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Westbrook Copse

Wood, Forest in Berkshire

England

Westbrook Copse

Horse chestnut avenue, Hampstead Norreys, Berkshire
Horse chestnut avenue, Hampstead Norreys, Berkshire Credit: Oswald Bertram

Westbrook Copse, located in Berkshire, England, is a charming wood known for its diverse natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. Spanning approximately 100 acres, this enchanting forest offers a haven for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike.

The copse is predominantly composed of deciduous trees, such as oak, beech, and birch, which create a vibrant canopy during the warmer months. These trees provide ample shade and shelter for the copse's rich understory, featuring an array of wildflowers, ferns, and mosses. The forest floor is often carpeted with bluebells in spring, creating a picturesque scene for visitors.

Several well-maintained trails crisscross Westbrook Copse, allowing visitors to explore the woodland at their own pace. The pathways wind through the trees, meandering alongside babbling brooks and small ponds, enhancing the woodland experience. Birdwatchers will be delighted to spot a variety of avian species, including woodpeckers, nuthatches, and warblers, amongst others.

Westbrook Copse is not only a haven for flora and fauna but also provides a peaceful retreat for visitors seeking solitude and relaxation. The tranquil ambiance is further enhanced by the absence of vehicles, as motorized vehicles are not permitted within the copse. This makes it an ideal location for a leisurely stroll, picnic, or even yoga practice in nature.

Managed by the local authority, Westbrook Copse is well-maintained, with regular upkeep ensuring the preservation of its natural beauty. It is a popular destination for families, couples, and individuals looking to connect with nature and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its idyllic setting and diverse ecosystem, Westbrook Copse is a true gem in the heart of Berkshire.

