Harcourthill Shaw

Wood, Forest in Oxfordshire South Oxfordshire

England

Harcourthill Shaw

A4130 eastbound near May's Farm
A4130 eastbound near May's Farm Credit: Colin Pyle

Harcourthill Shaw is a picturesque woodland area located in Oxfordshire, England. Situated just a few miles outside the city of Oxford, it covers an expansive area of approximately 100 acres. The shaw is nestled within the larger Harcourt Hill Park, which includes open fields, meadows, and a pond.

The woodland itself is dominated by a diverse array of trees, including oak, beech, ash, and birch, creating a rich and vibrant ecosystem. These trees provide a dense canopy that shades the forest floor, creating a cool and tranquil environment. The ground is covered with a thick layer of leaf litter, creating a soft and natural carpet.

Harcourthill Shaw is home to a variety of wildlife species. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting a variety of native birds, including woodpeckers, nuthatches, and owls. The forest is also home to small mammals such as squirrels, foxes, and badgers. During springtime, the woodland floor comes alive with a carpet of bluebells, creating a breathtaking sight.

The shaw offers visitors a network of well-maintained footpaths, allowing for leisurely walks and exploration. These paths wind through the woodland, leading visitors to discover hidden glades and peaceful clearings. For those seeking a longer adventure, the shaw is part of a larger network of trails that extend into the surrounding countryside.

Harcourthill Shaw provides a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Its natural beauty and diverse wildlife make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and families alike. Whether exploring the woodland trails or simply enjoying the tranquility, visitors are sure to find solace in this enchanting Oxfordshire woodland.

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Harcourthill Shaw Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.593636/-1.0422738 or Grid Reference SU6688. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

A4130 eastbound near May's Farm
A4130 eastbound near May's Farm
A4130 at Gangsdown Hill
A4130 at Gangsdown Hill
A4130 at Nuffield village boundary
A4130 at Nuffield village boundary
Layby on Gangsdown Hill west on Nettlebed
Layby on Gangsdown Hill west on Nettlebed
Farmland, Ewelme Arable land beside a bridleway to the east of Potter's Farm.
Farmland, Ewelme
Arable land beside a bridleway to the east of Potter's Farm.
Light Snow at The Maker Space The Crown at Nuffield was a lovely traditional pub in the Brakspears of Henley estate, but like so many country pubs these days couldn't keep going. It was closed for a long time <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5583827">SU6787 : The Crown closed inn beside the A4130</a> but happily is now open again as The Maker Space (at The Crown) aiming more at the coffee, cake and light meals market, and also as a craft centre.
Light Snow at The Maker Space
The Crown at Nuffield was a lovely traditional pub in the Brakspears of Henley estate, but like so many country pubs these days couldn't keep going. It was closed for a long time SU6787 : The Crown closed inn beside the A4130 but happily is now open again as The Maker Space (at The Crown) aiming more at the coffee, cake and light meals market, and also as a craft centre.
Track and farmland, Ewelme Approaching the bridleway crossroads beside Down Farm.
Track and farmland, Ewelme
Approaching the bridleway crossroads beside Down Farm.
Swan's Way bridleway near Down Farm Looking south from the slopes of Littleworth Hill.  In the valley bottom the bridleway crosses the avenue planted in the early 1900s that leads from Down Farm to Ewelme Down House.
Swan's Way bridleway near Down Farm
Looking south from the slopes of Littleworth Hill. In the valley bottom the bridleway crosses the avenue planted in the early 1900s that leads from Down Farm to Ewelme Down House.
Ladies Walk bridlepath on the Swyncombe Estate Looking east from Littleworth Hill towards Colliers Bottom.
Ladies Walk bridlepath on the Swyncombe Estate
Looking east from Littleworth Hill towards Colliers Bottom.
Ladies Walk bridlepath and Colliersbottom Shaw Looking east along Ladies Walk.  A shaw is an Anglo-Saxon term for a strip of woodland, often marking a boundary.
Ladies Walk bridlepath and Colliersbottom Shaw
Looking east along Ladies Walk. A shaw is an Anglo-Saxon term for a strip of woodland, often marking a boundary.
Tree Stump in Grindon Lane Grindon Lane is an old green lane with thick hedges on both sides, but here a recently felled tree has opened up this view.
Tree Stump in Grindon Lane
Grindon Lane is an old green lane with thick hedges on both sides, but here a recently felled tree has opened up this view.
Swans Way on Ewelme Downs This hillside section is well graded, wide and dry.
That's by no means typical.
Swans Way on Ewelme Downs
This hillside section is well graded, wide and dry. That's by no means typical.
Ewelme Downs Looking south-east from the side of Littleworth Hill. The farmland is white with chalk, not snow, although it was snowing lightly at the time.
Ewelme Downs
Looking south-east from the side of Littleworth Hill. The farmland is white with chalk, not snow, although it was snowing lightly at the time.
Farm road, Ewelme Downs Looking east from the bridleway crossroads to the east of Ewelme Down Farm.
Farm road, Ewelme Downs
Looking east from the bridleway crossroads to the east of Ewelme Down Farm.
Ewelme Down Farm The western end of quite a large complex of farm buildings.
Ewelme Down Farm
The western end of quite a large complex of farm buildings.
Bridleway, Ewelme The trees are at a crossroads above Down Farm.
Bridleway, Ewelme
The trees are at a crossroads above Down Farm.
Ewelme Downs Arable land on the steepening slope of the down above the Swan's Way bridleway.
Ewelme Downs
Arable land on the steepening slope of the down above the Swan's Way bridleway.
Bridleway, Ewelme The Swan's Way crossing arable fields below the Ewelme Downs.
Bridleway, Ewelme
The Swan's Way crossing arable fields below the Ewelme Downs.
Show me another place!

Harcourthill Shaw is located at Grid Ref: SU6688 (Lat: 51.593636, Lng: -1.0422738)

Administrative County: Oxfordshire

District: South Oxfordshire

Police Authority: Thames Valley

What 3 Words

///squeaks.playfully.stoops. Near Wallingford, Oxfordshire

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 51.593636,-1.0422738
Harcourt Hill
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 51.5967593/-1.0474276
Barrier: stile
Bicycle: no
Foot: yes
Material: wood
Stile: stepover
Lat/Long: 51.5917195/-1.040044
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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