Greyhone Wood

Wood, Forest in Oxfordshire South Oxfordshire

England

Greyhone Wood

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

Greyhone Wood, located in Oxfordshire, is a picturesque forest renowned for its natural beauty and rich biodiversity. Spanning over several hectares, this woodland is a haven for nature enthusiasts and a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

Covered in a dense canopy of majestic oak, beech, and ash trees, Greyhone Wood offers a serene and tranquil environment for visitors to immerse themselves in nature. The woodland floor is carpeted with a vibrant array of wildflowers, creating a stunning tapestry of colors during the spring and summer months. Numerous winding paths and trails meander through the forest, allowing visitors to explore and discover its hidden treasures.

Wildlife thrives within Greyhone Wood, with a diverse range of species calling it home. Birdwatchers can delight in spotting various avian species, including woodpeckers, owls, and thrushes, while small mammals such as squirrels, foxes, and badgers can also be spotted. The forest is also home to a rich variety of insects and fungi, providing an ideal habitat for naturalists and photographers.

Greyhone Wood is not only a natural oasis but also holds historical significance. The remnants of an ancient settlement can be found within its boundaries, offering a glimpse into the area's past. The wood has also been a source of timber for centuries, with evidence of sustainable forestry practices dating back to medieval times.

With its breathtaking scenery, diverse wildlife, and historical significance, Greyhone Wood is a true gem in the heart of Oxfordshire. Whether one seeks a peaceful stroll, a birdwatching adventure, or a glimpse into the area's history, this woodland provides an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

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Greyhone Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.5461/-0.99631653 or Grid Reference SU6983. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Pasture and woodland, Highmoor

With a footpath approaching Highmoor from the north-west.

Andrew Smith

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