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Westbrook Copse Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.479158/-1.2393745 or Grid Reference SU5275. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Horse chestnut avenue, Hampstead Norreys, Berkshire
Horse chestnut avenue, Hampstead Norreys, Berkshire
Hampstead Norreys Recreation Ground Since the dawn of time young people have always found a space to play a game and older ones a pleasant spot to sit and natter. But it was the industrial revolution that necessitated a more structured approach to recreational spaces, the idea that those who could do so should provide positive leisure experiences for the less well off. One of the by-products of the great Public Health Act of 1848 was the purposely built park. In 1847, Birkenhead opened a facility designed by the noted landscape architect Joseph Paxton. By 1870 the Mayor of Manchester, John Grave, could say of a new facility: “It is a park of the people. The people have made it; the people have paid for it; and the people will use it.” Thus, such places became focal points for space starved communities. The paintings of LS Lowry spring to mind. Progress in this area ebbs and flows. In 1936 the King George V Playing Fields Scheme to create new sites got under way, but by the 1980s schools were being encouraged to sell their fields to pay for refurbishments. Fast forward another generation and the collective anxiety about child and adult obesity has seen the pendulum swing again. As Nick Piercey of Manchester Metropolitan University observes: space for recreation is not neutral but shaped by our past, present and future concerns.
Hampstead Norreys Recreation Ground
Since the dawn of time young people have always found a space to play a game and older ones a pleasant spot to sit and natter. But it was the industrial revolution that necessitated a more structured approach to recreational spaces, the idea that those who could do so should provide positive leisure experiences for the less well off. One of the by-products of the great Public Health Act of 1848 was the purposely built park. In 1847, Birkenhead opened a facility designed by the noted landscape architect Joseph Paxton. By 1870 the Mayor of Manchester, John Grave, could say of a new facility: “It is a park of the people. The people have made it; the people have paid for it; and the people will use it.” Thus, such places became focal points for space starved communities. The paintings of LS Lowry spring to mind. Progress in this area ebbs and flows. In 1936 the King George V Playing Fields Scheme to create new sites got under way, but by the 1980s schools were being encouraged to sell their fields to pay for refurbishments. Fast forward another generation and the collective anxiety about child and adult obesity has seen the pendulum swing again. As Nick Piercey of Manchester Metropolitan University observes: space for recreation is not neutral but shaped by our past, present and future concerns.
Churchyard Entrance The entrance to the churchyard at Hampstead Norreys
Churchyard Entrance
The entrance to the churchyard at Hampstead Norreys
St Mary's Church St Mary's Church Hampstead Norreys
St Mary's Church
St Mary's Church Hampstead Norreys
Notice board and Arch The church notice board and what looks like a new arch since I came here last
Notice board and Arch
The church notice board and what looks like a new arch since I came here last
Things in the Trees Looking along the path in the churchyard at St Mary's Hampstead Norreys where there are things hanging in the trees
Things in the Trees
Looking along the path in the churchyard at St Mary's Hampstead Norreys where there are things hanging in the trees
Hanging in the Tree Could not tell you what they are called but they are hanging in the churchyard at Hampstead Norreys, turns out the village had some occasion going on
Hanging in the Tree
Could not tell you what they are called but they are hanging in the churchyard at Hampstead Norreys, turns out the village had some occasion going on
Still there The two graves are still here in Hampstead Norreys churchyard and not pushed over by the tree yet <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2711229">SU5276 : Pushed over by a tree</a>
Still there
The two graves are still here in Hampstead Norreys churchyard and not pushed over by the tree yet SU5276 : Pushed over by a tree
The Bell Tower St Mary's belltower from the end of the churchyard
The Bell Tower
St Mary's belltower from the end of the churchyard
Towards the Top View towards the top of St Mary's churchyard in Hampstead Norreys though since my last visit I see some fencing has been placed round one grave for safety reasons
Towards the Top
View towards the top of St Mary's churchyard in Hampstead Norreys though since my last visit I see some fencing has been placed round one grave for safety reasons
Under the Tree Part of St Mary's churchyard which is situated under the trees on the west end
Under the Tree
Part of St Mary's churchyard which is situated under the trees on the west end
Hampstead Norreys Graveyard The extension from the churchyard across the track behind me. Looks tidy like my last visit though less misty <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2709335">SU5276 : Graveyard near the church</a>
Hampstead Norreys Graveyard
The extension from the churchyard across the track behind me. Looks tidy like my last visit though less misty SU5276 : Graveyard near the church
The opposite end The opposite end of the churchyard at St Mary Hampstead Norreys where over by the wall are more tombs fenced off for safety
The opposite end
The opposite end of the churchyard at St Mary Hampstead Norreys where over by the wall are more tombs fenced off for safety
Tomb near the Church Tomb where the inscription is very clear considering its age beside St Mary Hampstead Norreys
Tomb near the Church
Tomb where the inscription is very clear considering its age beside St Mary Hampstead Norreys
Fencing on the Tomb Did not check why but the fencing is around the iron railings of this family tomb in the churchyard at St Mary Hampstead Norreys
Fencing on the Tomb
Did not check why but the fencing is around the iron railings of this family tomb in the churchyard at St Mary Hampstead Norreys
Problem with Ivy From the look of the size of the stumps on top of this tomb in the churchyard at St Mary Hampstead Norreys it had a problem with ivy
Problem with Ivy
From the look of the size of the stumps on top of this tomb in the churchyard at St Mary Hampstead Norreys it had a problem with ivy
In the Clear These two headstone from a family vault are now in the clear after the undergrowth has been removed at St Mary Hampstead Norreys
In the Clear
These two headstone from a family vault are now in the clear after the undergrowth has been removed at St Mary Hampstead Norreys
Corner of the Churchyard Last time I visited St Mary I'm sure all this area was overgrown now it seems to have been all cut back
Corner of the Churchyard
Last time I visited St Mary I'm sure all this area was overgrown now it seems to have been all cut back
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Westbrook Copse is located at Grid Ref: SU5275 (Lat: 51.479158, Lng: -1.2393745)

Unitary Authority: West Berkshire

Police Authority: Thames Valley

What 3 Words

///saloons.recitals.intruding. Near Hermitage, Berkshire

Nearby Locations

Park Wood Down Wood Eling Westbrook Copse

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 51.479158,-1.2393745
Post Box
Post Box Type: pillar
Postal Code: RG18
Ref: RG18 125
Royal Cypher: EIIR
Royal Cypher Wikidata: Q33102113
Lat/Long: 51.4832857/-1.2366276
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Telephone
Booth: K6
Covered: booth
Note: modern phone box was replaced in 2009 with old design "red phone box" after long campaign by Hampstead Norreys residents
Lat/Long: 51.4832769/-1.2367019
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Hampstead Norreys Motte
Information: board
Tourism: information
Lat/Long: 51.4823299/-1.2404255
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Leisure: playground
Lat/Long: 51.4824573/-1.241167
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
Hunters Hill Wood Berkshire
Ellers Wood Yorkshire

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