Ash Bed Plantation

Wood, Forest in Hampshire Basingstoke and Deane

England

Ash Bed Plantation

Manor Cottages, Freefolk, Hampshire 1939, by E.T.Mort, for Lord Portal. Long range of estate cottages in a picturesque Domestic Revival style.

(Source:Historic England) — Manor Cottages, Freefolk, Hampshire Credit: Oswald Bertram

Ash Bed Plantation is a sprawling woodland located in Hampshire, England. Covering an area of approximately 200 acres, it is a well-preserved example of a traditional British plantation, known for its dense ash tree population. The plantation is situated on the outskirts of the small village of Ash, offering a tranquil and picturesque setting for nature enthusiasts and visitors alike.

The woodland is primarily composed of mature ash trees, with their distinctive light gray bark and elegant, feather-like leaves. This species dominates the plantation, creating a dense canopy that filters sunlight and provides a cool and shaded environment beneath. The undergrowth is composed of a variety of native plants, including bluebells, ferns, and wildflowers, adding color and diversity to the woodland floor.

Ash Bed Plantation boasts a network of well-maintained footpaths and trails, allowing visitors to explore the woodland and enjoy its natural beauty. These paths meander through the plantation, offering opportunities for leisurely walks, jogging, and wildlife spotting. The plantation is home to a variety of bird species, including woodpeckers, owls, and various songbirds, making it an ideal location for birdwatching enthusiasts.

The woodland also serves as an important habitat for a range of other wildlife, such as squirrels, rabbits, and deer. Its diverse ecosystem supports a rich variety of plant and animal life, contributing to the overall biodiversity of the region.

Overall, Ash Bed Plantation is a captivating and well-preserved woodland, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature while providing a valuable habitat for local wildlife.

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Ash Bed Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.247728/-1.3062381 or Grid Reference SU4850. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Manor Cottages, Freefolk, Hampshire

1939, by E.T.Mort, for Lord Portal. Long range of estate cottages in a picturesque Domestic Revival style. (Source:Historic England)

Oswald Bertram

Manor Cottages, Freefolk, Hampshire

1939, by E.T.Mort, for Lord Portal. Long range of estate cottages in a picturesque Domestic Revival style. (Source:Historic England)

Oswald Bertram

Manor Cottages, Freefolk, Hampshire

1939, by E.T.Mort, for Lord Portal. Long range of estate cottages in a picturesque Domestic Revival style. (Source:Historic England)

Oswald Bertram

Lodge house, Laverstoke, Hampshire

Oswald Bertram

Church of St Mary the Virgin, Freefolk, Hampshire

1896, by J L Pearson. Early English style; chancel with north vestry, nave with north aisle, tower at the east and south side of the nave (containing a chapel), south porch. Externally, the walling is of flint with Bath stone dressings; lancets and smaller coupled lancets to chancel and aisle, impost and cill bands, stepped buttresses, plinth. Tile roof, shingled broach spire. The interior has screens between chapel & nave, and chancel and nave. A feature is a large Triptych, said to be a copy of one at Jacobskirche and Rothenburg. (Source:Historic England)

Oswald Bertram

Bombay Sapphire Distillery, Laverstoke

The Bombay Sapphire gin distillery at Laverstoke, Hampshire. The Domesday Book records the presence of 2 corn mills at Laverstoke but in 1712 the mill is converted to making paper by Henry Portal, a French Huguenot. In 1854 it was upgraded to include a water turbine and in the 1860s it produced banknotes and postal orders. Papermaking ceased in 1963 and in 2010 it was opened as the Bombay Sapphire distillery. Refer to picture SU4948 : Bombay Sapphire & the River Test for a different view.

Len Williams

Bombay Sapphire & the River Test

This view of the Bombay Sapphire distillery shows the river Test which runs through the site and the relief displaying a portrait of Queen Victoria. For a view of one of the original buildings refer to picture SU4948 : Paper Mill building, Laverstoke.

Len Williams

Paper Mill building, Laverstoke

One of the original paper mill buildings on the site of the Bombay Sapphire gin distillery. For a view of the modern site refer to picture SU4948 : Bombay Sapphire Distillery, Laverstoke.

Len Williams

Watership Down Inn, Freefolk, Hampshire

The Watership Down Inn at Freefolk, Hampshire. Watership Down, which was made famous in the book by Richard Adams, is situated to the North of this pub/restaurant. The pub dates from the 1800s when is it was called the Freefolk Arms.

Len Williams

St Mary the Virgin, Freefolk, Hampshire

The church of St Mary the Virgin, Freefolk, Hampshire. Constructed in the 1800s for the benefit of the workers at the paper printing mill in Laverstoke, (now the Bombay gin distillery - refer to picture SU4948 : Bombay Sapphire Distillery, Laverstoke). For another view of the church refer to picture SU4848 : St Mary the Virgin, Freefolk, Hampshire.

Len Williams

St Mary the Virgin, Freefolk, Hampshire

The church of St Mary the Virgin at Freefolk, Hampshire. The church replaced the original church which is now in ruins on private land. For a view of the lych gate refer to picture SU4848 : St Mary the Virgin Lych Gate, Freefolk, Hants. For a view of the Freefolk thatched houses refer to picture SU4848 : Thatched Houses Freefolk, Hampshire.

Len Williams

St Mary the Virgin Lych Gate, Freefolk, Hants

The Lych Gate at the church of St Mary the Virgin, Freefolk, Hampshire. The gate is inscribed 'Pax Intrantibus'. For a view of the church refer to picture SU4848 : St Mary the Virgin, Freefolk, Hampshire.

Len Williams

Thatched Houses Freefolk, Hampshire

Houses in the village of Freefolk, Hampshire. Built in 1939 for the workers at the paper mill it boasts having the longest residential run of thatch in the UK. The spire of the church of St Mary the Virgin can be seen in the background, refer to picture SU4848 : St Mary the Virgin, Freefolk, Hampshire.

Len Williams