Culkerton Down Wood

Wood, Forest in Gloucestershire Cotswold

England

Culkerton Down Wood

Old Aircraft at Cotswold Airport Kemble Old aircraft wait here to be dismantled and recycled. This is the former RAF Kemble now the Cotswold Airport, home to one of the world&#039;s most thriving aircraft recycling organisations. Air Salvage International (ASI) is based here. — Old Aircraft at Cotswold Airport Kemble Credit: Jennifer Petrie

Culkerton Down Wood is a picturesque woodland area located in Gloucestershire, England. Spanning over several acres, it is nestled within the larger Forest of Dean, renowned for its stunning natural beauty and rich biodiversity. The wood is easily accessible, situated just a short distance from the village of Culkerton.

One of the most striking features of Culkerton Down Wood is its diverse ecosystem. The wood is predominantly composed of deciduous trees, including oak, beech, ash, and birch. These trees provide a dense canopy, which filters sunlight and creates a cool and tranquil atmosphere within the wood. Beneath the towering trees, the forest floor is covered with a thick layer of moss, ferns, and wildflowers, adding to the enchanting ambiance.

The wood is also home to a wide variety of wildlife. Visitors may be fortunate enough to spot deer, squirrels, rabbits, and a multitude of bird species, including woodpeckers and owls. The peaceful surroundings make it an ideal habitat for many creatures, ensuring a harmonious coexistence between nature and visitors.

Culkerton Down Wood offers a range of recreational activities for nature enthusiasts. There are well-maintained walking trails that wind through the wood, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty. The wood also has designated picnic areas, where visitors can relax and enjoy a meal amidst the serene surroundings.

Overall, Culkerton Down Wood is a captivating woodland retreat that offers tranquility, natural beauty, and an opportunity to reconnect with nature. Whether it be a leisurely walk, a wildlife-spotting adventure, or a peaceful picnic, this wood provides a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

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Culkerton Down Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.671181/-2.0601509 or Grid Reference ST9596. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Old Aircraft at Cotswold Airport Kemble

Old aircraft wait here to be dismantled and recycled. This is the former RAF Kemble now the Cotswold Airport, home to one of the world's most thriving aircraft recycling organisations. Air Salvage International (ASI) is based here.

Jennifer Petrie

Cotswold Airport at Kemble

This was formerly RAF Kemble. Aircraft here are now dismantled and recycled.

Jennifer Petrie

A natty Gnat

Kemble's history included a time when it was the base for the world famous Red Arrows aerobatic display team from 1966 to 1983. Back then, the team flew the Folland Gnat and an example is kept here outside the control tower.

Neil Owen

A Gnat in the tower

Cotswold Airport was home to the Red Arrows in the past. A display aircraft is reflected in the control tower glazing.

Neil Owen

Queueing at the airport

Cotswold airport is a place where many retired aircraft come to meet their demise. Recycling old planes is a major business here and when machines reach the end of their working life or airlines collapse without salvage, they are flown here. They stand in wait, somewhat ironically.

Neil Owen

Rolls Royce power

Looking up the business end of one of the four Rolls-Royce aeroengines that powered a Boeing 747, now static at Cotswold Airport. The aircraft in question was G-CIVB and flown by British Airways from 1994 to 2020. Today it is firmly ground-based and operated as an entertainment venue. The engines are Rolls-Royce RB211-524Gs, developed from the early 1970s and this variant is capable of 58,000 lbf (260 kN) thrust, and with improved fuel economy and emissions.

Neil Owen

A Hunter on the ground

Close to the control tower is a static Hawker Hunter. It is XE665, built as an F4 and serving in Germany with 118 Squadron. However, after a couple of years it was reassigned to 764 N.A.S., Royal Navy and converted into a T.8 variant. Spending more time in service at Yeovilton and Brawdy, the aircraft was retired in 1995. Now at Kemble, various owners tried to keep it in order but funding was always a problem. After a brief display at Goodwood in 2014, the Hunter returned to Kemble and is now on static display near the restaurant.

