Beechways Copse

Wood, Forest in Wiltshire

England

Beechways Copse

Track, West Winterslow The track acts as a footpath that takes walkers to Three Sisters Copse.
Track, West Winterslow Credit: Maigheach-gheal

Beechways Copse is a charming woodland located in the county of Wiltshire, England. Situated in the southwestern part of the country, this beautiful copse covers an area of approximately 100 hectares. It is characterized by a dense canopy of beech trees, which gives the woodland its name and creates a serene and enchanting atmosphere.

The copse is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. The forest floor is adorned with a variety of wildflowers, including bluebells and wood anemones, which carpet the ground during the spring months. The tall, majestic beech trees provide a habitat for numerous bird species, such as woodpeckers and owls, as well as small mammals like squirrels and rabbits.

Visitors to Beechways Copse can enjoy a network of well-maintained footpaths that meander through the woodland, allowing for peaceful walks and exploration. The paths are surrounded by an array of native plants, creating a picturesque setting throughout the year. Additionally, there are several picnic areas and benches where visitors can relax and immerse themselves in the tranquility of the copse.

The copse is easily accessible, with a car park located nearby and public transportation links available. It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether one is seeking a leisurely stroll, birdwatching opportunities, or simply a place to connect with nature, Beechways Copse is a must-visit location in Wiltshire.

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Beechways Copse Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.070466/-1.6451657 or Grid Reference SU2430. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Track, West Winterslow The track acts as a footpath that takes walkers to Three Sisters Copse.
Track, West Winterslow
The track acts as a footpath that takes walkers to Three Sisters Copse.
View on West Dean Road
View on West Dean Road
View across field towards Woodgate Farmhouse
View across field towards Woodgate Farmhouse
Priors Copse west of West Dean Road This chaotic woodland comprises alder, hazel and, just coming into leaf, hawthorn. Amongst the understory glow the ephemeral, shining white, flowers of wood anemones (Anemone nemorosa).
Priors Copse west of West Dean Road
This chaotic woodland comprises alder, hazel and, just coming into leaf, hawthorn. Amongst the understory glow the ephemeral, shining white, flowers of wood anemones (Anemone nemorosa).
Mixed woodland west of West Dean Road Although it differs little in altitude this more northerly part of Prior's Copse shows trees characteristic of drier ground conditions. Beech and hemlock have replaced the hazel and alder and the floral understorey has been replaced by sere beech leaves. See also 3430687
Mixed woodland west of West Dean Road
Although it differs little in altitude this more northerly part of Prior's Copse shows trees characteristic of drier ground conditions. Beech and hemlock have replaced the hazel and alder and the floral understorey has been replaced by sere beech leaves. See also 3430687
Horse pasture beside West Dean Road
Horse pasture beside West Dean Road
Farm building beside steep track
Farm building beside steep track
Looking down footpath to Home Farm
Looking down footpath to Home Farm
Looking up footpath from Home Farm
Looking up footpath from Home Farm
Footpath between fields near Home Farm
Footpath between fields near Home Farm
Track in Bentley Wood
Track in Bentley Wood
Farm buildings at Elevage Breton
Farm buildings at Elevage Breton
Lane towards West Dean
Lane towards West Dean
A hare in Hound Wood I don't expect to see hares in woodland. In my experience they are animals of open country - Kent marshes, Sussex and Wessex downland.  This one came out into the ride from a minor path on the left.  Noticing me, it ran off a short distance, then paused. At that point, a rabbit would have dived into cover.  It was plain that the hare could hear the focus signal from my camera, and after a couple of shots it ran off along the ride.
A hare in Hound Wood
I don't expect to see hares in woodland. In my experience they are animals of open country - Kent marshes, Sussex and Wessex downland. This one came out into the ride from a minor path on the left. Noticing me, it ran off a short distance, then paused. At that point, a rabbit would have dived into cover. It was plain that the hare could hear the focus signal from my camera, and after a couple of shots it ran off along the ride.
Track through Hound Wood The stand of conifers isn't typical of Hound Wood, except in the sense that plantings here are very varied - both in terms of species and age. Beech, birch, hazel, poplar and sweet chestnut are all well represented, with some areas of coppicing.
Track through Hound Wood
The stand of conifers isn't typical of Hound Wood, except in the sense that plantings here are very varied - both in terms of species and age. Beech, birch, hazel, poplar and sweet chestnut are all well represented, with some areas of coppicing.
Stand of conifers, Hound Wood
Stand of conifers, Hound Wood
Pearl-bordered fritillary, Hound Wood I'm pretty sure that this is Clossiana euphrosyne, rather than its smaller relative C. selene - but would be only too happy to be corrected if I've got it wrong.

