Andover Plantation

Wood, Forest in Hampshire

England

Andover Plantation

A338 Salisbury Road at county border Crossing from Hampshire to Wiltshire. — A338 Salisbury Road at county border Credit: Robin Webster

Andover Plantation is a picturesque woodland area located in Hampshire, England. Spread across a vast expanse, the plantation is renowned for its dense forests and natural beauty. The Wood, as it is commonly referred to, offers a serene escape from the bustling city life, attracting visitors from all around.

The plantation is characterized by its diverse range of trees, including oak, beech, and pine. These towering trees create a lush canopy, providing shelter and habitat for a variety of wildlife. Walking through the Wood, one can witness the enchanting sight of sunlight peeking through the branches, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor.

Andover Plantation is home to several well-maintained trails that allow visitors to explore the woodland at their own pace. These paths wind through the forest, offering glimpses of hidden ponds, babbling brooks, and vibrant wildflowers. Nature enthusiasts can indulge in birdwatching, as the Wood is abundant with a multitude of avian species.

In addition to its natural beauty, Andover Plantation also holds historical significance. The plantation has existed for centuries and was once a hunting ground for nobles and royalty. It is said that the Wood still holds remnants of ancient settlements, adding an element of mystery and intrigue to its allure.

Overall, Andover Plantation stands as a testament to the natural wonders of Hampshire. Its tranquil ambiance and breathtaking scenery make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking solace in the embrace of nature.

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Andover Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.233001/-1.6587276 or Grid Reference SU2348. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

A338 Salisbury Road at county border

Crossing from Hampshire to Wiltshire.

Robin Webster

A338 Salisbury Road, South Tidworth

The churchyard wall is on the left.

Robin Webster

A338, Tidworth

View from the Lidl carpark.

Richard Webb

Alley, Tidworth

By Lidl supermarket.

Richard Webb

Entering Ashdown Copse from the south on a public footpath

There are numerous tracks in Ashdown Copse, few of which are public rights of way, but this one is. There doesn't appear to be any visible constraint upon using the other tracks.

Peter Facey

Wooden platform in Ashdown Copse

Apparently part of a mountain bike circuit, judging by the TFTUNED advertisement on it, and the narrow up and down exposed-chalk paths in the area. Whether this is military or commercial I don't know.

Peter Facey

Track junction in Ashdown Copse

Peter Facey

Tree planting in Ashdown Copse

In March 2020 the MoD announced the felling of thousands of trees in Ashdown Copse due to infection by Ash dieback disease Link

. I don't know if this replanting is related to that. Whips of various species were being planted by men who, it seemed, did not speak English.

Peter Facey

Track junction in Ashdown Copse

At this point I had mistraken my route and strayed off the public footpath I had previously been following Link .

Peter Facey

Weird shelter in Ashdown Copse

The note on the tree reads "RV 4 Friendly prisoners are being held at grid SD 299 126". SD 299 126 is a holiday park at Ainsdale-on-Sea south of Southport about 180 miles from here. Whether this note is part of military training or perhaps some paintball event I don't know.

Peter Facey

Gate in forestry fence

The public footpath here runs through the fine mesh improvised gate seen at right in the photo. It runs for 138 yards in a NNW direction before emerging through another such gate onto another track. There is no visible footpath inside this fence so I followed it by GPS. Essentially this new plantation fencing has cut across the footpath. Rather than following the footpath it would be much easier to simply follow the tracks round the other two sides of this triangle, although there is no right of way to do so.

Peter Facey

Track junction at SE corner of Warren Hill plantation

The Wiltshire County Council right of way sign here has been rotated 90 degrees to give false information. I rotated it back. The real public footpath runs diagonally from the bottom left corner of this photo to the middle right.

Peter Facey

Public Footpath in valley south of Warren Hill

Peter Facey

Wildlife Area in valley south of Warren Hill

The woodland ahead is marked as a wildlife area and there is a request to keep dogs on leads.

Peter Facey

Looking along public footpath towards Kimpton Gorse

The hillside here seemed to have been dug up or had a crop on it recently. There was no trace of the public footpath, so I followed by GPS.

Peter Facey

Public footpath from Klimpton Gorse towards Ashdown Copse

The footpath passes in a straight line to the right of the disused pit seen in the distance. The line of scrub seen in the foreground is not marked on the 1:25K OS map. The footpath here is undiscernible but can be followed by GPS.

Peter Facey

Fearsome horned cattle blocking public footpath

The indiscernible public footpath is climbing towards Ashdown Copse. I was following it by GPS. The cattle were enclosed by an electric fence. I deviated southwards from the footpath to avoid the cattle.

Peter Facey