Gerald's Plantation

Wood, Forest in Dorset

England

Gerald's Plantation

Pasture beside the railway Looking towards Stoborough Heath, viewed from a Swanage to Wareham train service. — Pasture beside the railway Credit: John Lucas

Gerald's Plantation is a sprawling woodland located in the picturesque county of Dorset, England. This enchanting forest covers an extensive area, stretching over several hundred acres. It is renowned for its natural beauty and diverse ecosystem, attracting nature enthusiasts, hikers, and photographers alike.

The plantation is characterized by its dense canopy of towering trees, predominantly consisting of oak, beech, and ash. These majestic giants provide a tranquil and serene ambiance, creating a haven for various species of flora and fauna. Delicate wildflowers carpet the forest floor in spring, while ferns and mosses flourish in the shaded areas.

The forest boasts a network of well-maintained trails, allowing visitors to explore its hidden treasures. These trails meander through the woodland, passing babbling brooks, secluded ponds, and ancient stone ruins. Gerald's Plantation is also home to a rich array of wildlife, including deer, foxes, badgers, and a myriad of bird species. Nature enthusiasts can delight in observing these creatures in their natural habitat.

The plantation offers a range of recreational activities, such as hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking. It also serves as an educational resource, with guided nature walks and workshops organized throughout the year. Gerald's Plantation is a popular destination for families, providing a safe and enjoyable space for children to connect with nature.

Overall, Gerald's Plantation is a haven of tranquility and natural splendor. Its lush vegetation, diverse wildlife, and well-maintained trails make it an ideal destination for those seeking solace in the embrace of nature.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Gerald's Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.658286/-2.1203819 or Grid Reference SY9184. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Pasture beside the railway

Looking towards Stoborough Heath, viewed from a Swanage to Wareham train service.

John Lucas

East Holme, gate

At the boundary of the MoD military training area. Apart from MoD warning signs, there are notices about forestry operations.

Mike Faherty

Lookout Holiday Park, Stoborough, Wareham, Dorset

One of the many caravan parks catering for the multitude of summer visitors to the Isle of Purbeck.

John Lamper

Springfield Country Hotel and Leisure Club, Wareham, Dorset

Link

John Lamper

Railway Bridge, Creech Bottom, Dorset

The bridge carries the section of the line used by trains carrying Liquefied Petroleum Gas from the BP terminal at Furzebrook. On average eleven trains a week arrive at Furzebrook where they are loaded with butane and propane destined for BP's distribution terminal at Avonmouth. On 3rd January 2002 the remaining track was re-laid at Norden to connect with this section, re-establishing the rail link between Swanage and the main line that was closed in 1972. Link

John Lamper

Railway Crossing, Creech Bottom, Dorset

The Purbeck Way crosses the railway line at this point. This section of the line is used by trains carrying Liquefied Petroleum Gas from the BP terminal at Furzebrook. On average eleven trains a week arrive at Furzebrook where they are loaded with butane and propane destined for BP's distribution terminal at Avonmouth. On 3rd January 2002 the remaining track was re-laid at Norden to connect with this section, re-establishing the rail link between Swanage and the main line that was closed in 1972. Link

John Lamper

Holme Lane Plantation

The undergrowth here has been cleared recently, probably of rhododendrons judging from nearby areas that have not been cleared.

David Squire

Disused Clay Workings

The former clay workings here are flooded.

David Squire

Quarry Access Road

Looking north west from the point where the road is crossed by a permissive path. The surface, if not the road itself, is very new.

David Squire

Clay Pit near Dorey's Farm

Clay has been extracted in this area for hundreds of years. Extensive Roman era kilns have recently been uncovered near Swineham Point and Josiah Wedgwood apparently sourced his clay from this area as well. Clay extraction continues now with modern methods. Note the colours of the exposed strata and the patterns made by the scoops.

David Squire

Bridewell Plantation

A clearing viewed looking north east from the permissive path running through the wood.

David Squire

Grange Heath

This picture shows the north east corner of this national nature reserve comprising lowland heathland managed by the RSPB. Note the stile at the extreme right which comprises two upright logs. The wood is the southern edge of Bridewell Plantation.

David Squire

Grange Heath

Even the permissive bridleway, seen to the right of the tree, is very wet in this part of the NNR despite a winter with less than average rainfall.

David Squire

Grange Heath

Looking north east from the top of a slight rise on this track.

David Squire

Grange Heath

This heathland pond had a thin covering of ice despite the early afternoon air temperature being 11 degrees celsius.

David Squire

Drinking Barrow

This rather strangely named feature is a prominent feature of the south west corner of the nature reserve.

David Squire

Grange Heath

This photograph was taken in the extreme south west corner of the national nature reserve. The fence in the foreground marks the boundary with the Army training range.

David Squire