Bell Copse

Wood, Forest in Berkshire

England

Bell Copse

Pasture, Shinfield Beside the footpath to the south of Hopkiln Farm. — Pasture, Shinfield Credit: Andrew Smith

Bell Copse is a beautiful woodland area located in Berkshire, England. Situated near the village of Wargrave, it covers an area of approximately 50 acres and is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike.

The copse is predominantly composed of broadleaf trees, such as oak, beech, and ash, which create a dense and lush canopy overhead. The forest floor is rich with a variety of wildflowers, ferns, and moss, creating a vibrant and colorful undergrowth.

The woodland is intersected by several well-maintained footpaths, offering visitors the opportunity to explore its serene surroundings. These paths wind through the trees, leading to hidden clearings and secluded spots where one can relax and immerse themselves in nature.

Bell Copse is also home to a diverse range of wildlife. Birdwatchers can spot a variety of species, including blue tits, great tits, and nuthatches, among others. Squirrels, rabbits, and deer are frequently seen darting through the trees, adding to the copse's natural charm.

Throughout the year, Bell Copse offers a different experience with each season. In the spring, the woods come alive with the vibrant colors of bluebells and daffodils. Summer brings a lush green foliage and provides a cool and shaded retreat from the heat. In autumn, the copse is transformed into a tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows as the leaves change, creating a picturesque scene. Winter brings a quiet and serene atmosphere, with frost-covered trees adding a touch of magic.

Overall, Bell Copse is a haven of natural beauty, offering visitors a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

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Bell Copse Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.400923/-1.0150079 or Grid Reference SU6867. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Pasture, Shinfield

Beside the footpath to the south of Hopkiln Farm.

Andrew Smith

Junction of Church Lane and Mortimer Road

Basher Eyre

Footpath towards Burnthouse Lane

A public footpath between Kybes Lane and Burnthouse Lane.

Oscar Taylor

Grazeley Green Road at the junction of Mereoak Lane

David Howard

Bridge over the Foudry Brook

On the bridleway between Spencers Wood and Grazeley.

Des Blenkinsopp

Pond near Grazeley

This is beside the Foudry Brook in the middle of a field. The pond is crescent shaped, like it might have been a moat or something, but there's nothing on the map about it. Update from Penny Mayes :- Looking at the oldest large scale maps I think this is an ox-bow lake. Looks like a new straighter channel may have been cut for the stream to make the land more useful."

Des Blenkinsopp

Bridleway Gate, Grazeley

This is a good, fit for purpose sort of gate. Solid enough to keep vehicles out but easy for horses to step over.

Des Blenkinsopp

Near Gravelly Bridge Farm

Fields and Trees along the Foudry Brook.

Des Blenkinsopp

At Gravelly Bridge Farm

A view over flat terrain towards Reading's landmark giant turbine at Green Park beside the M4.

Des Blenkinsopp

Field opposite Gravelly Bridge Farm

James Emmans

Mereoak Lane

Towards Reading.

Robin Webster

Crops near Gravelly Bridge

It appears that this crop may be broad beans?

Pam Brophy

Former pub, Grazeley

The ex-Wheatsheaf standing at the junction of Church Lane and the main road to Mortimer. Church Lane is a cul-de-sac giving access to the church, village hall and two residences. The rest of small community here, including its school, is a short distance to the south. There are separate hamlets at Poundgreen and Grazeley Green. Given the size of the place, it isn't surprising to find that the pub is no longer, though its location on a relatively busy road may have been something of an advantage. It is presumably destined to be converted to residential use. The building is in two distinct parts and this view chiefly shows the more modern 19th century part. Behind there is just a glimpse the 17th century part. That part has an exposed timber frame and a roof currently under a blue tarpaulin.

Andrew Smith

Farmland at Hartley Court

This is the first bit of open farmland south of the M4. Most of the square is like this. Beyond the M4 is Green Park (the tops of some of the offices can just be seen). Oh, and the whole area is dominated by the Green Park wind turbine in SU7069

Graham Horn

Farmland at Gravelly Bridge

Opposite the farm is this field with a legume crop.

Graham Horn

Gravelly Bridge

There are two houses at the road junction, this one and its better-kept neighbour to the right.

Graham Horn

The Wheatsheaf, Grazeley

Little has changed at this former pub in the seven months since Andrew Smith's picture SU7066 : Former pub, Grazeley except that various notices have gone up including an "all enquiries" board.

Graham Horn