Rapshell Plantation

Wood, Forest in Dorset

England

Rapshell Plantation

Dip slope, Ashmore Farmland off North Road.
Dip slope, Ashmore Credit: Richard Webb

Rapshell Plantation is a picturesque woodland area located in the county of Dorset, England. It covers a vast expanse of land, encompassing dense forests, serene woodlands, and enchanting meadows. The plantation is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and photographers due to its abundant natural beauty and diverse flora and fauna.

The woodland at Rapshell Plantation is predominantly made up of a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees, including oak, ash, beech, pine, and fir. This diverse tree population creates a rich tapestry of colors, especially during the autumn months when the leaves change to vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold.

Walking through the plantation, visitors will find a network of well-maintained trails that wind their way through the woodland, offering stunning vistas and opportunities to spot various species of wildlife. The area is home to a wide range of animals, including deer, foxes, badgers, and numerous bird species, making it a haven for wildlife lovers.

Rapshell Plantation is not only a natural haven but also steeped in history. The area has a fascinating past, with evidence of human habitation dating back centuries. It is believed that the plantation was once part of an estate, with remnants of old buildings and structures still visible today.

In conclusion, Rapshell Plantation in Dorset offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and historical significance. Whether one is seeking a peaceful retreat, an opportunity to immerse themselves in nature, or a glimpse into the past, this woodland destination provides a truly enriching experience for visitors of all ages.

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Rapshell Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.953697/-2.1395531 or Grid Reference ST9017. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Dip slope, Ashmore Farmland off North Road.
Dip slope, Ashmore
Farmland off North Road.
Former telephone box, Ashmore Now carrying a defibrillator.
Former telephone box, Ashmore
Now carrying a defibrillator.
Pond, Ashmore It can be a lot bigger.
Pond, Ashmore
It can be a lot bigger.
Fair Organ, Ashmore Felt fitting here.
Fair Organ, Ashmore
Felt fitting here.
Ancient Aquifer A bench on Ashmore's green over looking the pond.
Ancient Aquifer
A bench on Ashmore's green over looking the pond.
Milk and coffee Vending machine and source of water in Ashmore. Very welcome.
Milk and coffee
Vending machine and source of water in Ashmore. Very welcome.
Water source, Ashmore At the shed selling coffee. A very handy find as I was carrying a lot of water from Salisbury. Always a headache in chalk country.
Water source, Ashmore
At the shed selling coffee. A very handy find as I was carrying a lot of water from Salisbury. Always a headache in chalk country.
Farm track, Ashmore
Farm track, Ashmore
Farm track, Ashmore Arable land on a chalk dip slope.
Farm track, Ashmore
Arable land on a chalk dip slope.
Halfpenny Lane A very enjoyable chalk track under a big sky.
Halfpenny Lane
A very enjoyable chalk track under a big sky.
Stubble off Halfpenny Lane
Stubble off Halfpenny Lane
Dorset path sign After the plain, and often absent Wiltshire signage, the flamboyant Dorset ones were quite a surprise.  Dorset suffers less from the horrible ableist English path restrictions than most places and is a great place to visit if you cannot backpack on foot anymore. There is always a feeling of having saved yourself a ferry fare, and the beer's better than further south.
Dorset path sign
After the plain, and often absent Wiltshire signage, the flamboyant Dorset ones were quite a surprise. Dorset suffers less from the horrible ableist English path restrictions than most places and is a great place to visit if you cannot backpack on foot anymore. There is always a feeling of having saved yourself a ferry fare, and the beer's better than further south.
Halfpenny Lane, south of Ashmore
Halfpenny Lane, south of Ashmore
Farm road near Ashmore Leads into a forest off Halfpenny Lane.
Farm road near Ashmore
Leads into a forest off Halfpenny Lane.
Road into Stony Bottom A chalk woodland track.
Road into Stony Bottom
A chalk woodland track.
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!
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!
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.
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.
Bottom of Stony Bottom Track coming in from Ashmore Wood.
Bottom of Stony Bottom
Track coming in from Ashmore Wood.
Show me another place!

Rapshell Plantation is located at Grid Ref: ST9017 (Lat: 50.953697, Lng: -2.1395531)

Unitary Authority: Dorset

Police Authority: Dorset

What 3 Words

///mows.conspire.tweeted. Near Shaftesbury, Dorset

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 50.953697,-2.1395531
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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