Alder Copse

Wood, Forest in Berkshire

England

Alder Copse

The Swan, Pangbourne As the writing on the wall makes clear, this riverside pub on Shooter&#039;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&#039;s classic &#039;Three Men in a Boat&#039; - 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 <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4642616">SU6376 : The Swan Inn, Pangbourne</a> for a wider view. — The Swan, Pangbourne Credit: Stephen McKay

Alder Copse, located in Berkshire, England, is a pristine wood or forest known for its natural beauty and diverse ecosystem. Spanning over a vast area, it is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

The copse is predominantly composed of alder trees, hence its name. These trees create a dense canopy, providing shade and shelter for a variety of flora and fauna. The forest floor is covered in a thick layer of moss, providing a soft and cushioned feeling underfoot. This mossy carpet is interspersed with vibrant wildflowers, adding a splash of color to the otherwise green landscape.

Alder Copse is crisscrossed with a network of well-maintained trails, allowing visitors to explore the area at their own pace. These trails wind through the forest, offering glimpses of ancient oaks, beech trees, and other indigenous species. The peaceful atmosphere is occasionally broken by the sound of birdsong, as the copse is home to a diverse range of bird species, including woodpeckers, thrushes, and owls.

The copse is also a haven for wildlife. Squirrels scurry through the treetops, while rabbits and deer can often be spotted grazing in the clearings. The occasional glimpse of a fox or badger adds to the sense of wilderness that Alder Copse embodies.

Overall, Alder Copse in Berkshire is a captivating woodland that offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its lush vegetation, diverse wildlife, and well-maintained trails, it is a hidden gem waiting to be explored by nature lovers.

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Alder Copse Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.47756/-1.0871416 or Grid Reference SU6375. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Swan, Pangbourne As the writing on the wall makes clear, this riverside pub on Shooter&#039;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&#039;s classic &#039;Three Men in a Boat&#039; - 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 <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4642616">SU6376 : The Swan Inn, Pangbourne</a> for a wider view.

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.

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.

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.

To the station at Pangbourne This access road leads up from Shooter&#039;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.

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.

Under the railway at Pangbourne The bridge that connects Shooter&#039;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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Meadowside Road, Pangbourne Semi-detached houses of an unusual design in this residential part of Pangbourne.

Meadowside Road, Pangbourne

Semi-detached houses of an unusual design in this residential part of Pangbourne.

Path to Tidmarsh The path heads out of Pangbourne to accompany the River Pang which it crosses further along by means of a footbridge. Recent rain has left underfoot conditions very muddy in places.

Path to Tidmarsh

The path heads out of Pangbourne to accompany the River Pang which it crosses further along by means of a footbridge. Recent rain has left underfoot conditions very muddy in places.

Scarecrows at Pangbourne These two characters and their bicycle are presumably there to protect the vegetable garden. Anyway, they are colourful and fun.

Scarecrows at Pangbourne

These two characters and their bicycle are presumably there to protect the vegetable garden. Anyway, they are colourful and fun.

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

River Thames, Pangbourne

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

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.

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.

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&#039;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&#039;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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Coombeside Cottage, Whitchurch-on-Thames Somehow reminiscent of a doll&#039;s house, this building, originally two cottages now one, is dated by Historic England as &#039;probably late 18th century&#039; 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.

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.

War memorial in the churchyard of St James Church Pangbourne

War memorial in the churchyard of St James Church Pangbourne

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Alder Copse is located at Grid Ref: SU6375 (Lat: 51.47756, Lng: -1.0871416)

Unitary Authority: West Berkshire

Police Authority: Thames Valley

What 3 Words

///agreed.blaring.fuse. Near Pangbourne, Berkshire

Nearby Locations

Further Moor Copse Alder Copse Moor Copse

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 51.47756,-1.0871416

Created By: osmeditor2

Lat/Long: 51.4804427/-1.0878333

Created By: osmeditor2

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Location Transition: yes

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Pankhurst Cycles

Addr City: Reading

Addr Housenumber: 10

Addr Postcode: RG8 7JW

Addr Street: Horseshoe Park

Addr Suburb: Pangbourne

Opening Hours: Mo-Fr 09:00-18:00; Sa 09:00-17:00

Service Bicycle Bicycle Sales And Service: yes

Shop: bicycle

Lat/Long: 51.4806036/-1.0826584

Crossing

Lat/Long: 51.4806379/-1.08249

The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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