Beech Copse

Wood, Forest in Hampshire

England

Beech Copse

Central IOW from St Catherine's Hill A good view over the middle of the island from up here on the southern edge. — Central IOW from St Catherine's Hill Credit: Des Blenkinsopp

Beech Copse is a beautiful woodland located in Hampshire, England. Covering an area of approximately 50 acres, it is characterized by its dense beech trees, creating a stunning canopy that stretches as far as the eye can see. The copse is situated within the South Downs National Park, adding to its natural beauty and providing a haven for wildlife.

As one explores Beech Copse, they will be surrounded by a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. The woodland floor is covered in a thick carpet of fallen leaves, creating a soft and cushioned pathway. The beech trees stand tall and majestic, their branches intertwining to create a lush green roof that filters the sunlight, casting an ethereal glow throughout the copse.

The diverse ecosystem of Beech Copse is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Wildflowers such as bluebells, primroses, and wood anemones bloom in abundance during the spring, painting the forest floor with vibrant colors. The woodland is also teeming with wildlife, including deer, squirrels, foxes, and a multitude of bird species, making it a popular spot for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Beech Copse offers a range of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. There are numerous walking trails that crisscross through the woodland, allowing visitors to explore its hidden corners and discover its natural treasures. The copse is also a popular spot for picnics and family outings, providing a serene and picturesque backdrop for a day in nature.

In summary, Beech Copse is a captivating woodland in Hampshire, boasting a dense canopy of beech trees, a diverse array of flora and fauna, and a tranquil ambiance. It is a place of natural beauty and a sanctuary for wildlife, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the wonders of nature.

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Beech Copse Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.599421/-1.283552 or Grid Reference SZ5077. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Central IOW from St Catherine's Hill

A good view over the middle of the island from up here on the southern edge.

Des Blenkinsopp

Old lighthouse in the way

Construction of a lighthouse on top of St Catherine's Hill started in the 1780's but was soon abandoned because the site was so often foggy. When they came to put up a radio mast on the same site, they had to work around the base of the old tower.

Des Blenkinsopp

Crops on St Catherine's Hill

The edge of the access land around St Catherine's Oratory. Beyond is farmland to the horizon.

Des Blenkinsopp

Chalk Grassland, Niton Down

Home to a great diversity of plants and creatures, chalk grassland is often a preserved habitat.

Des Blenkinsopp

St Catherine's Oratory, Isle of Wight

Looking along the south-west coast of the island

Michael Earnshaw

St. Catherine's Oratory

Locally known as the Pepperpot. Dating from about 1320, it was erected by Walter de Godeton as an act of penance for plundering wine from the wreck of St. Marie of Bayonne in Chale Bay.

George Griffin

Blackgang Chine from A3055

This is a ravine 400ft deep, a wild place in the 19C but now filled by a theme park. Alexander Dabell started a scenic garden in 1842 and opened it in 1845 to attract the increasing numbers of tourists. The chine is now much shorter than it was in the mid-19C, such is the speed of erosion on this coast. The site now includes 35 acres on the clifftop.

Humphrey Bolton

Hoy's Monument

Viewed from the south. On the northern face it reads:- In commemoration of the visit of His Imperial Majesty Alexander the 1st Emperor of all the Russias to Great Britain in the year 1814 In remembrance of many happy Years Residence in his Dominions This Pillar was erected by Michael Hoy On the southern face it reads This tablet was erected by William Henry Dawes Late Lieutenant of H.M. 22nd Reg In honour of those brave men of the allied armies who fell on the Alma at Inkermann and at the siege of Sevastapol A.D. 1857 see SZ4978 : Hoy Monument Plaque and SZ4978 : Plaque on the North Face of the Hoy Monument

Bob Embleton

Trig Point on St Catherine's Hill

Close to St. Catherine's Oratory, a tumulus, and a modern transmitter. Looking north along the ridge towards the Hoy Monument.

Bob Embleton

Transmitter Tower and St Catherine's Oratory

Within a few hundred yards of each other we have a Bronze Age Tumulus, a Medieval Lighthouse, possibly the base of a windmill??, a trig point and the modern transmitter.

Bob Embleton

Base of Old Lighthouse on St Catherine's Hill

Begun in 1785 but abandoned before it was finished because the frequent fog at the site made it useless. Known as the mustard pot or the salt cellar (to go with St Catherine's tower being the pepperpot)

Bob Embleton

Tumulus near St Catherine's Oratory and Trig Point

Looking north from near the base of the transmitter.

Bob Embleton

Near Hermitage Dairy Farm

A bridleway climbs the north-west shoulder of St. Catherine's Down towards Hoy's monument. It is constrained by this fence and beyond are some of the many pastures of Hermitage Dairy Farm.

Graham Horn

Copse near Hermitage Dairy

From the road to the Hermitage looking south towards an un-named copse marked on the 1:25K map. Although it's near the dairy, this is sheep pasture.

Graham Horn

Terrace with a view

These sheep seem oblivious to the extensive view across the east of the island from their terrace. A couple are checking out the photographer though.

Graham Horn

Entrance to The Hermitage

Public entrance on the right. Tradesmen's entrance on the left. Footpath round the back of the estate to the left by the stone wall. The Hermitage is the remotest Country House on the Isle of Wight, now a luxury (5-star) bed and breakfast. Originally the home of Michael Hoy a successful 18th century trader, who also built the nearby Hoy monument to commemorate the visit of the Russian Tsar.

Graham Horn

Cottage near the Hermitage

An estate cottage for the Hermitage. The country house itself is hidden in the woodland behind this cottage.

Graham Horn

Stile and trig point on St Catherine's Hill

On the left the painted-white triangulation pillar on St Catherine's Hill, and in the foreground a stile leading to the footpath on the left of the fence. At the hill summit is the base of an old lighthouse and a modern telecoms mast and associated buildings. It is raining.

Jim Champion

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Beech Copse is located at Grid Ref: SZ5077 (Lat: 50.599421, Lng: -1.283552)

Unitary Authority: Isle of Wight

Police Authority: Hampshire