Fishbourne Copse

Wood, Forest in Hampshire

England

Fishbourne Copse

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&#039;s probably half the attraction, but at least the forestry people have covered themselves. — Gate into the Forest Credit: Des Blenkinsopp

Fishbourne Copse is a picturesque woodland located in Hampshire, England. Covering an area of approximately 60 hectares, it is part of the wider Fishbourne Meadows Nature Reserve. The copse is situated near the village of Fishbourne, just a few miles east of the historic city of Chichester.

The woodland is predominantly composed of broadleaf trees, including oak, ash, beech, and hazel. These trees create a dense canopy, which provides shade and shelter for a variety of wildlife. In the spring and summer months, the copse bursts into life with a vibrant display of wildflowers, including bluebells, primroses, and wood anemones.

Fishbourne Copse is home to a diverse range of bird species, making it a popular spot for birdwatchers. Visitors may catch a glimpse of woodpeckers, nuthatches, and tawny owls. The copse also supports a healthy population of small mammals, such as badgers, foxes, and squirrels.

A network of footpaths and trails wind through the copse, allowing visitors to explore its natural beauty. These paths are well-maintained and suitable for walkers of all abilities. There are also designated picnic areas, where visitors can relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

Managed by the Hampshire Wildlife Trust, Fishbourne Copse is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its ecological importance. Conservation efforts are focused on maintaining the copse's unique habitat and protecting its wildlife.

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Fishbourne Copse Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.733378/-1.2029672 or Grid Reference SZ5692. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

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

Stones and Clay

There is just a surface scatter of stones here, stuck in an underlying layer of soft bluey-grey clay as seen centre shot. Walking over it is a strange sensation. Not at all like the get nowhere fast trudge of shingle, more like walking on some sort of cobblestoned bog.

Des Blenkinsopp

Teapot in the Woods

In a clearing beside Quarr Road.

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