Old Warren

Wood, Forest in Berkshire

England

Old Warren

Barn & barn conversion opposite Sheepdrove Farmhouse Credit: David Kemp

Old Warren, Berkshire, also known as Wood or Forest, is a historic and picturesque village located in the county of Berkshire, England. Nestled amidst the lush green landscapes of the Berkshire Downs, this charming village is renowned for its natural beauty and rich history.

The village of Old Warren is situated in an idyllic setting, surrounded by dense woodlands and rolling hills, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The area is home to a variety of native flora and fauna, including ancient oak trees, wildflowers, and a diverse range of bird species.

Steeped in history, the village is dotted with quaint cottages and buildings that date back centuries. These well-preserved historical structures give visitors a glimpse into the past and evoke a sense of nostalgia. The village also boasts a centuries-old church, which serves as a focal point for the community.

Old Warren offers a range of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. The surrounding woodlands provide ample opportunities for hiking, cycling, and nature walks, allowing visitors to explore the area's natural beauty at their own pace. Additionally, there are several well-maintained trails that lead to stunning viewpoints, offering panoramic vistas of the Berkshire countryside.

The village is also known for its warm and welcoming community, with locals often organizing cultural events and festivals throughout the year. These events showcase the village's rich heritage and provide an opportunity for visitors to interact with the friendly residents.

In conclusion, Old Warren, Berkshire, is a charming village that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical charm. With its picturesque landscapes, rich history, and warm community, it is a hidden gem for those seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of the Berkshire countryside.

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Old Warren Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.545578/-1.522068 or Grid Reference SU3383. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Barn & barn conversion opposite Sheepdrove Farmhouse

David Kemp

Sheepdrove Farmhouse, Lambourn

Although OS maps show it as 'Sheepdrove Farm', the house seen here is identified on signage as 'Sheepdrove Farmhouse'. The name 'Sheepdrove Farm' actually refers to the Sheepdrove Organic Farm & Eco Conference Centre the location of which is shown on OS maps as Warren Farm in nearby SU3581.

David Kemp

Gallops and road, Lambourn

Andrew Smith

Farmland, Sparsholt

Andrew Smith

Track and Small Wood, Westcot Down

Larger trees round here tend to occur in clumps of woodland like this rather than be on their own or in hedges. There is a patch of rough ground by the track here where you can leave the car and start off on a nice walk over the downs. Oxfordshire on the right, Berkshire on the left.

Des Blenkinsopp

Passing Number Four

A distance marker along one of the specially surfaced tracks for horses which are a feature of the Lambourn Downs, the Valley of the Racehorse, as roadside signs proclaim. All this area is used for training. I think the black stuff is made from old chopped up car tyres. A bridleway for ordinary horses goes along beside the posh one.

Des Blenkinsopp

County Hedges

Berkshire is this field down to the corner and then along the hedge to the left. Other side of the hedge and off to the horizon is Oxfordshire. A view on Kingston Warren Down.

Des Blenkinsopp

Soft Road for Racehorses

Different from the track we were walking beside a short way back, which looked to be surfaced with shredded tyres, this one seems to be made of shredded carpet or something. All very good recycling, it would appear. More of the ultra neat landscape on the Jockey Club's estate near Lambourn.

Des Blenkinsopp

Maintaining the Back Of The Hill

Maintenance is done 9:15 to 9:30 on Tuesdays and Saturdays apparently. That must just be the track surface. Keeping this estate so neat is going to take more than half an hour a week.

Des Blenkinsopp

Gallop, Lambourn, Berkshire

Oswald Bertram

Gallop, Lambourn, Berkshire

Oswald Bertram

Downland, near Lambourn, Berkshire

Oswald Bertram

Downland arable north of Seven Barrows

Taken on a showery evening, in rapidly changing light. The line of trees on the left marks the route of the road to Kingston Lisle; higher, on the right, is Hill Barn Clump. The stormy clouds hang over the crest of the downs and the Vale of the White Horse.

Stefan Czapski

A field of beans on the flank of Sparsholt Down

The crop here - vast acres of it - is broad beans. The narrow strip of woodland runs along the crest of Sparsholt Down.

Stefan Czapski

Byway on Pit Down

Here running north-east and uphill, shaded by a plantation of beeches. Behind the camera the track leads downhill to Seven Barrows and the road to Lambourn.

Stefan Czapski

Seven Barrows: cattle sheltering from rain

One of the most prominent barrows has a beech tree growing on top of it, and these bullocks were huddling beneath it during a drizzly spell. They soon emerged when the sun came out. Walking round the enclosed area of Seven Barrows nature reserve, I soon realised that there were more than seven mounds. I've seen estimates of two dozen and more - though they may refer to an area larger than the enclosed reserve.

Stefan Czapski

The Seven Barrows nature reserve

This is the site of a Bronze Age barrow cemetery, lying in a hollow on the Lambourn Downs. Walking round the site you soon realise that there are more barrows than the name suggests. My guess would be that the name dates from the centuries when mystical significance was assigned to the number seven (hence Seven Stars, Seven Seas, Seven Deadly Sins, Seven Ages of Man). The enclosed nature reserve is managed by the Berks., Bucks. & Oxon. Wildlife Trust, chiefly to conserve a small population of the Marsh Fritillary butterfly - a scarce species whose distribution has retreated westwards in the last half-century.

Stefan Czapski

Seven Barrows

This hollow in the Lambourn Downs is the site of a Bronze Age round-barrow cemetery. There are a good many mounds (certainly more than seven) but they are crowded together, and many sit in shallow depressions. An individual barrow may appear out of the long grass only as you approach it. The mound with the beech tree is perhaps the most isolated, and certainly the easiest to pick out at a distance. The picture was taken in rapidly changing light (after rain), and the light and shade helps emphasise the uneven relief.

Stefan Czapski

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Old Warren is located at Grid Ref: SU3383 (Lat: 51.545578, Lng: -1.522068)

Unitary Authority: West Berkshire

Police Authority: Thames Valley