Ash Plantation

Wood, Forest in Rutland

England

Ash Plantation

Commonwealth war graves, Cottesmore Mainly of Canadian and Australian servicemen. — Commonwealth war graves, Cottesmore Credit: Jonathan Thacker

Ash Plantation is a charming woodland located in Rutland, a county in the East Midlands region of England. Covering an area of approximately 20 acres, it is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers alike.

The woodland is named after the abundance of ash trees that dominate the landscape, creating a picturesque and serene environment. These tall, slender trees provide a dense canopy that offers shelter and shade to a variety of wildlife species. The plantation is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it an ideal spot for birdwatching and nature photography.

Walking trails wind through the woodland, allowing visitors to explore its beauty at their own pace. The paths are well-maintained and clearly marked, ensuring ease of navigation for visitors of all ages and abilities. Along the way, there are information boards that provide interesting facts about the local flora and fauna, enhancing the educational aspect of the visit.

Ash Plantation is also a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), highlighting its ecological significance. It is a haven for rare and endangered species, including the lesser spotted woodpecker and various types of bat. The woodland is managed by local authorities in collaboration with conservation organizations to ensure the preservation of its unique ecosystem.

Overall, Ash Plantation offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its beauty, biodiversity, and educational value make it a cherished natural gem in Rutland, attracting visitors from near and far.

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Ash Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.706692/-0.6369948 or Grid Reference SK9212. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Commonwealth war graves, Cottesmore

Mainly of Canadian and Australian servicemen.

Jonathan Thacker

War graves, Cottesmore

Mainly of post WW2 British service personnel.

Jonathan Thacker

Cemetery extension, Cottesmore

Jonathan Thacker

Field beside the footpath

Next to a decent track for cycling on.

Ian Paterson

Path, north of Exton Park

Facing north west.

Ian Paterson

Field with jumps

Several horse jumps are dotted around the field beyond the sign.

Ian Paterson

The Plough, Main Street, Greetham

Stephen Armstrong

Church Lane, Greetham

Seen from Main Street. The Grade II Listed Village Well is on the left under the tree. Link

Stephen Armstrong

Former Chapel, Main Street, Greetham

Former Primitive Methodist Chapel opened in 1889, as indicated by the datestone at the top of the gable and closed in 1960. I don't know what its use was in 2009 when the image was taken, but in 2014 it was being used as 2 garages. Link

Stephen Armstrong

Wooden Bus Shelter, Main Street, Greetham

This image was taken in October 2009. Google Street View from May 2021 shows a new, more open shelter which will not give as much protection in bad weather, but it does have a bench seat inside.

Stephen Armstrong

45 Main Street, Cottesmore

18th century Grade II Listed cottage. With modern (c.2007) extension to the side (south) elevation adjoining an earlier hipped thatch roofed extension. The third bedroom over the dining room in the new extension is accessed by a separate stairway from a utility room. It has two doors suggesting it may have originally been two properties? Note on The Leas (west elevation) the lamp standard protrudes through the thatching (see Link ).

Jo and Steve Turner

The Faulklands, 55 Main Street, Cottesmore

18th century Grade II Listed cottage with 20th century porch and bow window. It was originally three dwellings and 55 was a combination of the two cottages nearest the road, it is named after the Faulkner family who had lived in the cottage next to the road. The listing treats it as one property but the OS map shows two properties, 55 and 57. Cottesmore History & Archaeological Group also define it as two cottages. I can find no details of a 57 and assume they must have been combined to just 55 by 1984 when listed. In 2004-5 planning approved conversion of the old wash house outbuilding along Main Street to a granny annex of 55 and in 2012 a separate one bedroom dwelling The Barn, 55A Main Street.

Jo and Steve Turner

Dicks Cottage, 47 Main Street, Cottesmore

Grade II Listed 18th century cottage. Rutland Local History and Record Society date this as 19th century and that it was at one time three cottages. One blocked doorway is visible and the left (east) section appears to be a later addition with no noticeable doorway to the road elevation. The house was named after Dick Stafford, an agricultural labourer. The cottage is currently (2023) available as a holiday let. (Adjacent No.49 was built on land previously part of Dicks Cottage in 2007-8.)

Jo and Steve Turner

The Red House, 42 Main Street, Cottesmore

Grade II Listed cottage. When first built around 1850 to 1860 this was in fact two cottages. They were designed by Philadelphia born Mr Henry Roberts (1803-1876) who was a very influential architect well known for his work with the ‘Model Houses’ movement particularly for improving the conditions of the labouring classes and this pair was one of these designs. Planning approved a single-storey extension to the north west elevation in 2007.

Jo and Steve Turner

61 Main Street, Cottesmore

The chimney carries a datestone for 1883 with a coronet and the letter ‘G’ on a plaque, a reference to Lord Gainsborough whose Exton Estate once owned the property. Rutland Local History and Record Society describe the building as 'a pair of semi-detached buildings' but I can't see evidence of that, the 1884 (and current) OS map apparently showing it as one dwelling in a large parcel of land.

Jo and Steve Turner

Sticky End, 73 Main Street, Cottesmore

Part of a pair of Grade II Listed 18th century cottages with 77 Honeypot cottage visible behind. Documents suggest the properties are in existence before 1750 although dendrochronology dated timbers in Honeypot Cottage as felled in 1782. Two 18th century documents in the Exton Archives reveal that Honeypot Cottage at least was either owned by or let to Lady Gowers, who may have been the sister of the wife of the 3rd Earl of Gainsborough.

Jo and Steve Turner

Rear of Old Hall Mews, Mill Lane, Cottesmore

Grade II Listed former outbuildings of Cottesmore Hall probably cottage and stabling, of late 15th early 16th century and later now converted to dwellings. An enclosed horse exercise ring in the centre on what is now Old Hall Mews was demolished some years ago. The development comprises 11 dwellings and 4 garages. The rear of (right to left) 4,5,6 and 7 (gable end) are visible here. (Mill Lane was Formerly The Sheepdyke.)

Jo and Steve Turner

59 Main Street, Cottesmore

Grade II Listed 18th century cottage with 20th century single-storey flat roofed extension on the right (north) end. A small 2 bedroom thatched cottage that, until 2014, had pedestrian access only and was uninhabited since June 2012 uninhabited since June 2012. 2015 sales particulars described it as fully refurbished and included a detached stone barn.

Jo and Steve Turner

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Ash Plantation is located at Grid Ref: SK9212 (Lat: 52.706692, Lng: -0.6369948)

Unitary Authority: Rutland

Police Authority: Leicestershire