Fontmell Wood

Wood, Forest in Dorset

England

Fontmell Wood

Garden at Springhead Trust Fontmell Magna DORSET An idyllic setting for a wedding or a school party studying the environment.
Springhead Trust now owns this old mill, thatched house, mill pond and beautiful gardens.
Springhead Mill, known as Higher Mill or Est Mill, at the east side of the village of Fontmell Magna, was probably the earliest mill in this area. In 1665 it was a FULLING mill, cleansing and felting woollen cloth ready for sale. By the late 18th century it had become a CORN mill. In 1881 it was used as the Eclipse Bottle Stopping Machine Company, making crown BOTTLE tops. In 1973 the Springhead Trust was created.
Parties may book to rent the interesting old bedrooms and lounge in the beautiful thatched house, adorned with pink roses. The Old Stables are converted into comfortable dormitories with ample toilets and showers. A delightful place in a rural setting. — Garden at Springhead Trust Fontmell Magna DORSET Credit: Jennifer Petrie

Fontmell Wood is a picturesque woodland located in the county of Dorset, England. Situated near the village of Fontmell Magna, the wood covers an area of approximately 100 hectares and is managed by the National Trust. It is a part of the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

This ancient woodland is predominantly made up of beech trees, with some oak and hazel trees scattered throughout. The dense canopy provides a sheltered habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna. Bluebells carpet the forest floor in spring, creating a stunning display of vibrant colors.

Fontmell Wood offers visitors a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It is crisscrossed by a network of well-maintained footpaths, allowing visitors to explore the wood at their own pace. The paths lead through sun-dappled glades, over babbling brooks, and up gentle slopes, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

The wood is a haven for wildlife, with a variety of bird species, including woodpeckers and warblers, making it their home. Deer and other mammals can often be spotted roaming through the trees, adding to the natural beauty of the area.

Fontmell Wood is a popular destination for nature lovers, walkers, and photographers. Its serene atmosphere and stunning landscapes make it an ideal spot for picnics, woodland walks, and quiet contemplation. The wood is open to the public year-round, with ample parking available nearby.

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Fontmell Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.954801/-2.1555302 or Grid Reference ST8917. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Garden at Springhead Trust Fontmell Magna DORSET

An idyllic setting for a wedding or a school party studying the environment. Springhead Trust now owns this old mill, thatched house, mill pond and beautiful gardens. Springhead Mill, known as Higher Mill or Est Mill, at the east side of the village of Fontmell Magna, was probably the earliest mill in this area. In 1665 it was a FULLING mill, cleansing and felting woollen cloth ready for sale. By the late 18th century it had become a CORN mill. In 1881 it was used as the Eclipse Bottle Stopping Machine Company, making crown BOTTLE tops. In 1973 the Springhead Trust was created. Parties may book to rent the interesting old bedrooms and lounge in the beautiful thatched house, adorned with pink roses. The Old Stables are converted into comfortable dormitories with ample toilets and showers. A delightful place in a rural setting.

Jennifer Petrie

Thatched House at Springhead Trust Fontmell Magna Dorset

This wonderful historic thatched house stands beside the old mill, with mill pond and beautiful gardens. It now belongs to the Springhead Trust and can be hired for wedding venues or school parties studying the environment.

Jennifer Petrie

Farm track, Ashmore

Richard Webb

Farm track, Ashmore

Arable land on a chalk dip slope.

Richard Webb

Halfpenny Lane

A very enjoyable chalk track under a big sky.

Richard Webb

Stubble off Halfpenny Lane

Richard Webb

Road into Stony Bottom

A chalk woodland track.

Richard Webb

Road, Stony Bottom

What they call gravel riding now. I prefer bigger tyres than those currently fashionble - not all tracks are as kind as this and narrower tyres cut up the ground which helps promote restrictions. However there is a serpent or two in this Eden, one of which are the small flints that shred inner tubes. Many ride tubeless now. I got all the way unscathed!

Richard Webb

Stony Bottom

Typical dry dip slope valley of chalkland. Familiar from the similar Silurian limestone ridges in Shropshire and Herefordshire. The glorious descent from the summit of Win Green continues.

Richard Webb