Barnard's Copse

Wood, Forest in Berkshire

England

Barnard's Copse

The Red Lion, Upper Basildon, Berkshire Credit: Oswald Bertram

Barnard's Copse is a picturesque woodland located in Berkshire, England. Covering an area of approximately 100 acres, this enchanting forest is renowned for its natural beauty and diverse wildlife.

The copse is predominantly composed of ancient oak trees, with their towering canopies providing a dense cover that creates a sense of tranquility and seclusion. This woodland is particularly popular during the spring and summer months when the trees are adorned with lush green leaves, creating a stunning and vibrant display.

Walking through Barnard's Copse, visitors can enjoy a network of well-maintained footpaths that wind their way through the forest, allowing for an immersive and peaceful experience in nature. The woodland floor is carpeted with a variety of wildflowers, including bluebells and primroses, adding bursts of color to the scene.

The copse is also home to a wide range of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and a plethora of bird species. Birdwatchers can spot woodpeckers, owls, and various songbirds, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts.

Aside from its natural beauty, Barnard's Copse also holds historical significance. It is believed that the woodland has existed for centuries, and remnants of ancient earthworks and barrows can still be found within its boundaries. These archaeological features provide insight into the copse's rich cultural heritage.

Overall, Barnard's Copse in Berkshire offers visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. With its ancient trees, vibrant wildflowers, and abundant wildlife, this woodland is a true gem in the heart of England.

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Barnard's Copse Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.482503/-1.1173139 or Grid Reference SU6176. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Red Lion, Upper Basildon, Berkshire

Oswald Bertram

Basildon C of E Primary School: early April 2016

Basher Eyre

House on Gardeners Lane, Upper Basildon

David Howard

Aldworth Road at the junction of Gardeners Lane

David Howard

The Red Lion, Upper Basildon

Darby Lane is on the left

David Howard

Upper Basildon: former General Stores

I wandered around Upper Basildon for a while, without finding an obvious village centre. The most substantial older building I could find was the one shown here. I wondered whether it had once been a pub - though village pubs usually stand back a bit from the roadway. There is an air of importance about it - could it have been a police station? If so, it would have been unduly large in a small village. It was only when I spotted Des Blenkinsop's contribution SU5976 : General Stores, Upper Basildon that I saw the 'ghost sign' up at eaves-level. It's still there, but somewhat faded.

Stefan Czapski

Upper Basildon: view along the Aldworth Road

Stefan Czapski

Large house on Aldworth Road, Upper Basildon

There are two next to each other and appear to be recently built.

David Howard

Edge of the Terrace, Basildon Park

An ornamental wall at the edge of the formal garden on the east side of Basildon House.

Des Blenkinsopp

The Swan, Pangbourne

As the writing on the wall makes clear, this riverside pub on Shooter's Hill is believed to date from 1642. Internally it is surprisingly large with a number of separate areas and there is a terrace overlooking the Thames on the other side. The pub gets a mention in Jerome K Jerome's classic 'Three Men in a Boat' - it was here that they abandoned their boat in the last chapter before getting a train to London for a good meal. According to one story, the county boundary between Berkshire and Oxfordshire used to pass through the building necessitating two separate licences and different closing times for each half of the bar. See SU6376 : The Swan Inn, Pangbourne for a wider view.

Stephen McKay

Weirpool, Pangbourne

This large house overlooking the River Thames at Pangbourne - just below the weir - dates from about 1650 although there were alterations and additions in around 1900. It is grade II listed.

Stephen McKay

To the station at Pangbourne

This access road leads up from Shooter's Hill to Pangbourne station and then back down again - the loop sensibly designated as a one way street. The Great Western Railway buildings, iron railings and mock gas lamps all help to create a slightly olde-world atmosphere despite a few modern intrusions.

Stephen McKay

Under the railway at Pangbourne

The bridge that connects Shooter's Hill with Station Road under the Great Western main line railway has a separate pedestrian subway section that is partly lined with white glazed bricks. It could be an unpleasant spot but in well-heeled Pangbourne it is kept acceptably clean and tidy with a refreshing absence of graffiti.

Stephen McKay

The approach to Basildon House

Rod Allday

Pangbourne Station - subway

Pedestrian subways can often be dismal places to be scurried through as quickly as possible but here at Pangbourne station a real effort has been made to brighten things up. According to a BBC report, the idea came from Helen Stock who works in the ticket office. The Bee Friendly Trust came up with the design for a mural and it was painted by the Mural Artists, a group of street artists. It is, of course, also a reminder of the vital role bees play in ecosystems.

Stephen McKay

Pangbourne Station

Pangbourne is one of the intermediate stations between Reading and Didcot Parkway. It only has platforms on the relief lines and this view shows the buildings on the down (westbound) side which have an unmistakeable Great Western Railway style.

Stephen McKay