
Lat/Long: 51.0235574/-2.1918634
Post Box
Collection Times: Mo-Fr 16:00; Sa 07:30
Post Box Design: waggon_top
Post Box Mounting: wooden_post
Post Box Type: lamp
Ref: SP7 9
Royal Cypher: GVIR
Royal Cypher Wikidata: Q33102169
Lat/Long: 51.0308065/-2.1874561
Man Made: tower
Source: bing
Tower Type: communication
Lat/Long: 51.0252247/-2.1882588
Little Hill
Ele: 249
Natural: peak
Lat/Long: 51.025291/-2.1884815
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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