Brenscombe Wood

Wood, Forest in Dorset

England

Brenscombe Wood

Corfe Castle Station Corfe Castle Station with the castle in the distance — Corfe Castle Station Credit: Shaun Ferguson

Brenscombe Wood is a picturesque forest located in the county of Dorset, England. Situated near the village of Corfe Castle, it covers an area of approximately 200 acres and is part of the larger Purbeck Forest.

This ancient woodland is known for its diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. The forest boasts an impressive variety of tree species, including oak, beech, and ash, which create a dense canopy and provide a rich habitat for countless species of birds, insects, and small mammals.

The forest is crisscrossed by a network of well-maintained footpaths and trails, allowing visitors to explore its beauty at their own pace. These paths wind through the tranquil woodland, passing by clearings and meadows, and offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

Brenscombe Wood also holds historical significance, as it is believed to have been used as a source of timber for the nearby Corfe Castle during medieval times. The remnants of old charcoal platforms can still be found within the forest, serving as a reminder of its past importance.

The forest is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and nature walks. It also provides a peaceful setting for picnics and family outings, with designated areas equipped with benches and tables.

Overall, Brenscombe Wood is a captivating natural gem in Dorset, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature while enjoying the tranquility of this ancient woodland.

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Brenscombe Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.639704/-2.0275517 or Grid Reference SY9882. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Corfe Castle Station

Corfe Castle Station with the castle in the distance

Shaun Ferguson

Corfe Castle Station - summer Saturday train

A steam train arriving at Corfe Castle on the preserved Swanage Railway. Locomotive No. 30053 is a class M7 0-4-4T of the LSWR and designed by Dugald Drummond. This example was built in 1905 and withdrawn in 1964. In addition to smaller Victorian locomotives, like the M7, the Swanage also has a magnificent air-smoothed Bulleid pacific (spam-can) in the form of Manston.

Chris Allen

Museum at Corfe Castle Station

On the preserved Swanage Railway. The main exhibit in this building is a narrow gauge locomotive by the Birmingham firm of Belliss & Seekings that was once on display in the Birmingham Museum of Science and Industry.

Chris Allen

Drummond M7 waiting to depart Corfe Castle Station

Locomotive No. 30053 is a class M7 0-4-4T of the LSWR and designed by Dugald Drummond. This example was built in 1905 and withdrawn in 1964. In addition to smaller Victorian locomotives, like the M7, the Swanage also has a magnificent air-smoothed Bulleid pacific (spam-can) in the form of Manston.

Chris Allen

Footplate crew at Corfe Castle Station

The driver and fireman of No. 30053 ready to depart from Corf Castle on the preserved Swanage Railway. Locomotive No. 30053 is a class M7 0-4-4T of the LSWR and designed by Dugald Drummond. This example was built in 1905 and withdrawn in 1964. In addition to smaller Victorian locomotives, like the M7, the Swanage also has a magnificent air-smoothed Bulleid pacific (spam-can) in the form of Manston.

Chris Allen

Locomotive Secundus in the museum at Corfe Castle Station

On the preserved Swanage Railway. This is the last surviving locomotive built in Birmingham and is on loan from Birmingham Museums Trust. It was built by Belliss & Seekings as an 0-6-0 well tank in 1874 and sold to Pike Brothers to work the Purbeck clay lines. Rebuilt in 1880 by Lewins of Poole and given a new boiler by Peckett of Bristol in 1937. Retired in 1955 and displayed at the original Birmingham Museum of science and Industry in Newhall Street.

Chris Allen

Swanage Railway - Corfe Castle Station

On the preserved railway on the Isle of Purbeck.

Chris Allen

Train arriving at Corfe Castle Station

Seen from Corfe Castle with a degree of zoom. The locomotive is T9 No. 30120. No. 30120 is the only surviving member of the 66 strong T9 class of 4-4-0 engines designed for the LSWR by Dugald Drummond and built from 1899-1901. This is part of the National Collection and has had a peripatetic existence in preservation. It is currently (2016) based at the Bodmin & Wenford Railway but was obviously on its summer holidays in Swanage. 2021 update: - The locomotive has again been at Swanage since 2017 but was withdrawn from service in July 2020 after failing its steam test. It is currently stored but is due to have a boiler lift to assess whether it can be returned to steam due to corrosion of the cylinder block. It would be a shame if this venerable locomotive was to become a static exhibit but all good things come to an end or require major changes to the historic material.

Chris Allen

T9 No. 30120 departing Corfe Castle Station

On the preserved Swanage Railway and seen from a high point in Corfe Castle. No. 30120 is the only surviving member of the 66 strong T9 class of 4-4-0 engines designed for the LSWR by Dugald Drummond and built from 1899-1901. This is part of the National Collection and has had a peripatetic existence in preservation. It is currently (2016) based at the Bodmin & Wenford Railway but was obviously on its summer holidays in Swanage. 2021 update: - The locomotive has again been at Swanage since 2017 but was withdrawn from service in July 2020 after failing its steam test. It is currently stored but is due to have a boiler lift to assess whether it can be returned to steam due to corrosion of the cylinder block. It would be a shame if this venerable locomotive was to become a static exhibit but all good things come to an end or require major changes to the historic material.

Chris Allen

View near Harman's Cross

Fields north of the railway with houses in Harman's Cross on the horizon.

Des Blenkinsopp

Purbeck Way at Brenscombe Hill

Colin Park

Boilerhouse Gallery, Corfe Castle

The Boilerhouse gallery is a small art gallery celebrating the work of local artists from the Purbeck area. The gallery is opposite Corfe Castle railway station in what was once the local milk depot. It was established in 2002. There are several studios at the back of the gallery, some of which were open to coincide with the Swanage railway Spring gala of 2023. Art work for sale includes cards, driftwood, glass, jewellery, painting, photography, pottery, prints, sculpture, stone, textiles and wood.

Marika Reinholds

Open studios at The Boilerhouse Gallery, Corfe Castle

The Boilerhouse Gallery is opposite the Corfe Castle railway station, in what was once the local milk depot. The gallery is run for and by local artists and there was an open weekend to coincide with the Spring gala at the Swanage Railway in March 2023. As well as the gallery being open, numerous individual studios at the rear were also open with several artists in residence.

Marika Reinholds