Choake's Brake

Wood, Forest in Oxfordshire West Oxfordshire

England

Choake's Brake

Church of St John the Baptist, Fifield Credit: AJD

Choake's Brake is a picturesque woodland located in Oxfordshire, England. Covering an area of approximately 100 acres, it is nestled within the stunning Chiltern Hills, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The woodland is primarily composed of native broadleaf trees, including oak, beech, and ash, creating a diverse and vibrant ecosystem.

The name "Choake's Brake" is derived from the word "brake," meaning a thicket or dense area of undergrowth. This is fitting, as the woodland boasts a lush understorey of ferns, bluebells, and wildflowers, adding to its enchanting atmosphere. The forest floor is carpeted with a rich layer of leaf litter, providing a habitat for a variety of small mammals, birds, and insects.

Visitors to Choake's Brake can enjoy a network of well-maintained footpaths that wind through the woodland, allowing them to explore its natural beauty at their leisure. The tranquility and seclusion offered by the woodland make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, walkers, and wildlife photographers.

In addition to its natural splendor, Choake's Brake also holds historical significance. It is believed that the woodland has been in existence for centuries, acting as a haven for wildlife and a valuable resource for local communities. Today, it stands as a testament to the importance of preserving and appreciating the natural wonders of Oxfordshire.

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Choake's Brake Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.85692/-1.6726462 or Grid Reference SP2217. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Church of St John the Baptist, Fifield

AJD

Burford to Stow road, view over crops

Looking south towards Burford from a bridleway by the Merrymouth Inn. The road runs across the top of the Cotswolds, just under 200 metres altitude here. Villages are in valleys either side of the wold.

David Hawgood

The Manor, Fifield

Looking north from the road through the village, after light snow.

David Hawgood

Merrymouth Inn, near Fifield

Named as "Merry Mouth Inn" on the Ordnance Survey map. This inn standing alone on the road from Burford to Stow dates back to the 13th century. It appears in many guides to pubs and restaurants for the area.

David Hawgood

Ploughed field near Fifield

Recently ploughed and still to be harrowed and raked for spring sowing. View east from bridleway near the Merrymouth Inn. The track goes to Fifield, and the fields in the distance are around Bruern Abbey.

David Hawgood

Fifield

Looking south to the crossroads, with road to the Merrymouth Inn and Stow road up to the right. Late afternoon just after a snowstorm.

David Hawgood

Dutch barn with corrugated iron roof, Fifield

This type of open-sided barn with a curved corrugated iron roof is often used for storage of hay.

David Hawgood

Church of St John the Baptist, Fifield

12th Century church. For details of services see Benefice of Shipton-under-Wychwood etc Link

David Hawgood

Looking towards Workham Bottom

Across fields running down to Coombe Brook.

Jennifer Luther Thomas

Tangley Woods

In the foreground rape is growing through the grass. Tangley Woods is a belt of trees on the opposite valley side of Coombe Brook.

Jennifer Luther Thomas

Hill Farm and the road to Bruern

Jennifer Luther Thomas

Hill Farm Barn

Location of the UK branch of the international charity, The McKenzie Institute. The worldwide mission of The McKenzie Institute is to further the philosophies and treatments for spinal disorders developed by Robin Anthony McKenzie of Waikanae, New Zealand.

Jonathan Billinger