Barrow Copse

Wood, Forest in Wiltshire

England

Barrow Copse

Pickrudge, West Woods Bluebells in the area of Pickrudge, within West Woods. — Pickrudge, West Woods Credit: Rebecca A Wills

Barrow Copse, located in Wiltshire, England, is a charming woodland area that spans across a total of approximately 30 acres. This natural haven is situated near the town of Marlborough and is renowned for its scenic beauty and diverse ecosystem.

The copse is predominantly composed of a mixture of broadleaf and coniferous trees, including oak, beech, and pine. These trees provide a dense canopy that creates a shaded and peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike. The forest floor is covered with a lush carpet of mosses, ferns, and wildflowers, adding to its enchanting appeal.

Barrow Copse is also home to numerous wildlife species, with a variety of birds, mammals, and insects inhabiting the area. Visitors may chance upon sightings of small mammals like foxes, badgers, and squirrels, as well as a plethora of bird species including woodpeckers, tits, and finches. Additionally, the copse is known for its vibrant butterfly population, attracting enthusiasts who revel in the opportunity to observe and photograph these winged creatures.

The copse offers several well-maintained paths and trails, allowing visitors to explore its natural splendor at their own pace. These pathways wind through the woods, leading to scenic viewpoints and tranquil spots that are perfect for picnicking or simply immersing oneself in the serenity of nature.

Overall, Barrow Copse in Wiltshire is a captivating woodland retreat that offers a picturesque escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. With its diverse flora and fauna, it provides an opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy the tranquility of the British countryside.

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Barrow Copse Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.390858/-1.7772877 or Grid Reference SU1565. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Pickrudge, West Woods

Bluebells in the area of Pickrudge, within West Woods.

Rebecca A Wills

Foxbury Copse, West Woods

Bluebells and a track within Foxbury Copse (part of West Woods).

Rebecca A Wills

Wools Grove, West Woods

Bluebells in Wools Grove, within West Woods.

Rebecca A Wills

Access track to West Woods car park

Woodland managed by Forestry England.

David Martin

Shady picnic tables at West Woods car park

David Martin

Thatched cottages at Lockeridge

Now a single dwelling and known as number 41. The cottage faces out on to the lower part of Lockeridge Dene, an NT protected area noted for sarsen stones, a few of which can be seen here. The area once had a wide covering of sarsen, but many were used for building cottages like this one, walls and other structures, including the monuments of Stonehenge, Avebury, West Kennet Long Barrow etc.

Gordon Hatton

Lockeridge Dene

An area of sarsen stones at the southern end of the village, now under the care of the National Trust.

Gordon Hatton

Parking area on the edge of West Woods

Not signposted on any road out of Lockeridge, and presumably used mostly by local dog walkers.

Gordon Hatton

Dappled sunlight, West Woods

West Woods are a large area of ancient woodland which at one time may have been joined to Savernake Forest. This might be ancient woodland recorded for 400 years or so, but one would have to search long and hard for any really ancient trees.

Gordon Hatton

Track in West Woods

This track is shown as a 'BOAT' on OS maps and is also the course of the Wansdyke Path. The Wansdyke is off picture to the left and is quite insignificant at this point.

Gordon Hatton

Slight remains of Wansdyke

The low mount surmounted by trees marks the Wansdyke bank, but the ditch to the right has largely disappeared thanks to some 1500 years of slow infill. The Wansdyke still has an air of mystery. Who built it and why? It appears to be post Roman in date as at one point it crosses a Roman Road, whilst the ditch is on the north side, which suggests that if it was a defensive line, then it was defending land to the south.

Gordon Hatton

Deserted Medieval Village site

This is the site of the medieval village of Shaw, about which very little is known as the site has never been fully excavated. There is some evidence of a very small church which would have been to the right of this photo, whilst the village may have extended across neighbouring fields where centuries of agriculture has destroyed evidence. Anyone expecting to see an interesting area of lumps and bumps will be disappointed due to the tall vegetation. maybe a winter visit with low sunlight might prove better.

Gordon Hatton

Downland country

A fold in the hills near the old village site of Shaw. Open views here, but the bridleway heading towards Gopher Wood turned out to be a fight with brambles, nettles and thistles. Riding a horse or bike through here would be nigh on impossible.

Gordon Hatton

Testing times ahead

The gate marks the start of an enclosed section of bridleway heading towards a junction with the Wansdyke Path near the DMV of Shaw. The next 500m or so will test clothing [and legs if wearing shorts] as parts of the path are very narrow and lined with thorn bushes, brambles, nettles and thistles. A fine route for masochists.

Gordon Hatton

Path into the vale

There's a meeting of at least six paths near the NE corner of Gopher Wood, this one heads south downhill towards Huish in the Vale of Pewsey.

Gordon Hatton

Path towards West Woods

Bridleway which is probably part of an old route from Huish to Lockeridge and is now part of the White Horse Trail.

Gordon Hatton

Clearing in Hursley Bottom

A clearing in West Woods, complete with picnic table.

Gordon Hatton

Linear earthwork on the Downs

The Downs are rich in earthworks of various types, the purpose of many being unknown. This particular ditch and bank is of unknown origin, but does appear in Savernake Forest charters of 1257 as 'bocus de Hulwerk'

Gordon Hatton

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Barrow Copse is located at Grid Ref: SU1565 (Lat: 51.390858, Lng: -1.7772877)

Unitary Authority: Wiltshire

Police Authority: Wiltshire