Ipsden Heath

Wood, Forest in Oxfordshire South Oxfordshire

England

Ipsden Heath

Remains of the Polish Village After WW2 there were a lot of displaced Polish people who needed somewhere to live. Old military buildings provided accommodation for a Polish community here up until the 1960s.
Abandoned buildings from that time can still be seen in the woods.
History on <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.polishresettlementcampsintheuk.co.uk/checkendon.htm" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.polishresettlementcampsintheuk.co.uk/checkendon.htm">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> — Remains of the Polish Village Credit: Des Blenkinsopp

Ipsden Heath is a picturesque area located in the county of Oxfordshire, England. Covering an area of approximately 200 hectares, this woodland and heathland is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. Situated just a few miles east of the village of Ipsden, Ipsden Heath offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city life.

The heath is characterized by its diverse range of habitats, including ancient woodlands, open heathland, and patches of scrub. It is home to a variety of flora and fauna, making it an important site for conservation. Visitors can expect to see a plethora of plant species, such as heather, gorse, and bracken, as well as a wide array of bird species, including woodpeckers, warblers, and owls.

The woodland itself is a mixture of deciduous and coniferous trees, creating a beautiful and enchanting atmosphere. The towering trees provide a haven for wildlife, with sightings of deer, badgers, and foxes not uncommon. There are also several walking trails that meander through the forest, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area.

Ipsden Heath is not only a haven for nature lovers but also a place of historical significance. The heath is dotted with remnants of the past, including ancient burial mounds and the remains of Iron Age settlements, providing a fascinating insight into the area's rich heritage.

Overall, Ipsden Heath offers a unique and captivating experience for those seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of Oxfordshire. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for a scenic walk, this woodland and heathland has something to offer everyone.

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Ipsden Heath Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.563197/-1.0409224 or Grid Reference SU6685. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Remains of the Polish Village

After WW2 there were a lot of displaced Polish people who needed somewhere to live. Old military buildings provided accommodation for a Polish community here up until the 1960s. Abandoned buildings from that time can still be seen in the woods. History on Link

Des Blenkinsopp

Another Hut in the Woods

Another one of the derelict buildings left over from WW2 which can still be seen in the woods round here. These were lived in up until the 1960s by community of Polish people displaced by the war. History on Link

Des Blenkinsopp

Houses in Stoke Row

Looking towards Church View.

David Howard

Church View, Stoke Row

David Howard

Kit Lane, Stoke Row

David Howard

Woods, track and farmland, Ipsden

Andrew Smith

Pasture, Ipsden

Paddocks at Well Place with Rowan Atkinson's house at Handsmooth not looking particularly attractive, but debatably not much worse than the one it replaced, in the background.

Andrew Smith

The Maharajah's Well, Stoke Row

This is an unlikely looking structure to find in an Oxfordshire village. Its origins lie in the friendship that developed between Edward Anderton Reade, the son of a local squire who spent his working life in India, and the Maharajah of Benares. In Victorian times the villages of this part of Oxfordshire had only limited access to clean water bringing considerable hardship to the poor of the area. Learning of these difficulties, the Maharajah - who had remained loyal to the British during the Indian Mutiny of 1857 - determined that a charity should be set up to relieve the problem. The result was a well dug to a depth of 368 feet, a considerable engineering achievement. To honour the Maharajah, who never visited Britain, a splendid well canopy was built incorporating a gold elephant representing the Hindu god Ganesh. The well was used until the beginning of the Second World War although by that time most houses in the village had a mains connection. Today the well has been renovated and preserved and is maintained by the Maharajah's Well Trust. The octagonal cottage to the right was built to house the well warden. The last warden died in 1979 since when it has been rented out to supplement the charity's income.

Stephen McKay

The Maharajah's Well, Stoke Row

This is looking under the canopy of the well where the gold elephant takes pride of place. See SU6784 : The Maharajah's Well, Stoke Row for a wider view and some historical notes.

Stephen McKay