Ashlade Firs

Wood, Forest in Wiltshire

England

Ashlade Firs

The A4 passes Voronzoff Wood Voronzoff Wood is also known as Little Frith Wood. I have been unable to establish the reason for the name. It adjoins Savernake Forest. There is a long layby opposite it on the north side of the A4, but despite what the maps imply there is no longer a layby opposite and a little further east. — The A4 passes Voronzoff Wood Credit: HelenK

Ashlade Firs is a wood located in the county of Wiltshire, England. Situated in the southern part of the county, it is nestled within the picturesque countryside and covers an area of approximately 100 acres. The wood is predominantly made up of various species of trees, including oak, beech, and ash, hence its name.

Known for its natural beauty and tranquility, Ashlade Firs attracts both locals and visitors who seek a peaceful retreat amidst nature. The wood offers a range of recreational activities, such as walking, hiking, and birdwatching. There are several well-marked trails that meander through the wood, allowing visitors to explore its diverse flora and fauna.

The forest floor is covered in a carpet of bluebells during spring, creating a stunning visual spectacle for those who visit at that time of year. Additionally, the wood is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and a wide range of bird species, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

Ashlade Firs is well-maintained by local authorities, ensuring the preservation of its natural habitat. The wood is easily accessible, with several nearby parking areas and public footpaths leading to its entrance. Visitors are encouraged to respect the environment and adhere to any guidelines or regulations in place to protect the wood and its inhabitants.

Overall, Ashlade Firs is a captivating woodland retreat in Wiltshire, offering a serene and immersive experience in nature for all who venture within its boundaries.

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Ashlade Firs Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.407116/-1.6739245 or Grid Reference SU2267. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The A4 passes Voronzoff Wood

Voronzoff Wood is also known as Little Frith Wood. I have been unable to establish the reason for the name. It adjoins Savernake Forest. There is a long layby opposite it on the north side of the A4, but despite what the maps imply there is no longer a layby opposite and a little further east.

HelenK

Broken ash, Great Lodge Bottom, Savernake Forest

Savernake Forest is a 4,500 acre estate believed to hold the highest concentration of 'veteran' oak and beech trees in Europe. First mentioned as 'Safernoc' in the 10th century (and therefore older than the 'New Forest'), the area came under Norman ownership after the Conquest of 1066, and subsequently passed down an unbroken line of family ownership. It is the only forest in Britain still in private hands, but the family trustees administering the estate allow extensive, free public access (closed on only one day in the year), and the estate is managed by the Forestry Commission on a 999 year lease. Link

Tim Heaton

Great Lodge Bottom, Savernake Forest

The track follows a shallow chalk valley heading towards Great Lodge Farm on the edge of the forest.

Tim Heaton

Grand Avenue, Savernake Forest

"Running right through the middle of the Forest is Capability Brown's 'Grand Avenue'. This avenue of beech trees - now a Private Road - was laid out in the late 1790's, and at just over 4 miles long it stands in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest Avenue in Britain." Link

Tim Heaton

Savernake Forest, Wiltshire

Looking southeast along a track in Savernake Forest in the vicinity of Furze Coppice.

Rebecca A Wills

Savernake Forest, Wiltshire

Looking south within Savernake Forest in the vicinity of Furze Coppice.

Rebecca A Wills

Savernake Forest, Wiltshire

A track within Savernake Forest, in the vicinity of Great Lodge Bottom.

Rebecca A Wills

Savernake Forest, Wiltshire

A view along Great Lodge Bottom within Savernake Forest.

Rebecca A Wills

Savernake Forest, Wiltshire

A view along Great Lodge Bottom in the vicinity of Cadley, within Savernake Forest.

Rebecca A Wills

The A4 passes through Savernake Forest

Laybys on stretches of road passing through privately-owned woodland tend to be few and far between, and poorly maintained. This short and narrow layby beside the eastbound A4 in Savernake Forest was covered in deep puddles. However the reward for stopping was the sight of magnificent autumn colour on the beech trees.

HelenK

Speed Limit on the Bridleway

Church Walk, Savernake Forest, a public bridleway. Not sure who the speed limit is there for. Can you do 20 mph on a horse. Maybe.

Des Blenkinsopp

Old Paunchy beside Church Walk

A specially named old oak tree with a strange bulge on one side. Church Walk heads towards the now closed Christ Church at Cadley. It is the only marked public bridleway in the forest, although this is now a bit of a technicality as the forest is access land and all the tracks are available.

Des Blenkinsopp

Close Up of Old Paunchy

An ancient oak tree with a strange bulge on one side, hence the unusual name. It actually looks like a nasty growth of some kind, with a bit of fungus for good measure, but Old Paunchy seems to be soldiering on well enough despite it.

Des Blenkinsopp

Fallen Tree in Savernake Forest

An old warrior bites the dust along one of the tracks in the western part of the forest.

Des Blenkinsopp

Clearing at Thornhill

The clear area is now a lot smaller than shown on older maps, where it is named as Thornhill Nursery. The trees beyond the grassy bit are all quite young as the area returns to forest. I don't know what goes on here now. There is a wooden building, now called Thornhill, and some sheds. Maybe a fieldwork cabin or something like that.

Des Blenkinsopp

Great Lodge Drive, Savernake Forest

One of the main tracks in the forest, with restricted access to vehicles. Other access includes less well surfaced tracks, bridleways, and narrow foot trails through the trees. Nearly all the forest is accessible. "Savernake Forest is the only ancient forest in Britain still in private ownership having passed through 31 generations of "forest wardens" Wikipedia Link

"Since 1939 the timber of the forest has been managed by Forestry England on a 999-year lease. The private status of Savernake Forest is maintained by shutting the forest to the public one day per year."

Des Blenkinsopp

Barrier on Great Lodge Drive

Great Lodge Drive is one of the main forest tracks. Vehicle access is restricted. Here it goes through one of the grassy clearings in the central part of the forest.

Des Blenkinsopp