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Beech Wood

Wood, Forest in Berkshire

England

Beech Wood

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

Beech Wood is a quaint and picturesque forest located in Berkshire, England. Covering an area of approximately 100 hectares, this stunning woodland is renowned for its dense canopy of beech trees, which lend the forest its name. Beech Wood is a cherished local landmark and a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike.

The forest boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a haven for wildlife. Visitors can expect to encounter a variety of bird species, such as woodpeckers and nightingales, along with small mammals like foxes and badgers. The forest floor is carpeted with a rich tapestry of wildflowers, adding to the enchanting atmosphere of the wood.

Beech Wood offers an extensive network of walking trails and paths, allowing visitors to explore the forest at their own pace. The paths wind through the towering beech trees, creating a peaceful and serene ambiance. The well-maintained trails are suitable for all ages and fitness levels, making it an ideal location for families and leisurely strolls.

In addition to its natural beauty, Beech Wood is also home to historical landmarks. The remnants of ancient ironworks and charcoal kilns can still be seen within the forest, providing a glimpse into the area's industrial past. These historical features add an intriguing layer of depth to the woodland experience.

Overall, Beech Wood in Berkshire is a captivating destination that offers both natural beauty and historical significance. Whether it's for a leisurely walk, wildlife spotting, or simply a moment of tranquility, this enchanting forest provides a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

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Beech Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.489669/-1.2268274 or Grid Reference SU5377. 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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Beech Wood is located at Grid Ref: SU5377 (Lat: 51.489669, Lng: -1.2268274)

Unitary Authority: West Berkshire

Police Authority: Thames Valley

What 3 Words

///resources.trembles.mammoths. Near Compton, Berkshire

Nearby Locations

Beech Wood Hackney Bottom

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