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West Copse

Wood, Forest in Berkshire

England

West Copse

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

West Copse is a picturesque woodland area located in Berkshire, England. Situated near the village of Lambourn, it covers an extensive area of approximately 500 acres. The copse is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and those seeking tranquility in a serene natural environment.

The woodland is characterized by its dense canopy of trees, creating a shaded and cool atmosphere even on hot summer days. It is predominantly composed of native deciduous trees such as oak, beech, and birch, which provide a vibrant display of colors during the autumn months.

West Copse is a haven for wildlife, with a diverse range of species calling it home. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting resident and migratory birds, including woodpeckers, owls, and various songbirds. The forest floor is teeming with small mammals like squirrels, rabbits, and foxes, while the occasional deer can also be seen roaming through the undergrowth.

The copse offers several walking trails that wind through its enchanting landscape, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. These paths are well-maintained and suitable for all skill levels, making West Copse an ideal destination for families and avid hikers alike.

In addition to its natural beauty, West Copse also holds historical significance. It is believed to have been used as a hunting ground by ancient civilizations, and remnants of ancient structures have been discovered within its boundaries.

Overall, West Copse in Berkshire is a charming and idyllic woodland that offers a peaceful retreat from the bustle of everyday life. Its abundant wildlife, lush vegetation, and scenic trails make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those seeking a connection with the great outdoors.

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West Copse Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.480907/-1.2262555 or Grid Reference SU5376. 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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West Copse is located at Grid Ref: SU5376 (Lat: 51.480907, Lng: -1.2262555)

Unitary Authority: West Berkshire

Police Authority: Thames Valley

What 3 Words

///midfield.winner.detective. Near Hermitage, Berkshire

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West Copse Folly Hill

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 51.480907,-1.2262555
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
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