Chesterton Plantation

Wood, Forest in Gloucestershire Cotswold

England

Chesterton Plantation

Farmland by Thames and Severn Canal
Farmland by Thames and Severn Canal Credit: N Chadwick

Chesterton Plantation is a historic woodland located in Gloucestershire, England. Spanning over a vast area, it is one of the largest and most notable plantations in the region. The plantation is situated in the heart of the Forest of Dean, a famous ancient woodland known for its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty.

The woodland in Chesterton Plantation primarily consists of a mixture of deciduous and coniferous trees, creating a diverse and enchanting landscape. Oak, beech, and ash trees dominate the area, providing a dense canopy that shelters a wide variety of flora and fauna. The Forest of Dean is known for its thriving wildlife, including deer, foxes, badgers, and an array of bird species.

The plantation has a long and fascinating history, dating back several centuries. It was originally established as a hunting ground for the local nobility and later became an important source of timber for shipbuilding during the medieval period. The woodland has witnessed significant changes over time, with sections being replanted and managed to ensure sustainability and conservation.

Today, Chesterton Plantation serves as a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and those seeking a tranquil escape. The woodland offers a network of well-maintained footpaths and trails, allowing visitors to explore its picturesque surroundings. It is also home to several picnic areas and viewpoints, providing ample opportunities to enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

Chesterton Plantation in Gloucestershire is not only a place of natural beauty but also an important historical and ecological landmark, attracting visitors from near and far.

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Chesterton Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.696443/-1.9876976 or Grid Reference SU0099. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Farmland by Thames and Severn Canal
Farmland by Thames and Severn Canal
Rolling farmland
Rolling farmland
Arable crops by A429
Arable crops by A429
Rape Field by the C road from the A433 to Smerrill Farm
Rape Field
by the C road from the A433 to Smerrill Farm
Before the Thames gets properly wet on a bike ride along the Thames pathway August 2006
Before the Thames gets properly wet
on a bike ride along the Thames pathway August 2006
Upper tributary of the Thames This winterbourne is not strictly the Thames which officially rises from the spring at <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/ST980995">ST980995</a>. This stretch in the pasture beside the A429 flows only in the winter in the dry valley which starts beyond the Agricultural College in Cirencester Park.
Upper tributary of the Thames
This winterbourne is not strictly the Thames which officially rises from the spring at ST980995. This stretch in the pasture beside the A429 flows only in the winter in the dry valley which starts beyond the Agricultural College in Cirencester Park.
Road to Smerrill Dairy On a dank November morning.
Road to Smerrill Dairy
On a dank November morning.
Harvested maize crop Looking north-east from Smerrill Lane.
Harvested maize crop
Looking north-east from Smerrill Lane.
Sheep pasture View south-west of Smerrill Lane with beeches producing the rich colour.
Sheep pasture
View south-west of Smerrill Lane with beeches producing the rich colour.
Smerrill Lane Approaching the A433 from the south-east.
Smerrill Lane
Approaching the A433 from the south-east.
A433 towards Tetbury Looking south-west on the Fosse Way between Cirencester and Tetbury.
A433 towards Tetbury
Looking south-west on the Fosse Way between Cirencester and Tetbury.
Site of Smerrill Aqueduct The Thames & Severn Canal used to cross the A429 Cirencester - Kemble road at this point on Smerrill Aqueduct.  The aqueduct and much of the embankment on either side have since been removed and the road re-aligned, however remains are still visible.  Replacement of the aqueduct is a major, but by no means impossible job to be tackled as part of the planned canal restoration.
Site of Smerrill Aqueduct
The Thames & Severn Canal used to cross the A429 Cirencester - Kemble road at this point on Smerrill Aqueduct. The aqueduct and much of the embankment on either side have since been removed and the road re-aligned, however remains are still visible. Replacement of the aqueduct is a major, but by no means impossible job to be tackled as part of the planned canal restoration.
Site of Smerrill Aqueduct The Thames & Severn Canal used to cross the A429 Cirencester - Kemble road at this point on Smerrill Aqueduct.  The aqueduct and much of the embankment on either side have been removed and the road since re-aligned however remains are still visible.  Here the old road alignment can be seen along with the remains of the aqueduct footings.
Site of Smerrill Aqueduct
The Thames & Severn Canal used to cross the A429 Cirencester - Kemble road at this point on Smerrill Aqueduct. The aqueduct and much of the embankment on either side have been removed and the road since re-aligned however remains are still visible. Here the old road alignment can be seen along with the remains of the aqueduct footings.
Thames & Severn Canal at Smerrill Farm Between Smerrill Farm and Thames Head Bridge the canal takes its own course across the fields following the contours of the land.  Although dry it is largely intact but at present there is no public access.
Thames & Severn Canal at Smerrill Farm
Between Smerrill Farm and Thames Head Bridge the canal takes its own course across the fields following the contours of the land. Although dry it is largely intact but at present there is no public access.
Remains of Thames & Severn Canal Smerrill embankment The trees on the right mark the line of the embankment leading up to the site of Smerrill Aqueduct.  The aqueduct was situated were the road meets a T junction in the distance.  About half the width of the embankment was removed about the time that the road at the junction was re-aligned in the 1960s.
Remains of Thames & Severn Canal Smerrill embankment
The trees on the right mark the line of the embankment leading up to the site of Smerrill Aqueduct. The aqueduct was situated were the road meets a T junction in the distance. About half the width of the embankment was removed about the time that the road at the junction was re-aligned in the 1960s.
Former railway bridge Former railway bridge carrying the long closed branch line to Cirencester.
Former railway bridge
Former railway bridge carrying the long closed branch line to Cirencester.
Country road near Ewen Country road near Ewen approaching the bridge carrying the long closed branch railway to Cirencester.
Country road near Ewen
Country road near Ewen approaching the bridge carrying the long closed branch railway to Cirencester.
Road to Ewen Country road to Ewen from the A429.
Road to Ewen
Country road to Ewen from the A429.
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Chesterton Plantation is located at Grid Ref: SU0099 (Lat: 51.696443, Lng: -1.9876976)

Administrative County: Gloucestershire

District: Cotswold

Police Authority: Gloucestershire

What 3 Words

///sprinter.firepower.debater. Near Cirencester, Gloucestershire

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