Ashdown Copse

Wood, Forest in Hampshire

England

Ashdown Copse

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

Ashdown Copse is a picturesque woodland located in the county of Hampshire, England. Situated in the heart of the South Downs National Park, this enchanting forest covers an area of approximately 100 hectares. The copse is characterized by its diverse range of tree species, including beech, oak, birch, and hazel, which create a dense and vibrant canopy overhead.

The forest floor of Ashdown Copse is adorned with a rich tapestry of wildflowers, such as bluebells, primroses, and wood anemones, which bloom in abundance during the spring months. This creates a breathtaking display of colors and scents that attract numerous visitors and nature enthusiasts from far and wide.

The copse is home to a plethora of wildlife, making it a haven for nature lovers. It is not uncommon to spot deer, foxes, badgers, and a variety of bird species, including woodpeckers, owls, and warblers. The forest's tranquil atmosphere and secluded pathways provide a peaceful haven for both humans and animals alike.

Ashdown Copse offers a range of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. There are several well-marked walking trails and cycling routes that wind their way through the woodland, allowing visitors to explore its beauty at their own pace. The copse also has designated picnic areas and benches where visitors can relax and soak in the natural surroundings.

Overall, Ashdown Copse is a true gem of Hampshire, offering a serene and captivating woodland experience for all who venture into its depths. Whether it's for a leisurely stroll, a picnic with loved ones, or a chance to immerse oneself in nature, this forest is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking solace and tranquility in Hampshire's great outdoors.

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Ashdown Copse Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.22353/-1.6548024 or Grid Reference SU2447. 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

Entrance to Old Coach Road from A338

Seen from A338 at Shipton Bellinger. This is a restricted byway. I am not sure if "Old Coach Road" is the name of the byway or if it is just a description of its origin. The white notice at left is the standard Salisbury Plain Military Lands Byelaws 1981.

Peter Facey

Public Footpath running north from Old Coach Road

The woodland on the right is Shipton Plantation. This footpath climbs steadily up the western side of this hill, which I guess is the southern end of Furze Hill.

Peter Facey

Public Footpath along western edge of Shipton Plantation

Climbing quite steeply up the side slopes of what I guess is the southern part of Furze Hill.

Peter Facey

Public Footpath and tank crossing on western edge of Shipton Plantation

The tank track comes up from the valley at left after crossing the A338, and continues rightwards.

Peter Facey

View across valley containing the A338 and the River Bourne

Also showing a tank track.

Peter Facey

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