Checkendon Common

Wood, Forest in Oxfordshire South Oxfordshire

England

Checkendon Common

Woodland, Checkendon Beeches to the west of Checkendon Court. — Woodland, Checkendon Credit: Andrew Smith

Checkendon Common is a picturesque woodland area located in Oxfordshire, England. Covering an area of approximately 40 hectares, it offers a serene and tranquil escape from the bustling city life. The common is predominantly made up of a mixture of broadleaf trees, including oak, beech, birch, and chestnut, creating a rich and diverse woodland ecosystem.

The woodland floor of Checkendon Common is carpeted with a variety of wildflowers, such as bluebells, primroses, and wood anemones, which bloom in vibrant colors during the spring months, attracting an array of insects and birds. It is a paradise for nature enthusiasts, providing ample opportunities for birdwatching, with species such as woodpeckers, nuthatches, and treecreepers commonly spotted in the area.

The common is intersected by a network of footpaths, allowing visitors to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of the surroundings. It also provides access to nearby villages, making it a popular destination for walkers and hikers. Checkendon Common is managed by the local council and is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its ecological importance and diverse flora and fauna.

The woodland is not only a haven for wildlife but also serves as a recreational space for the local community. It offers picnic areas, benches, and designated spaces for outdoor activities, making it an ideal spot for family outings or leisurely strolls. With its peaceful ambiance and enchanting scenery, Checkendon Common is a true gem in the heart of Oxfordshire, providing a natural sanctuary for both wildlife and humans alike.

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Checkendon Common Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.541232/-1.03018 or Grid Reference SU6782. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Woodland, Checkendon

Beeches to the west of Checkendon Court.

Andrew Smith

Pasture and farm buildings, Checkendon

Corker's Farm viewed from the footpath passing to its west.

Andrew Smith

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

The road to Stoke Row

Going through Bear Wood

David Howard

Bear Wood, Stoke Row

David Howard

Stoke Row

The road becomes Kit Lane but the maps don't give a name till beyond the end of the village.

David Howard

Stoke Row Green

David Howard

Stoke Row

David Howard

Houses in Stoke Row

Looking towards Church View.

David Howard

Church View, Stoke Row

David Howard

Kit Lane, Stoke Row

David Howard

Basset Wood

Dani

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

1 Langtree Cottages, Checkendon, Oxfordshire

1906 by Maxwell Ayrton in Arts and Crafts style. (Source:Historic England)

Oswald Bertram

Foundry Cottage, Checkendon, Oxfordshire

C17 with C20 windows. Brick ground floor with areas of flint; timber frame to first floor, rendered panels to left, brick infill to right. Old plain tile roof; brick stacks. 2-unit plan. 2-storey, 3-window range. Central 2-panel door with C20 gabled tile porch. 2-light casement to left. 2 single-light casements to right. Three 2-light casements to first floor. Roof hipped to right. Ridge stack to right and end stack to left. (Source:Historic England)

Oswald Bertram