Birch Wood

Wood, Forest in Dorset

England

Birch Wood

Defending Dorset: Holton Heath: Light Anti-Aircraft Battery - Bofors gun tower no. 1 (17) -
LAA Battery: DoB ID: e27074

During WWII, in addition to the heavy anti-aircraft artillery protecting the Royal Naval Cordite Factory at Holton Heath, there were also a series of smaller anti-aircraft batteries providing close-in LAA defence against low flying enemy aircraft. The remains of two of these LAA sites survive in the form of concrete towers on which 40mm Bofors guns were mounted. This particular gun tower (no. 1) is on the heath to the south west of the former cordite factory, the other (no. 2) is on private land further west on the other side of the A351 road near Sandford House.

<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5287593">SY9390 : Defending Dorset: Holton Heath: Light Anti-Aircraft Battery - Bofors gun tower no. 1 (18)</a> — Defending Dorset: Holton Heath: Light Anti-Aircraft Battery - Bofors gun tower no. 1 (17) Credit: Mike Searle

Birch Wood is a picturesque forest located in the county of Dorset, United Kingdom. Nestled within the scenic landscape of the region, this woodland area covers a considerable expanse and is widely regarded for its natural beauty and ecological significance. The wood is named after the abundance of birch trees that dominate the area, creating a stunning and distinctive environment.

The forest is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. Visitors can expect to encounter a variety of plant species, including bluebells, wood anemones, and wild garlic, which fill the forest floor with vibrant colors during the spring season. The towering birch trees provide ample shade and shelter for numerous bird species, such as woodpeckers, owls, and various small songbirds.

Walking trails and paths meander through Birch Wood, offering visitors the opportunity to explore its natural wonders at their own pace. The tranquil atmosphere and serene surroundings make it an ideal spot for relaxation and contemplation. Additionally, the wood features several picnic areas, allowing visitors to enjoy a leisurely meal amidst the peaceful ambience.

Birch Wood is managed by local authorities and conservation organizations to preserve its natural integrity. Efforts are made to maintain a delicate balance between human activities and the preservation of the forest's ecosystem. Regular maintenance and conservation projects ensure the longevity of this beautiful woodland for future generations to enjoy.

Overall, Birch Wood in Dorset is a captivating and enchanting forest, providing a haven for nature enthusiasts and offering a serene retreat from the bustling city life.

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Birch Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.70475/-2.0812607 or Grid Reference SY9489. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Defending Dorset: Holton Heath: Light Anti-Aircraft Battery - Bofors gun tower no. 1 (17)

- LAA Battery: DoB ID: e27074 During WWII, in addition to the heavy anti-aircraft artillery protecting the Royal Naval Cordite Factory at Holton Heath, there were also a series of smaller anti-aircraft batteries providing close-in LAA defence against low flying enemy aircraft. The remains of two of these LAA sites survive in the form of concrete towers on which 40mm Bofors guns were mounted. This particular gun tower (no. 1) is on the heath to the south west of the former cordite factory, the other (no. 2) is on private land further west on the other side of the A351 road near Sandford House. SY9390 : Defending Dorset: Holton Heath: Light Anti-Aircraft Battery - Bofors gun tower no. 1 (18)

Mike Searle

Defending Dorset: Holton Heath: Light Anti-Aircraft Battery - Bofors gun tower no. 1 (18)

- LAA Battery: DoB ID: e27074 At first glance the tower seems to be a single structure, but in fact it was designed and constructed as two separate concrete towers each supporting separate upper platforms. One platform was equipped with the Bofors gun, the other housed an observation post. The separation between the two platforms is barely 30mm, but necessary in order to prevent the vibration of the Bofors gun adversely affecting the observers and their range and height finding equipment on the adjacent platform. SY9390 : Defending Dorset: Holton Heath: Light Anti-Aircraft Battery - Bofors gun tower no. 1 (19)

Mike Searle

Defending Dorset: Holton Heath: Light Anti-Aircraft Battery - Bofors gun tower no. 1 (19)

- LAA Battery: DoB ID: e27074 The gap between the two platforms, albeit slight, is apparent in this view between the towers looking up to the platforms above. SY9390 : Defending Dorset: Holton Heath: Light Anti-Aircraft Battery - Bofors gun tower no. 1 (20)

Mike Searle

Defending Dorset: Holton Heath: Light Anti-Aircraft Battery - Bofors gun tower no. 1 (20)

