Keeping Copse

Wood, Forest in Hampshire New Forest

England

Keeping Copse

Road Junction, Bucklers Hard By the entrance to the museum village at Bucklers Hard. — Road Junction, Bucklers Hard Credit: Des Blenkinsopp

Keeping Copse is a beautiful woodland located in Hampshire, England. Spanning across a vast area of approximately 500 acres, this enchanting forest is a natural haven for both wildlife and nature enthusiasts alike. It is situated on the outskirts of the village of Keeping, hence its name, and is easily accessible for visitors from nearby towns and cities.

The copse is predominantly comprised of broadleaf trees such as oak, beech, and birch, creating a diverse and vibrant landscape throughout the seasons. The woodland floor is adorned with a rich carpet of wildflowers, including bluebells in the springtime, adding to the picturesque beauty of the area.

Keeping Copse is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its significant ecological value. It provides a habitat for a wide range of wildlife, including various bird species, small mammals, and insects. The forest is particularly known for its diverse bird population, with species such as woodpeckers, nightingales, and tits frequently spotted by birdwatchers.

The copse offers a plethora of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. There are numerous walking trails and paths that wind through the woodland, providing opportunities for leisurely strolls, jogging, or even more challenging hikes. Additionally, the forest has designated picnic areas, making it an ideal spot for families and friends to enjoy a day out in nature.

Keeping Copse is a place of tranquility and natural beauty that offers a unique glimpse into the wonders of the Hampshire countryside. Whether it's exploring the woodland, observing wildlife, or simply enjoying a peaceful picnic amidst the trees, this forest provides an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

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Keeping Copse Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.807152/-1.4389501 or Grid Reference SU3900. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Road Junction, Bucklers Hard

By the entrance to the museum village at Bucklers Hard.

Des Blenkinsopp

Orchard at Bucklers Hard

At the museum village of Bucklers Hard where wooden ships were built at one time. Apples were grown and stored by the villagers as an important part of their diet. Now the fruit is harvested to make a local brand of apple juice.

Des Blenkinsopp

The old village street, Bucklers Hard

A wide avenue from the main road down to the old shipbuilding village of Bucklers Hard. Nowadays it's just a grassy public footpath. Entry to the village is on foot from the car park off to the right.

Des Blenkinsopp

Rough grazing, Clobb

JThomas

Minor road, Clobb

JThomas

Museum end, Bucklers Hard

The west end of the museum in Bucklers Hard.

Oscar

Bucklers Hard signs

Signs on the end of a house in Bucklers Hard.

Oscar

Car Park at Bucklers Hard

John Lucas

Beaulieu - The Palace House

The Palace House at Beaulieu as seen today dates mostly from the C18th with a restoration and enlargement of 1872. However it incorporates a Mid C14th gatehouse which had been converted to a hunting lodge c.1540 for Lord Wriothesley. It has been the (not always primary) residence of the Montagu family for generations, see Link

Full EH Grade I listing here: Link

Their own website here: Link

Rob Farrow

Beaulieu - The Domus

The Domus is one of only two buildings of the original Cistercian abbey to have survived the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the C16th. It dates from the early C13th and was originally the Lay Brothers' Dormitory. It is now used by the estate for various functions e.g. conferences or "Medieval Banquets" - see Link

The Domus adjoins the (ruined) cloisters on their western side. The photograph was taken from the eastern side of these cloisters. It is EH Grade I listed Link

Rob Farrow

Beaulieu - foundations of former abbey church

Before the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the C16th there had been a Cistercian abbey here at Beaulieu with a large and magnificent abbey church. All that remains of that church now is the rocks of its foundations, some of which can be seen here. The abbey was 'dissolved' in April 1538, one of the earliest monasteries to close. It passed into the possession of Thomas Wriothesley, 1st Earl of Southampton (1505-50). Soon after this date the stone of most of the abbey was 'quarried' for building stones for other buildings. See extensive EH Ancient Monument write-up here: Link

See also SU3802 : Beaulieu - Northern Cloister wall which adjoins it and has a separate EH listing.

Rob Farrow

Beaulieu - Northern Cloister wall

A view along the northern wall of the former cloisters of Beaulieu Abbey. This wall would also effectively have been the southern wall of the nave of the former abbey church which has otherwise completely disappeared other than its foundations (see SU3802 : Beaulieu - foundations of former abbey church) The gateway seen on the left was the monks' entrance into the church from the cloister. See EH Grade I listing: Link

Rob Farrow

Beaulieu - Parish church (former frater) - Altar

The Church of the Blessed Virgin and Child (formerly listed by EH as Parish Church) occupies the building that was originally the frater (the dining room or refectory of a monastery) of the Cistercian abbey of Beaulieu. The abbey was founded in 1204 in the reign of King John, and the windows seen here to either side of the altar are clearly of the simple Early English Gothic style of that period. Along with most of the abbey remains, this church is EH Grade I listed Link

but interestingly is specifically excluded (along with its churchyard) from the Ancient Monument scheduling. Note that to get the windows vertical in this image, the altar is seen to lean - the walls of the church lean outwards quite noticeably and are supported by huge external buttresses (see SU3802 : Beaulieu: parish church of the Blessed Virgin and Holy Child for a good external view).

Rob Farrow

Horses grazing, Beaulieu

Horses grazing by the roadside in Beaulieu, in The New Forest. The road junction in the foreground forms the junction of the B3056, which starts/ends here, and the B3054.

Malc McDonald

Ponies in the road, Beaulieu

New Forest ponies wandering in the road in the village of Beaulieu. The road forms part of the route of the B3054 which links the towns of Lymington and Hythe.

Malc McDonald

Horses in the road, Beaulieu

Horses wandering along Palace Lane, in the village of Beaulieu. A queue of cars has formed behind the animals. Palace Lane forms part of the route of the B3054 road which links the towns of Lymington and Hythe.

Malc McDonald

High Street, Beaulieu

High Street in the village of Beaulieu, in The New Forest.

Malc McDonald

Palace Lane, Beaulieu

Palace Lane in the village of Beaulieu, in The New Forest. This road forms part of the route of the B3054 which links the towns of Lymington and Hythe.

Malc McDonald

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Keeping Copse is located at Grid Ref: SU3900 (Lat: 50.807152, Lng: -1.4389501)

Administrative County: Hampshire

District: New Forest

Police Authority: Hampshire