Bear Wood

Wood, Forest in Oxfordshire South Oxfordshire

England

Bear Wood

Fingerposts at Highmoor Cross Credit: David Howard

Bear Wood is a beautiful and enchanting woodland located in Oxfordshire, England. Covering an area of approximately 200 acres, this ancient forest is a haven for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. The wood is situated on the outskirts of the village of Bearwood, which lends its name to this stunning natural landscape.

Bear Wood is predominantly composed of broadleaf trees, including oak, beech, and ash, creating a dense canopy that filters sunlight and provides a cool and tranquil atmosphere. The forest floor is adorned with a rich carpet of wildflowers, ferns, and mosses, adding to the woodland's picturesque charm.

One of the most notable features of Bear Wood is its diverse wildlife population. The forest is home to a variety of animal species, including deer, foxes, badgers, and an array of bird species, making it a popular spot for birdwatching. Visitors may also catch a glimpse of elusive creatures such as hedgehogs and squirrels scurrying through the undergrowth.

The wood offers a network of well-maintained walking trails that wind their way through the trees, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore the woodland's natural beauty at their leisure. Additionally, there are designated picnic areas and benches scattered throughout the wood, allowing visitors to relax and immerse themselves in the peaceful surroundings.

Bear Wood is a true gem in Oxfordshire's natural landscape, offering a sanctuary where visitors can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature. Whether it be for a leisurely stroll, wildlife spotting, or simply enjoying a picnic with loved ones, Bear Wood is a destination that promises an unforgettable experience for all who venture within its leafy embrace.

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Bear Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.549326/-1.0024615 or Grid Reference SU6983. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Fingerposts at Highmoor Cross

David Howard

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

Basset Wood

Dani

Woods north east of Stoke Row

Dani

Nott 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