West Wood

Wood, Forest in Dorset

England

West Wood

Ferry Road, Studland Ferry Road heading north across Studland Heath, towards the chain ferry which provides a connection to Sandbanks and onwards towards Poole, Bournemouth and beyond.
Ferry Road, Studland Credit: Malc McDonald

West Wood is a picturesque forest located in the county of Dorset, England. Covering an extensive area of approximately 500 acres, this enchanting woodland is renowned for its natural beauty and diverse wildlife. The forest is situated in close proximity to the village of West Wood itself, which adds to its accessibility and popularity among locals and visitors alike.

The dense canopy of West Wood is predominantly composed of a variety of deciduous trees, including oak, beech, and ash, which create a vibrant and ever-changing landscape throughout the seasons. The forest floor is adorned with a rich carpet of ferns, wildflowers, and moss, adding an ethereal touch to the surroundings.

This woodland is not just a visual delight; it is also home to a wide range of wildlife. Nature enthusiasts can spot numerous bird species, such as woodpeckers and owls, as well as small mammals like foxes, badgers, and rabbits. The forest is also known to house a diverse range of insect species, adding to its ecological significance.

West Wood offers a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, providing ample opportunities for walking, hiking, and nature photography. The forest boasts several well-maintained trails, allowing visitors to explore its idyllic corners and discover hidden gems. There are designated picnic areas dotted throughout the woodland, providing a perfect spot to relax and soak in the tranquility of the surroundings.

Overall, West Wood is a captivating destination that showcases the natural beauty and biodiversity of Dorset. Whether it is for a peaceful stroll, a wildlife-spotting adventure, or simply to reconnect with nature, this forest offers a truly immersive experience for all who venture into its embrace.

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West Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.639891/-1.965244 or Grid Reference SZ0282. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Ferry Road, Studland Ferry Road heading north across Studland Heath, towards the chain ferry which provides a connection to Sandbanks and onwards towards Poole, Bournemouth and beyond.
Ferry Road, Studland
Ferry Road heading north across Studland Heath, towards the chain ferry which provides a connection to Sandbanks and onwards towards Poole, Bournemouth and beyond.
Path onto Studland Beach A sandy path on the dunes leading onto Studland Beach.  The beach is owned and managed by the National Trust, who look after much of the Studland peninsula.

In the distance, the chalk cliffs of The Needles, at the westernmost tip of the Isle of Wight, can be seen.
Path onto Studland Beach
A sandy path on the dunes leading onto Studland Beach. The beach is owned and managed by the National Trust, who look after much of the Studland peninsula. In the distance, the chalk cliffs of The Needles, at the westernmost tip of the Isle of Wight, can be seen.
Path near Studland Beach A path on the dunes behind Studland Beach.  This view looks towards Old Harry Rocks, in the distance to the left of the image.  The beach, and much of the Studland peninsula, are owned and managed by the National Trust.
Path near Studland Beach
A path on the dunes behind Studland Beach. This view looks towards Old Harry Rocks, in the distance to the left of the image. The beach, and much of the Studland peninsula, are owned and managed by the National Trust.
Ferry Road, Studland Ferry Road, approaching the village of Studland.  This road forms part of the route of the B3351.
Ferry Road, Studland
Ferry Road, approaching the village of Studland. This road forms part of the route of the B3351.
Ferry Road, Studland Ferry Road is on the route of the B3351, up to the turning for Knoll Beach where the B3351 ends.  The road beyond, leading to the Sandbanks ferry, is unclassified.
Ferry Road, Studland
Ferry Road is on the route of the B3351, up to the turning for Knoll Beach where the B3351 ends. The road beyond, leading to the Sandbanks ferry, is unclassified.
Knoll Beach, Studland Knoll Beach at Studland, photographed on a particularly dull and gloomy day in August 2021.  The wooden building in the background houses a café and a National Trust shop.  The National Trust are custodians of the beach and much of the Studland peninsula.
Knoll Beach, Studland
Knoll Beach at Studland, photographed on a particularly dull and gloomy day in August 2021. The wooden building in the background houses a café and a National Trust shop. The National Trust are custodians of the beach and much of the Studland peninsula.
Path by Studland beach A path along the back of Studland beach, photographed on a particularly dull and gloomy day in August 2021.  The beach and the surrounding land are owned and managed by the National Trust.
Path by Studland beach
A path along the back of Studland beach, photographed on a particularly dull and gloomy day in August 2021. The beach and the surrounding land are owned and managed by the National Trust.
Sandy path near Studland beach A sandy path passing beach huts overlooking Studland beach, photographed on a dull and murky day in August 2021.  This area is owned and managed by the National Trust.
Sandy path near Studland beach
A sandy path passing beach huts overlooking Studland beach, photographed on a dull and murky day in August 2021. This area is owned and managed by the National Trust.
Fort Henry, Studland, near Swanage Fort Henry is an observation bunker overlooking Poole Bay.  It was built during the Second World War.  Although it is sometimes claimed it was built to assist in defending Britain's coastline against enemy invasion, that is not so.  The bunker was built to observe practice landings in preparation for D-Day.

