Duffields Common

Wood, Forest in Oxfordshire South Oxfordshire

England

Duffields Common

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

Duffield's Common is a picturesque woodland located in Oxfordshire, England. This enchanting forest spreads across a vast area and is known for its diverse range of flora and fauna. The common is situated near the charming village of Duffield, adding to its serene and tranquil ambiance.

Covering an area of approximately 100 hectares, Duffield's Common is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The woodland is primarily composed of oak and beech trees, creating a dense canopy that provides shade and shelter for the various species that call this forest their home. The forest floor is covered with a lush carpet of ferns, moss, and wildflowers, adding to the beauty and biodiversity of the common.

This natural haven is not only visually appealing but also serves as an important habitat for many woodland creatures. Duffield's Common is home to numerous bird species, such as woodpeckers, owls, and thrushes, filling the air with their melodious songs. Squirrels scamper through the treetops, while rabbits and deer can often be spotted grazing on the forest edges.

The common is also a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts who can explore the numerous walking trails that wind through the forest. These paths offer a chance to immerse oneself in the tranquility of nature, providing an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful picnic amidst the towering trees or simply sit back and marvel at the beauty of this natural wonder.

Overall, Duffield's Common is a captivating woodland that showcases the natural beauty of Oxfordshire. Its rich biodiversity, stunning scenery, and peaceful atmosphere make it an ideal destination for anyone seeking a rejuvenating nature experience.

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Duffields Common Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.536243/-1.0270852 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

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

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