Gravels Belt

Wood, Forest in Oxfordshire South Oxfordshire

England

Gravels Belt

Direction Sign â Signpost on Hardwick Road, Whitchurch-on-Thames Located on the southwest side of the junction of Hardwick Road, Sheepwash Lane and a bridleway to Mapledurham, in Whitchurch-on-Thames parish. 3 arms and pawn finial. See also <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2182449" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2182449">Link</a>.

Milestone Society National ID: OX_SU6577 — Direction Sign â Signpost on Hardwick Road, Whitchurch-on-Thames Credit: John V Nicholls

Gravels Belt, located in Oxfordshire, England, is a charming and picturesque woodland area known for its remarkable beauty and diverse array of flora and fauna. Spanning across a vast expanse of land, Gravels Belt is a haven for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.

The woodland is predominantly composed of ancient, mature trees, including oak, beech, and birch, which create a dense and lush canopy overhead. These towering trees provide shade and shelter for a wide variety of plant species that thrive in the rich, fertile soil beneath. Bluebells, primroses, and wild garlic paint the forest floor with vibrant hues during the spring months, creating a captivating sight for visitors.

The wildlife in Gravels Belt is equally impressive, with numerous species calling this woodland home. Deer can often be spotted gracefully moving through the undergrowth, while squirrels scamper about, collecting acorns and nuts for their winter stash. The area is also a haven for birdwatchers, as it is home to a diverse range of bird species, including woodpeckers, owls, and various songbirds.

Gravels Belt offers a multitude of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. Hiking and walking trails weave through the woodland, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature. There are also designated picnic areas and camping spots available, providing the perfect opportunity for families to spend a day or weekend surrounded by the beauty of the forest.

Overall, Gravels Belt in Oxfordshire is a captivating and enchanting woodland area, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its beauty and biodiversity make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of nature.

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Gravels Belt Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.501067/-1.0885738 or Grid Reference SU6378. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Direction Sign â Signpost on Hardwick Road, Whitchurch-on-Thames

Located on the southwest side of the junction of Hardwick Road, Sheepwash Lane and a bridleway to Mapledurham, in Whitchurch-on-Thames parish. 3 arms and pawn finial. See also Link. Milestone Society National ID: OX_SU6577

John V Nicholls

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

Pangbourne village sign

This well-maintained village sign stands adjacent to the village hall car park. It depicts Bertwulf, King of Mercia, who was granted land here in AD844.

Stephen McKay

The Cross Keys, Pangbourne

This Church Road pub is part of the Greene King estate and has a rear garden on the banks of the River Pang. The building dates from the early to mid 18th century, with 19th century alterations and additions, and is grade II listed.

Stephen McKay

River Thames, Pangbourne

A number of vessels are moored here on the Pangbourne bank of the river just upstream from Whitchurch Bridge.

Stephen McKay

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

War memorial in the churchyard of St James Church Pangbourne

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

Whitchurch Bridge under reconstruction in 2014

Whitchurch Bridge across the Thames under reconstruction in 2014. The bridge was closed to vehicular traffic but pedestrians could use the temporary bridge to the left.

Chris Wood