- LAA Battery: DoB ID: e27074 The platforms retain their concrete ready use ammunition lockers, and the iron railings around the perimeter. The tower along with its companion further west are the only surviving examples of Bofors gun towers in Dorset, and among about ten in total that survive in England. Designated as 'Scheduled' by Historic England. SY9390 : Defending Dorset: Holton Heath: Light Anti-Aircraft Battery - Bofors gun tower no. 2 (21)

Mike Searle

Defending Dorset: Holton Heath: Light Anti-Aircraft Battery - Bofors gun tower no. 2 (21)

- LAA Battery: DoB ID: e27075 This is the second of two surviving Holton Heath Bofors 40 mm LAA gun towers; this one is on a bluff on farm land to the west of Sandford House, and about 650 metres north west of its companion further east. Both sites provided light anti-aircraft defence during WW2 for the RNCF of Holton Heath. The condition of both towers here is not good, one in particular looks close to collapse, and so boundary fencing has been erected around the likely danger area. The towers now share the site with a mobile phone company's telecommunications mast. SY9390 : Defending Dorset: Holton Heath: Light Anti-Aircraft Battery - Bofors gun tower no. 2 (22)

Mike Searle

Defending Dorset: Holton Heath: Light Anti-Aircraft Battery - Bofors gun tower no. 2 (22)

- LAA Battery: DoB ID: e27075 Unlike its identical companion further east, subsidence has particularly affected the structure, such that it is far more obvious here that there are two distinctly separate towers. The narrow gap that originally separated them has widened considerably due to the undermined tower nearest the camera having lurched sideways from the vertical. SY9390 : Defending Dorset: Holton Heath: Light Anti-Aircraft Battery - Bofors gun tower no. 2 (23)

Mike Searle

Defending Dorset: Holton Heath: Light Anti-Aircraft Battery - Bofors gun tower no. 2 (23)

- LAA Battery: DoB ID: e27075 The tower on the right accommodated the gunners with their 40 mm Bofors gun, their ammunition being stored in the lockers at the corners, whilst the tower on the left housed the observers and their Kerrison Predictor equipment Link

. It seems the metal railings around the periphery of both towers has not survived. Designated as 'Scheduled' by Historic England. START:- SY9788 : Defending Dorset: Arne Hill, Arne - Heavy Anti-Aircraft Battery (1)

Mike Searle

Engineering works, Holton Heath Trading Park

The trading park is between Wareham and Poole. The view is from a passing train.

Robin Stott

Sandford : Organford Road

Looking along Organford Road with Sandford Holiday Park to the left.

Lewis Clarke

Sandford : Wareham Road Hand Car Wash

A busy morning at the car wash on Wareham Road.

Lewis Clarke

Sandford : Sandford Road A351

Looking along Sandford Road.

Lewis Clarke

Sandford : Heath Cottages

Looking towards Heath Cottages off of Sandford Road.

Lewis Clarke

Sandford : Heath Cottages

Heath Cottages seen from Sandford Road.

Lewis Clarke

Sandford : Driveway

A driveway off of Sandford Road.

Lewis Clarke

Sandford : Sandford Road A351

Looking back along Sandford Road.

Lewis Clarke

Sandford : Woodlands Drive

Along Woodlands Drive as it heads off from Sandford Road.

Lewis Clarke

Old Milestone by the A351, north east of Wareham

Carved stone post by the A351, in parish of WAREHAM ST MARTIN (PURBECK District), near roundabout by Sandford Middle School, on wide verge on northern exit from roundabout, on East side of road. Dorset 3 (Rounded top), erected by the Poole turnpike trust in the 19th century. Inscription reads:- : Wareham / 2 : : Poole / 8 / Hyde / Park / Corner / 109 : Carved benchmark bottom centre of front face. Milestone Society National ID: DO_WAPO02.

J Tybjerg

RNCF Holton Heath: vintage street light (1)

- The history of the former Royal Naval Cordite Factory at Holton Heath has been well documented, spanning both of the world wars of the 20th century. The facility opened in 1916, and was in continuous operation producing cordite for the Royal Navy until 1945, the site then being placed on a care and maintenance basis. Some parts continued to be used by the Admiralty, but these too eventually closed in 1997 when the whole site was developed thereafter as an industrial estate, with many of the old buildings retained. The cast-iron lamp post in the photo is one of two at this location, being very early forms of industrial electric street lighting. Their manufacture was by the contractors Mann Egerton & Co. Ltd., and were made by Davey Paxman & Co. Ltd in 1916, the same year that the RNCF facility was opened. SY9490 : RNCF Holton Heath: vintage street light (2)

Mike Searle

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Birch Wood is located at Grid Ref: SY9489 (Lat: 50.70475, Lng: -2.0812607)

Unitary Authority: Dorset

Police Authority: Dorset