Austen's Copse

Wood, Forest in Gloucestershire Cotswold

England

Austen's Copse

Farmland by Thames and Severn Canal Credit: N Chadwick

Austen's Copse is a picturesque wood located in the county of Gloucestershire, England. Nestled within the enchanting Forest of Dean, this idyllic copse covers an area of approximately 10 acres, making it a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

The copse is primarily composed of ancient oak trees that have stood tall for centuries, their branches intertwining to create a captivating canopy overhead. These magnificent trees provide a sheltered habitat for numerous species of flora and fauna, making Austen's Copse a biodiversity hotspot.

Walking through Austen's Copse, one is immediately struck by the serene and tranquil atmosphere that permeates the air. The forest floor is carpeted with a lush undergrowth of ferns, wildflowers, and mosses, creating a vibrant tapestry of colors. The sound of birdsong fills the air, as various species of birds flit between the branches, their melodious tunes adding to the natural symphony of the copse.

The copse is crisscrossed with several well-maintained trails, allowing visitors to explore its beauty at their own pace. These paths wind through the woods, leading to hidden clearings and peaceful glades. Along the way, one may encounter several small streams and babbling brooks, adding to the enchantment of the surroundings.

Austen's Copse is a popular destination for those seeking solitude and a deep connection with nature. Its ethereal beauty and tranquil ambiance make it an ideal spot for leisurely walks, picnics, and even meditation. This hidden gem in Gloucestershire is a testament to the enduring allure of ancient woodlands and the importance of preserving them for future generations.

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Austen's Copse Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.691462/-1.9833878 or Grid Reference SU0199. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Farmland by Thames and Severn Canal

N Chadwick

Rolling farmland

N Chadwick

Arable crops by A429

N Chadwick

Before the Thames gets properly wet

on a bike ride along the Thames pathway August 2006

Rick Hall

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.

Jonathan Billinger

Road to Smerrill Dairy

On a dank November morning.

Jonathan Billinger

Harvested maize crop

Looking north-east from Smerrill Lane.

Jonathan Billinger

A433 towards Tetbury

Looking south-west on the Fosse Way between Cirencester and Tetbury.

Jonathan Billinger

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.

David Stowell

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.

David Stowell

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.

David Stowell

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.

David Stowell

Main road, Ewen

Westwards, towards Kemble.

Robin Webster

The Wild Duck Inn

The Wild Duck Inn, a public house in the village of Ewen. Sadly it is currently closed.

Philip Halling

Tithe barn

Tithe barn in the village of Ewen.

Philip Halling

Sign on a road junction

Sign on a road junction in the village of Ewen. This is also the route of the Thames Path. I long distance footpath which follows the River Thames from its source to the Thames Barrier.

Philip Halling

Trees reflected in the Thames

Trees reflected in the River Thames in Ewen. The path on the left is the route of the Thames Path. The river here has the appearance of a canal, yet it is very shallow.

Philip Halling