I had been walking in the wood for almost an hour - looking out for butterflies but seeing very few - before I happened on a small colony of these fritillaries.  The find was quite unexpected - I'd only seen this species in England once before, and that was in Oxfordshire back in the last century.

On this occasion I found the butterflies easy to approach, but difficult to photograph.  Even when 'settled' they were restless and fluttery.
Pearl-bordered fritillary, Hound Wood
I'm pretty sure that this is Clossiana euphrosyne, rather than its smaller relative C. selene - but would be only too happy to be corrected if I've got it wrong. I had been walking in the wood for almost an hour - looking out for butterflies but seeing very few - before I happened on a small colony of these fritillaries. The find was quite unexpected - I'd only seen this species in England once before, and that was in Oxfordshire back in the last century. On this occasion I found the butterflies easy to approach, but difficult to photograph. Even when 'settled' they were restless and fluttery.
Bridleway towards Bentley Wood Running at this point in a 'green tunnel' between high banks.
Bridleway towards Bentley Wood
Running at this point in a 'green tunnel' between high banks.
Show me another place!

Beechways Copse is located at Grid Ref: SU2430 (Lat: 51.070466, Lng: -1.6451657)

Unitary Authority: Wiltshire

Police Authority: Wiltshire

What 3 Words

///vast.mondays.buckling. Near Middle Winterslow, Wiltshire

Related Wikis

Bentley Wood

Bentley Wood (grid reference SU250295), together with the adjacent Blackmoor Copse, form one of the largest contiguous areas of woodland in Wiltshire,...

Blackmoor Copse

Blackmoor Copse (grid reference SU234292) is a woodland in southeast Wiltshire, England, managed as a nature reserve by the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. The...

West Tytherley

West Tytherley is a village and civil parish in the Test Valley district of Hampshire, England. Its nearest town is Stockbridge, which lies approximately...

Farley, Wiltshire

Farley is a village in southeast Wiltshire, England, about 5 miles (8.0 km) east of Salisbury. == Geography == Farley is one of the Dun Valley villages...

Borbach Chantry

Borbach Chantry, West Dean, in south-east Wiltshire, England, was built in 1333. It is recorded in the National Heritage List for England as a Grade I...

Winterslow

Winterslow is a civil parish with a population of around 2,000, about 6 miles (10 km) northeast of Salisbury in Wiltshire, England, and lying south of...

West Dean, Wiltshire

West Dean is a village and civil parish in southeast Wiltshire, England; the Wiltshire/Hampshire border runs through the eastern part of the village. The...

Dean railway station

Dean railway station, also shown as Dean (Wilts), serves the village of West Dean in Wiltshire, England. The station is on the Wessex Main Line, 88 miles...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 51.070466,-1.6451657
Coalpits Copse
Note: Part of a larger body of woodland including several copses.
Place: locality
Source: npe
Lat/Long: 51.0684417/-1.6491908
Crossways
Junction: yes
Lat/Long: 51.0671628/-1.6444015
Redman's Gore
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 51.0709532/-1.6393898
Beechways Copse
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 51.0710963/-1.6445848
Ralph Whitlock
Historic: memorial
Inscription: Ralph Whitlock 1914-1995 Founder trustee and guardian of this wood
Lat/Long: 51.0688414/-1.6467422
Hunting Stand
Access: permit
Lockable: no
Lat/Long: 51.0711186/-1.6440504
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

Have you been to Beechways Copse?

Leave your review of Beechways Copse below (or comments, questions and feedback).