Ashlake Copse

Wood, Forest in Hampshire

England

Ashlake Copse

Track in Firestone Copse Well maintained, wide forestry tracks run all through the copse, making it a popular place for walking. — Track in Firestone Copse Credit: Des Blenkinsopp

Ashlake Copse is a serene woodland located in the county of Hampshire, England. Spread over an area of approximately 50 acres, this enchanting copse is a natural haven for wildlife and an ideal retreat for nature lovers. It is situated near the village of Ashlake, nestled within the picturesque Hampshire countryside.

The copse is characterized by its dense canopy of towering oak, beech, and birch trees, which provide a lush and verdant environment. The forest floor is carpeted with an array of wildflowers, ferns, and mosses, creating a vibrant and diverse ecosystem. Ashlake Copse is also home to various species of birds, such as woodpeckers, owls, and thrushes, which can be heard singing melodiously throughout the day.

Visitors to Ashlake Copse can enjoy leisurely walks along the well-maintained footpaths that wind through the woods, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The copse is particularly popular during the spring when the forest floor becomes a vibrant tapestry of bluebells and other wildflowers.

In addition to its natural beauty, Ashlake Copse also boasts a rich cultural history. It is believed to have been part of an ancient forest that covered much of the region during the medieval period. Remnants of old boundary walls and ditches can still be seen, adding to the copse's charm and intrigue.

Overall, Ashlake Copse is a captivating woodland retreat that offers visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in nature, explore its diverse flora and fauna, and experience the tranquility of the Hampshire countryside.

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Ashlake Copse Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.730193/-1.2187205 or Grid Reference SZ5592. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Track in Firestone Copse

Well maintained, wide forestry tracks run all through the copse, making it a popular place for walking.

Des Blenkinsopp

Bend in the Track

A forestry track in Firestone Copse.

Des Blenkinsopp

Drew's Brews in the Forest

A mobile coffee shop in the Firestone Copse car park.

Des Blenkinsopp

Gate into the Forest

Access gate into the less visited eastern part of Firestone copse. The main forest tracks are open for cycling, but the yellow notice warns against using unofficial paths which have been made as they could be dangerous. That's probably half the attraction, but at least the forestry people have covered themselves.

Des Blenkinsopp

Path in the Forest

The smaller, eastern section of Firestone Copse is much less visited than the main bit on the other side of Firestone Copse Road. The tracks are muddier and less well maintained.

Des Blenkinsopp

Ferns in the Forest

Away from the paths, a lot of the forest is not easy to wander about in.

Des Blenkinsopp

Archway at Quarr Abbey

These outbuildings next to the abbey are made out of local stone and are quite different in appearance to the red brick abbey itself.

Des Blenkinsopp

Quarr Road

A leafy avenue between the present abbey and the ruins of its medieval predecessor. Part of the Isle of Wight Coast Path.

Des Blenkinsopp

Quarr Abbey Tower

The abbey buildings rise above the surrounding trees.

Des Blenkinsopp

Madonna & Child, Quarr Abbey

A statue in the abbey garden.

Des Blenkinsopp

Quarr Abbey

Another picture of the impressive brick built abbey which was constructed between 1907 and 1912 to the designs of one of the monks.

Des Blenkinsopp

The Shore, Binstead

The sign on the path leading down here from the road says "to the shore." Not to the beach, an important difference. A mess of mud, seaweed, shingle and a lot of dead wood, this is a decidedly uncharismatic bit of coastline.

Des Blenkinsopp

Houses on Wootton High Street

An old Isle of Wight Railway notice board is on the wall.

Des Blenkinsopp

Tesco Express, Wootton

Des Blenkinsopp

"The Needles" at the Ferry Port

By the pedestrian entrance to the IOW ferry terminal at Fishbourne. A model of the island's famous rocks and lighthouse at the western end. A bit of concrete, a bit of pipe, a bit of paint and a bit of imagination.

Des Blenkinsopp