Neil Owen

A proud day for Bristol

Kemble Airfield, 16th August, 2022 - the gathering marks a special anniversary. It was marking the 70th year since the maiden flight of an iconic aircraft. With this example the only one left in Britain, a special event was put on: enthusiasts boarded vintage Bristol buses at Filton (where the Britannia was designed and built) and made their way to Kemble, where it is kept. To add to the event, a number of Bristol cars also made the journey. Here a video and television crew captured the day's celebration.

Neil Owen

Bits of planes

Kemble airfield has a lot of aeroplane recycling industries these days. Along an outer track are some parts (of what appears to be a pair of Phantoms?) to be dealt with.

Neil Owen

A seventieth anniversary for Bristol

The Bristol Britannia made its maiden flight in 1952 and to celebrate a fleet of Bristol buses and cars travelled from Filton to Kemble to see the last of the type.

Neil Owen

Britannia XM 496

Otherwise known as 'Regulus'. This particular aircraft is the only one left in Britain and is on static display at Kemble. Originally assigned to R.A.F. Transport Command at Lyneham and serving with 95 and 511 squadrons, the servant was retired and flown here in 1997. It is shown in the original colour scheme.

Neil Owen

A stopped Speedbird

Former British Airways Jumbo 747-400 G-CIVB now rests at Cotswold Airport, respledent in its 'Negus' livery of 1974-84. Having covered most of the globe in its time, the airframe is now simply kept on the ground and is operated as an entertainment venue.

Neil Owen

Old Milestone, Kemble Airport A429

Erected byMalmesbury First Turnpike Trust, A429, in the parish of Crudwell (North Wiltshire District), Kemble Road, East side of road, opposite entrance to Kemble Enterprise Park. Originally bore an OS Benchmark representing 125.9 m ASL. Inscription (was): CIRENCESTER / 5 / MALMESBURY / 6 Grade II listed. Nᴼ. 1022237 Link

Milestone Society National ID: WI_MYCI06

Tom Blanden

Stone Stile, Rodmarton

A private step stile for Rodmarton Manor. This looks East towards the Manor Drive, the view to the fields is ST9497 : Stone Stile, Rodmarton.

Jayne Tovey

Stone Stile, Rodmarton

A private step stile for Rodmarton Manor. This looks West away for the Manor Drive, the view to the Manor is ST9497 : Stone Stile, Rodmarton.

Jayne Tovey

Milestone Jackaments Bottom near Kemble 2006

Plate would have read Cirencester 4 1/2, Malmesbury 7

James Clarke

Old Milestone by the A433, Fosse Way, Coates Parish

Metal plate attached to stone post by the A433, in parish of COATES (COTSWOLD District), Jackaments Bottom, by the road, on South side of road. Cirencester Roman iron plate, erected by the Cirencester & Bath turnpike trust in the 19th century. Inscription reads:- IV To CIRENCESTER VI To TETBURY XXIX To BATH Grade II Listed. List Entry Number: 1089304 Link

Milestone Society National ID: GL_CIBA04.

Roadside Relics

Old Milestone near Jackament's Bottom, Kemble parish

Stone post (plate lost) by the UC road, in parish of Kemble (Cotswold District), near Jackament's Bottom; 50m North of farm entrance, under trees, on West side of road. Tetbury Malmesbury plate, erected by the Malmesbury - First District turnpike trust in the 19th century. Inscription once read:- (Cirencester 4) (Malmesbury 7) Carved benchmark front lower centre, bolt hole top. Milestone Society National ID: GL_CIMY04.

Roadside Relics

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Culkerton Down Wood is located at Grid Ref: ST9596 (Lat: 51.671181, Lng: -2.0601509)

Administrative County: Gloucestershire

District: Cotswold

Police Authority: Gloucestershire