Upper Shaw

Wood, Forest in Oxfordshire South Oxfordshire

England

Upper Shaw

Pasture and woodland, Highmoor With a footpath approaching Highmoor from the north-west.
Pasture and woodland, Highmoor Credit: Andrew Smith

Upper Shaw is a charming woodland area located in Oxfordshire, England. Situated within the larger area of Shaw Forest, Upper Shaw is known for its lush greenery and tranquil atmosphere. The woodland covers an area of approximately 200 acres, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of nearby urban areas.

The woodland is predominantly made up of diverse species of trees, including oak, beech, and birch, which contribute to its rich and vibrant ecosystem. The dense canopy provides ample shade and creates a cool and refreshing environment, making it a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers.

Upper Shaw is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and numerous bird species. The forest acts as a sanctuary for these animals, providing them with a safe habitat to roam freely. Birdwatchers will find delight in spotting species such as woodpeckers, owls, and various songbirds within the woodland.

Several walking trails wind their way through Upper Shaw, allowing visitors to explore the area at their own pace. These well-maintained paths offer breathtaking views of the surrounding woodland and its picturesque landscape. The trails are suitable for all ages and fitness levels, making Upper Shaw a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

In addition to its natural beauty, Upper Shaw also boasts historical significance. The woodland has been mentioned in records dating back several centuries, with evidence of human settlement and activity in the area. This historical context adds an extra layer of interest for visitors looking to delve into the region's past.

Overall, Upper Shaw in Oxfordshire is a captivating woodland area that offers a serene escape into nature. Its diverse flora and fauna, combined with its historical significance, make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of England.

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Upper Shaw Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.565158/-1.0117959 or Grid Reference SU6885. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Pasture and woodland, Highmoor With a footpath approaching Highmoor from the north-west.
Pasture and woodland, Highmoor
With a footpath approaching Highmoor from the north-west.
A4130 at Port Hill
A4130 at Port Hill
Fingerposts at Highmoor Cross
Fingerposts at Highmoor Cross
The road to Stoke Row Going through Bear Wood
The road to Stoke Row
Going through Bear Wood
Bear Wood, Stoke Row
Bear Wood, Stoke Row
Stoke Row The road becomes Kit Lane but the maps don't give a name till beyond the end of the village.
Stoke Row
The road becomes Kit Lane but the maps don't give a name till beyond the end of the village.
Stoke Row Green
Stoke Row Green
Stoke Row
Stoke Row
Houses in Stoke Row Looking towards Church View.
Houses in Stoke Row
Looking towards Church View.
Church View, Stoke Row
Church View, Stoke Row
Woods north east of Stoke Row
Woods north east of Stoke Row
Nott Wood
Nott Wood
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.
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.
The Maharajah's Well, Stoke Row This is looking under the canopy of the well where the gold elephant takes pride of place. See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7620533">SU6784 : The Maharajah's Well, Stoke Row</a> for a wider view and some historical notes.
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.
The Dog & Duck, Highmoor The Dog & Duck, Public House, Highmoor
The Dog & Duck, Highmoor
The Dog & Duck, Public House, Highmoor
Highmoor Woods Highmoor Woods on the B481 road from Reading to Nettlebed.
Highmoor Woods
Highmoor Woods on the B481 road from Reading to Nettlebed.
Cottages in Mill Road Cottages in Mill Road, the road to Windmill Hill.
Cottages in Mill Road
Cottages in Mill Road, the road to Windmill Hill.
Tudor Cottage, Lower Highmoor It seems unlikely that this cottage would have been Tudor, but the style is clear.  One of a number of properties in a hamlet of Lower Highmoor.
Tudor Cottage, Lower Highmoor
It seems unlikely that this cottage would have been Tudor, but the style is clear. One of a number of properties in a hamlet of Lower Highmoor.
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Upper Shaw is located at Grid Ref: SU6885 (Lat: 51.565158, Lng: -1.0117959)

Administrative County: Oxfordshire

District: South Oxfordshire

Police Authority: Thames Valley

What 3 Words

///cheater.recording.ooze. Near Rotherfield Peppard, Oxfordshire

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 51.565158,-1.0117959
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 51.5638825/-1.0179412
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 51.5647879/-1.0178447
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 51.56589/-1.0179842
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 51.5669637/-1.0181129
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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