Beech Wood

Wood, Forest in Oxfordshire South Oxfordshire

England

Beech Wood

K6 telephone box and bus shelter, Cray's Pond Credit: JThomas

Beech Wood is a picturesque forest located in the county of Oxfordshire, England. It covers an area of approximately 500 acres and is renowned for its stunning beech trees, which provide a unique and captivating landscape. The wood is situated near the village of Beechwood and is easily accessible to visitors from nearby towns and cities.

The forest is characterized by its dense canopy of beech trees, which create a serene and tranquil atmosphere. These majestic trees, with their smooth silver-gray bark and vibrant green leaves, offer a breathtaking sight throughout the year. In the spring, the wood is adorned with delicate blossoms, while in the autumn, it transforms into a fiery display of red, orange, and yellow hues.

Beech Wood is not only a haven for nature enthusiasts but also for wildlife. The forest is home to a diverse range of animals, including deer, foxes, badgers, and a variety of bird species. Exploring the wood, visitors may encounter these creatures in their natural habitat, making it a popular spot for wildlife photography and birdwatching.

Visitors to Beech Wood can enjoy a range of activities, from leisurely walks and picnics to more adventurous pursuits such as cycling and horse riding. Several well-marked trails crisscross the forest, providing opportunities for exploration and discovery. There are also designated picnic areas and seating areas, allowing visitors to relax and immerse themselves in the peaceful surroundings.

Overall, Beech Wood in Oxfordshire offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and recreational activities, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

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Beech Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.505252/-1.089182 or Grid Reference SU6378. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

K6 telephone box and bus shelter, Cray's Pond

JThomas

Bus shelter on the B4256, Cray's Pond

JThomas

B4526, Cray's Pond

JThomas

The White Lion, Cray's Pond

Not currently open (2022). See SU6380 : The White Lion, Crays Pond for happier times.

JThomas

Garage and car sales, Cray's Pond

JThomas

Whitchurch Bridge - toll booth

The first bridge spanning the River Thames connecting Whitchurch to Pangbourne was built in 1792; at the same time the toll house (seen here in the background) was constructed at the northern end of the bridge. The original timber bridge was replaced with another wooden bridge of a different design in 1853. That in turn was replaced with an iron bridge in 1902 which was strengthened in the 1920s. A fourth bridge was built in 2014 with a similar visual appearance to the 1902 bridge but better able to cope with modern traffic conditions. The bridge remains privately owned, changing hands for the first time in 2019 when it was sold to the General Estates Company Ltd; nevertheless it carries a classified road, the B471. The toll booth dates from 1992 and the current charge for cars is 60p.

Stephen McKay

The Greyhound, Whitchurch-on-Thames

One of two pubs in the village, the Greyhound was first recorded as a public house in 1831 and was converted by Blatch's Brewery of Theale, Berkshire from cottage properties; further major alterations were made in 1879. It is believed that the building may have been occupied at one time by a ferryman, although this would presumably have been before 1792 when the bridge was opened. Blatch's pub estate of 22 houses was absorbed by Ind Coope in 1965 and since 2021 the Greyhound has been part of Oak Taverns Group.

Stephen McKay

Eastfield House, Pangbourne

Surrounded by Heras fencing and boarded up, Eastfield House operated as a care home until its closure in 2016. As is usually the case with derelict properties like this, there is a long history of planning wrangles that are still not resolved. The owner is Majesticare and the house was registered to provide accommodation for 27 residents; the company first applied to demolish the building in 2014 but this was rejected. Despite obtaining permission (on appeal) in 2016 to build an extension that would increase the provision to 45 bedrooms, Majesticare then announced that the building was unsuitable for continued use as a care home for several reasons amongst which was the impossibility of providing en-suite facilities for all of the bedrooms. Their new proposal was for a completely new building in a similar red brick style that would have a larger basement to accommodate a kitchen and laundry. This was again refused by South Oxfordshire District Council on the grounds that it could adversely affect the conservation area and could harm two protected trees on the site. That decision was reported early in 2019 and three years later nothing appears to have happened except that, no doubt, the building is gradually deteriorating. This must surely be an unsatisfactory state of affairs for all concerned.

Stephen McKay

Muddy Lane, Whitchurch-on-Thames

No doubt a local name that has been officially adopted, Muddy Lane seems appropriate following a period of heavy rainfall.

Stephen McKay

Coombeside Cottage, Whitchurch-on-Thames

Somehow reminiscent of a doll's house, this building, originally two cottages now one, is dated by Historic England as 'probably late 18th century' although other sources suggest 1820. The gothic-style windows are a distinctive feature although the one above the doors has been painted on the wall. At one time one of the cottages served as the village post office. It is grade II listed.

Stephen McKay