This image was taken on a dull and murky day in August 2021, with poor visibility.
Fort Henry, Studland, near Swanage
Fort Henry is an observation bunker overlooking Poole Bay. It was built during the Second World War. Although it is sometimes claimed it was built to assist in defending Britain's coastline against enemy invasion, that is not so. The bunker was built to observe practice landings in preparation for D-Day. This image was taken on a dull and murky day in August 2021, with poor visibility.
South West Coast Path at Studland This path in the village of Studland forms part of the South West Coast Path.
South West Coast Path at Studland
This path in the village of Studland forms part of the South West Coast Path.
Bankes Arms, Studland The Bankes Arms pub, in the village of Studland.  The pub is believed to date from the 16th Century.

The South West Coast Path follows the lane past the pub.
Bankes Arms, Studland
The Bankes Arms pub, in the village of Studland. The pub is believed to date from the 16th Century. The South West Coast Path follows the lane past the pub.
Manor Road, Studland Manor Road is a lane in the village of Studland, in Dorset.  It is on the route of the South West Coast Path.

The building to the left of the image is a public toilet.
Manor Road, Studland
Manor Road is a lane in the village of Studland, in Dorset. It is on the route of the South West Coast Path. The building to the left of the image is a public toilet.
South West Coast Path near Studland The South West Coast Path near the village of Studland, in Dorset.  A marker stone stands to the right of the path.
South West Coast Path near Studland
The South West Coast Path near the village of Studland, in Dorset. A marker stone stands to the right of the path.
South West Coast Path overlooking Swanage A view of the South West Coast Path above Ballard Cliff, overlooking Swanage Bay and the town of Swanage.  This image was taken on a dull day in August 2021.
South West Coast Path overlooking Swanage
A view of the South West Coast Path above Ballard Cliff, overlooking Swanage Bay and the town of Swanage. This image was taken on a dull day in August 2021.
Paths meet above Swanage Paths, including the South West Coast Path, meet on the cliffs overlooking Swanage.  To the right of the image, a marker stone indicates the route of the path.
Paths meet above Swanage
Paths, including the South West Coast Path, meet on the cliffs overlooking Swanage. To the right of the image, a marker stone indicates the route of the path.
Paths meet above Swanage Paths including the South West Coast Path meet on the clifftop above Swanage.  The marker stone to the left of the image shows the route of the South West Coast path, through the gate to the right, and an alternative route straight ahead to Old Harry Rocks.
Paths meet above Swanage
Paths including the South West Coast Path meet on the clifftop above Swanage. The marker stone to the left of the image shows the route of the South West Coast path, through the gate to the right, and an alternative route straight ahead to Old Harry Rocks.
South West Coast Path overlooking Swanage A view of the South West Coast Path heading down into the town of Swanage.
South West Coast Path overlooking Swanage
A view of the South West Coast Path heading down into the town of Swanage.
Near Deserted Beach From the SW Coast Path looking down to a near deserted beach beneath Wealden Cliffs
Near Deserted Beach
From the SW Coast Path looking down to a near deserted beach beneath Wealden Cliffs
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West Wood is located at Grid Ref: SZ0282 (Lat: 50.639891, Lng: -1.965244)

Unitary Authority: Dorset

Police Authority: Dorset

What 3 Words

///assemble.mystified.digital. Near Swanage, Dorset

Nearby Locations

Black Down West Wood

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 50.639891,-1.965244
Material: wood
Power: pole
Source: bing
Lat/Long: 50.6356294/-1.966288
Material: wood
Power: pole
Source: bing
Lat/Long: 50.6361408/-1.9645499
Material: wood
Power: pole
Source: bing
Transformer: distribution
Lat/Long: 50.6374796/-1.9596179
Woodhouse Hill
Ele: 66
Natural: peak
Lat/Long: 50.6394958/-1.960391
Black Down
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 50.6419453/-1.9647684
Fixme: incomplete
Lat/Long: 50.6389797/-1.961419
Fixme: incomplete
Lat/Long: 50.6388436/-1.9605875
Bus Stop
Woodhouse Hill
Bench: no
Bin: no
Bus: yes
Lit: no
Naptan AtcoCode: 1200POA10143
Naptan Bearing: E
Naptan CommonName: Woodhouse Hill
Naptan Indicator: E-bound
Naptan NaptanCode: dordgajd
Naptan Street: Swanage Road
Naptan Verified: no
Public Transport: platform
Shelter: no
Tactile Paving: no
Lat/Long: 50.6385374/-1.9624208
Bus Stop
Woodhouse Hill
Bench: no
Bin: no
Bus: yes
Lit: no
Naptan AtcoCode: 1200POA10144
Naptan Bearing: W
Naptan CommonName: Woodhouse Hill
Naptan Indicator: W-bound
Naptan NaptanCode: dordgajg
Naptan Street: Swanage Road
Naptan Verified: no
Public Transport: platform
Shelter: no
Tactile Paving: no
Lat/Long: 50.6384838/-1.9623645
Power: pole
Source: bing
Lat/Long: 50.636633/-1.962968
Power: pole
Source: bing
Lat/Long: 50.6370276/-1.9615464
Fire Hydrant
Emergency: fire_hydrant
Fire Hydrant Diameter: 3 inch
Fire Hydrant Type: underground
Ref: 12636
Source: survey
Lat/Long: 50.6412782/-1.9595652
Post Box
Collection Times: Mo-Fr 09:00; Sa 07:00
Operator: Royal Mail
Post Box Type: lamp
Ref: BH19 168D
Ref GB Uprn: 10015304033
Royal Cypher: GVIR
Royal Cypher Wikidata: Q33102169
Lat/Long: 50.641248/-1.9595222
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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