Coldridge Wood

Wood, Forest in Wiltshire

England

Coldridge Wood

Grassland, Chute The eastern flank of Shaw Bottom.
Grassland, Chute Credit: Andrew Smith

Coldridge Wood is a picturesque woodland located in the county of Wiltshire, England. It covers an area of approximately 50 hectares and is situated just outside the village of Coldridge, hence its name. The wood is part of the larger Coldridge Forest, which spans across several neighboring parishes.

The wood is predominantly composed of mature broadleaf trees, including oak, beech, and ash, which create a dense canopy above the forest floor. These trees provide a habitat for a wide range of wildlife, including various bird species, small mammals, and insects. The wood is particularly known for its vibrant bird population, with species such as woodpeckers, nuthatches, and tawny owls frequently spotted.

Coldridge Wood is crisscrossed with a network of well-maintained footpaths, allowing visitors to explore the natural beauty of the area. These paths lead to various points of interest, such as a small pond and a meandering stream that runs through the wood. The tranquil ambiance of the wood, combined with the soothing sounds of nature, make it a popular destination for walkers, joggers, and nature enthusiasts.

In addition to its natural beauty, Coldridge Wood also holds historical significance. It is believed to have been an ancient hunting ground, and remnants of past human activity, such as old boundary markers and earthworks, can still be seen within the wood.

Overall, Coldridge Wood offers a peaceful and picturesque escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life, inviting visitors to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of this enchanting woodland.

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Coldridge Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.27409/-1.5901724 or Grid Reference SU2852. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Grassland, Chute The eastern flank of Shaw Bottom.
Grassland, Chute
The eastern flank of Shaw Bottom.
Farmland, Chute With the bridleway heading south from Chantry.
Farmland, Chute
With the bridleway heading south from Chantry.
Bulls Drove
Bulls Drove
Field on the edge of Coldrigdedown Copse
Field on the edge of Coldrigdedown Copse
Field edge path towards Oxdown Copse
Field edge path towards Oxdown Copse
Line of trees leading to Stert Copse A thin line of trees dividing the fields and providing a corridor between two copses.
Line of trees leading to Stert Copse
A thin line of trees dividing the fields and providing a corridor between two copses.
Edge of Fairoak Copse Taken just as the footpath emerges from the woodland and continues southwards along the edge of the field.
Edge of Fairoak Copse
Taken just as the footpath emerges from the woodland and continues southwards along the edge of the field.
Grass and woodland at Coldridge Bottom
Grass and woodland at Coldridge Bottom
Road towards Biddesden From Lower Chute.
Road towards Biddesden
From Lower Chute.
Track to Shaw Bottom The track descends into a typical downland dry valley, now completely deserted. At the bottom, in the gap between the woodland once stood Shaw Farm, now long since disappeared. My long lost great aunt - Eleanor Susan Hatton was employed here as a servant aged 14 in 1891. She must have walked this track many times.
Track to Shaw Bottom
The track descends into a typical downland dry valley, now completely deserted. At the bottom, in the gap between the woodland once stood Shaw Farm, now long since disappeared. My long lost great aunt - Eleanor Susan Hatton was employed here as a servant aged 14 in 1891. She must have walked this track many times.
Cutting a corner The rising track from Shaw Bottom towards Gammon's Farm cuts the corner of this grid square for a short distance.
Cutting a corner
The rising track from Shaw Bottom towards Gammon's Farm cuts the corner of this grid square for a short distance.
The site of Shaw Farm This is the site of the former Shaw Farm, deep in the recesses of Shaw Bottom, a typical downland dry valley.  A farm is known to have existed here in 1773 and the area may once have been the site of a larger settlement. The farm burned down in the 1940's and one can imagine that it would have been extremely difficult to bring fire fighting equipment to this site, or finding sufficient water.
My personal interest here goes back to the 1891 census, when a long lost great aunt, Eleanor Susan Hatton, was a servant girl employed here aged 14. Beyond that date there is no trace of her.
There is no trace of any foundations on the ground, although to the right of the fence is a pile of rubble containing bricks etc. Doubtful if these are from the farmhouse as they are 'factory' brick.
The site of Shaw Farm
This is the site of the former Shaw Farm, deep in the recesses of Shaw Bottom, a typical downland dry valley. A farm is known to have existed here in 1773 and the area may once have been the site of a larger settlement. The farm burned down in the 1940's and one can imagine that it would have been extremely difficult to bring fire fighting equipment to this site, or finding sufficient water. My personal interest here goes back to the 1891 census, when a long lost great aunt, Eleanor Susan Hatton, was a servant girl employed here aged 14. Beyond that date there is no trace of her. There is no trace of any foundations on the ground, although to the right of the fence is a pile of rubble containing bricks etc. Doubtful if these are from the farmhouse as they are 'factory' brick.
Track at Shaw Bottom One of the many green lanes and trackways in the area between Upper Chute and Collingbourne Ducis. This bridleway is dropping into the valley bottom at the site of Shaw Farm.
Track at Shaw Bottom
One of the many green lanes and trackways in the area between Upper Chute and Collingbourne Ducis. This bridleway is dropping into the valley bottom at the site of Shaw Farm.
East from Bauks Hill Rolling downland country close to the Wiltshire/Hampshire border. The view is towards Upper Chute, a few houses being visible amongst the trees.
East from Bauks Hill
Rolling downland country close to the Wiltshire/Hampshire border. The view is towards Upper Chute, a few houses being visible amongst the trees.
Path to Chantry One of many paths, bridleways and green tracks around Chute. This one leads northwards along a broad ridge with may blossom to the right and an old timber barn to the left.
Path to Chantry
One of many paths, bridleways and green tracks around Chute. This one leads northwards along a broad ridge with may blossom to the right and an old timber barn to the left.
Farmland and woodland, Chute A view over mixed farmland and the northern end of Haybourne Copse from a footpath to the north of Upper Chute.
Farmland and woodland, Chute
A view over mixed farmland and the northern end of Haybourne Copse from a footpath to the north of Upper Chute.
Farmland, Chute A footpath following the edge of a field on the approach to Upper Chute from the south.
Farmland, Chute
A footpath following the edge of a field on the approach to Upper Chute from the south.
Farmland and track, Ludgershall The footpath on Coldridge Down that is seen descending in <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2843930" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2843930">Link</a> .
Farmland and track, Ludgershall
The footpath on Coldridge Down that is seen descending in Link .
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Coldridge Wood is located at Grid Ref: SU2852 (Lat: 51.27409, Lng: -1.5901724)

Unitary Authority: Wiltshire

Police Authority: Wiltshire

What 3 Words

///dozens.relies.stooping. Near Ludgershall, Wiltshire

Nearby Locations

Coldridge Wood Stert Copse

Related Wikis

Chute, Wiltshire

Chute is a civil parish in east Wiltshire, England, on the border with Hampshire. It includes the main village of Upper Chute and the smaller settlements...

Biddesden House

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St Mary's Church, Chute Forest

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Chute Forest

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 51.27409,-1.5901724
Power: tower
Lat/Long: 51.2776336/-1.5899479
Power: tower
Lat/Long: 51.277285/-1.5870404
Honey Bottom
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 51.2732306/-1.584368
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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