Proud Grove

Wood, Forest in Gloucestershire Stroud

England

Proud Grove

Cider with Rosie This rather overgrown cider press is just off the B4070, where the path leads up to Wickridge Hill. It&#039;s only a quarter of a mile from Slad where Laurie Lee, of &quot;Cider with Rosie&quot; fame was a regular at the Woolpack Inn — Cider with Rosie Credit: Bob Tinley

Proud Grove is a picturesque woodland located in the county of Gloucestershire, England. Nestled in the heart of the Forest of Dean, it is renowned for its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. This ancient woodland covers an area of approximately 200 acres and is home to a diverse range of wildlife.

The grove is predominantly composed of deciduous trees, including oak, beech, and ash, which create a dense canopy overhead, allowing only dappled sunlight to penetrate through the foliage. This creates a unique and enchanting ambiance, perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Proud Grove is crisscrossed by a network of well-maintained footpaths, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore its hidden treasures. As visitors meander through the woodland, they may encounter various flora and fauna, such as bluebells, foxgloves, and badgers.

One of the standout features of Proud Grove is its ancient oak trees, some of which are estimated to be over 500 years old. These majestic giants stand tall and proud, their gnarled and twisted trunks telling tales of centuries gone by. They provide a sense of awe and wonder, reminding visitors of the grove's rich history.

The grove is a popular destination for nature lovers, photographers, and those seeking a peaceful escape. Its beauty changes with the seasons, from vibrant hues of green in spring and summer to a golden and fiery display in autumn. Proud Grove truly is a hidden gem within the Forest of Dean, offering a sanctuary for both nature and humans alike.

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Proud Grove Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.752707/-2.185683 or Grid Reference SO8706. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Cider with Rosie

This rather overgrown cider press is just off the B4070, where the path leads up to Wickridge Hill. It's only a quarter of a mile from Slad where Laurie Lee, of "Cider with Rosie" fame was a regular at the Woolpack Inn

Bob Tinley

Toadsmoor Valley

Cotswolds; note colour of stone in the house

Tim Elliot

Stroud Town Cemetery Chapel, Bisley Road, Stroud

Taken after an unseasonal snowfall in March

Alex Cameron

Slad

The village of Slad lies in one of the valleys above Stroud and is famous as the home of writer Laurie Lee and the setting for his book 'Cider with Rosie'.

Philip Halling

Farm building to the north of Worgan's Farm, Slad

This farm building is on top of a hill above the village of Slad.

Philip Halling

View across the Slad valley to Knapp Lane

Philip Halling

Holy Trinity Church, Slad

Philip Halling

Rose Bank, cottage in the village of Slad

A fairly typical Cotswold-stone cottage in the Slad valley. In fact this one is the former home of the late Laurie Lee, the author whose book, 'Cider with Rosie' reflected on his childhood in the Slad valley. The cottage is Grade II listed. Historic England description PAINSWICK SLAD SO 80 NE 5/301 Rose Bank II Detached cottage. Early C18 front, C19 back wing. Coursed and squared rubble, concrete tile roof, large external gable stack on outer end of wing and 2 small gable stacks to main blocks. A T-plan, with symmetrical north facing main block to which long service wing probably added later. North front is 2½ storeys, 5-windowed, three 2-light gabled dormers with some leaded glazing over 3:2:2:3- light transomed casements at first and ground floors, all to wood lintels, but window 2 is blank at each level. C18 wide plank door in chamfered surround centrally. Back wing includes two 3-light chamfer mullioned casements with stopped drip and a lean-to in the internal angle, and a 2-light over plank door, also a 3-light dormer. Interior: various chamfered beams and C19 plank and rail doors. Birthplace of Laurie Lee, who still was in the house (April 1984). Not to be confused with Rose Cottage (q.v.). Source: Link

Philip Halling

Catswood Farm

The gateway and drive to Catswood Farm off Catswood Lane.

Rob Farrow

Dunkitehill bends

A hairpin bend up a steep hill followed by another sharp bend make this little lane from Slad to Catswood quite an interesting drive. The lane here is passing through Dunkitehill Wood.

Rob Farrow

Bridleway to Slad

Three woods meet here, Redding Wood, Catswood and Dunkitehill Wood. This bridleway heads roughly north through Redding Wood hitting a lane that leads to Slad near Steanbridge Farm.

Rob Farrow

Perilously perched pinnacles!

These rather splendid gate posts at Catswood Farm look in danger of imminent collapse - though I dare say they've looked that way for a while. Friesian cows mooch about in the field beyond.

Rob Farrow

Middle Lypiatt

A fairly sizeable country house, though not as big as the nearby Lypiatt Park or Nether Lypiatt.

David Gruar

Stroud to Bisley road

Although unclassified, this road is fairly well used as a route between Stroud and Cheltenham, as it is generally quite straight and makes a good alternative to the slow A46 or the twisty B4070.

David Gruar

Trig point and radio mast above Stroud

Two structures taking advantage of the prominent ridge rising to the east of Stroud. The Bisley road, from which the photo was taken, also uses the ridge to gain the Cotswold plateau, where progress is easier than in the steep and narrow valleys

David Gruar

Bisley Old Road Allotments, Stroud

One of a number of allotments in Stroud, sandwiched between post-WW2 housing developments.

David Gruar

The Vatch from Swifts Hill

Swifts Hill is a nature reserve owned by the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, called the Elliot Nature Reserve after the former owners. The Vatch (vatch = valley) is the small cluster of houses directly below; the town of Stroud can be seen beyond.

David Gruar