Salden Wood

Wood, Forest in Buckinghamshire

England

Salden Wood

Mursley Water Tower Struck by a bomber during WWII, this fine water tower survived and still stands over the village like a visitor from another world! — Mursley Water Tower Credit: Paul Smith

Salden Wood is a picturesque and tranquil forest located in the county of Buckinghamshire, England. This enchanting woodland covers an area of approximately 200 acres and is known for its diverse array of flora and fauna. It is situated near the village of Newton Longville, just a few miles away from the bustling town of Milton Keynes.

This ancient woodland holds great historical significance and has been preserved for centuries. It primarily consists of broad-leaved trees such as oak, beech, and birch, which provide a dense canopy that filters the sunlight and creates a serene atmosphere. The forest floor is blanketed with a rich carpet of wildflowers, including bluebells, primroses, and wood anemones, which add a burst of color to the surroundings during springtime.

Salden Wood offers a haven for wildlife, attracting a diverse range of species. It is home to numerous bird species, including woodpeckers, nuthatches, and tawny owls, which fill the air with their melodic songs. The forest also provides habitat for small mammals like squirrels, rabbits, and foxes, as well as a variety of insects and reptiles.

The woodland is crisscrossed by a network of footpaths and trails, making it a popular destination for walkers, joggers, and nature enthusiasts. These paths lead visitors through the heart of the forest, allowing them to immerse themselves in its natural beauty and discover its hidden treasures.

Salden Wood is a cherished natural gem, offering a peaceful retreat from the urban landscape. Its timeless beauty and ecological importance make it a significant feature of Buckinghamshire's landscape.

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Salden Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.97185/-0.8028259 or Grid Reference SP8231. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Mursley Water Tower

Struck by a bomber during WWII, this fine water tower survived and still stands over the village like a visitor from another world!

Paul Smith

Mursley Water Tower

Mursley water tower is a local landmark, which was built by the Buckinghamshire Water Board in 1938. On 11th. April, 1943, at 00:15hrs a crew of 4 men was sadly killed when a Wellington, BJ879, which was doing training circuits and landings, hit the side of the tower and exploded. Link

Mr Biz

Mursley Water Tower

Mursley Water Tower by Whaddon Road

Shaun Ferguson

Bridleway and driveway heading to Cooks Lane

From Salden the bridleway and driveway heading to Cooks Lane

Shaun Ferguson

Bridleway heading towards Parklands

Bridleway across the ploughed field heading towards Parklands

Shaun Ferguson

Looking west from Whaddon Road bridge

Whaddon Road crosses the old LNWR railway line from Bletchley to Oxford north west of Newton Longville. The line is currently being rebuilt by East West Railway to provide express services between Milton Keynes and Oxford. This was the site of former WW2 freight sidings known as 'Swanbourne Sidings'. In the late fifties, it was planned to open a large mechanised freight marshalling yard here, to take long distance freight trains away from the London area. This never happened, but the legacy was Bletchley Flyover, the only part of the project completed.

Bob Walters

View east from Whaddon Road bridge

This view is along the old LNWR Bletchley to Oxford railway line looking towards Bletchley. Construction work is proceeding with the rebuilding of this mothballed line by East West Railway, who will provide new passenger services between Milton Keynes and Oxford.

Bob Walters

Salden Water Aqueduct

Salden Water Aqueduct used to carry a stream across the railway track at this point. These days the stream is mainly dry, and with the rebuilding of the line for East West Railway, the structure has been demolished and the stream diverted under the new trackbed,

Bob Walters

View towards Salden Water aqueduct

The view north east towards Salden Water aqueduct over the disused Bletchley to Bicester railway line. The aqueduct has since been demolished as part of the upgrading of the line for East West Railway. The stream it carried has been diverted under the new railway line.

Bob Walters

New bridge for Weasel Lane

The new bridge over the Bletchley to Oxford railway line at Weasel Lane is nearing completion. The bridge deck has been installed and the earth embankments for the re-aligned Weasel lane are being built.

Bob Walters

Tracklaying at Whaddon Road bridge

Tracklaying has commenced on the Bletchley to Bicester railway line with long lengths of flat bottom rail being placed, ready for sleepers to be positioned.

Bob Walters

Track installation train

A Network Rail track installation train makes its way slowly back towards Bletchley after leaving its load of Long Welded Rail (LWR) a mile or so back towards Swanbourne. The train is topped and tailed by Freightliner Class 66 locomotives Nos. 66560 and 66420. Tracklaying for the new East West Railway is now making fast progress from Bletchley towards Winslow.

Bob Walters

New railway track being installed

The new rails are being installed on the Bletchley to Bicester railway line and have almost reached Swanbourne. After the long welded rails (LWR - 216m long) have been pulled into place, concrete sleepers and stone ballast will be placed beneath, the rails fitted and welded together to form a continuous welded (CWR) track before the first train can traverse this part of the line. The second track will then be installed on the left. The black sheeting is a waterproof membrane which allows water to drain below the track but not to return upwards, thus keeping the ballast dry and supporting the track properly for 100mph running.

Bob Walters

Along the old railway line

Looking west along the disused Bletchley to Bicester railway line, at this time a grassy track. A single rusty track still existed buried in the grass on the left. Now, three years later a transformation has taken place, with the trackbed and cutting sides cleared and new double track installed, ready for East-West Railway trains to pass on their way from Milton Keynes to Oxford.

Bob Walters

New Weasel Lane bridge

The new Weasel Lane overbridge on the rebuilt Bletchley to Bicester railway line. The old bridge, although ornate and interesting, had to be replaced when rebuilding the railway to modern standards, to provide clearances for future electrification of the line.

Bob Walters

Tracklaying on the new railway

Track being laid on the rebuilt Bletchley to Bicester railway line. The nearest track is complete, whilst the far track is in the process of construction. Rail is brought to site in 216m lengths on a Long Welded Rail (LWR) train and placed in position as required. Sleepers are then installed on the underlying ballast and the rail lengths fitted to them. The rails are then welded end to end to form Continuously Welded Rail (CWR). This forms a smoother, more stable track than the old short bolted lengths provided.

Bob Walters