Austin's Spinney

Wood, Forest in Bedfordshire

England

Austin's Spinney

Austin's Spinney is a small woodland area located in the county of Bedfordshire, England. Covering an area of approximately 10 acres, this tranquil forest is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and locals alike. The spinney is situated near the village of Austin and is easily accessible by foot.

The woodland is predominantly composed of deciduous trees, including oak, beech, and ash, which create a dense canopy overhead. This provides a cool and shaded environment, perfect for leisurely walks or picnics on sunny days. The forest floor is covered in a carpet of lush green grass, intermingled with patches of wildflowers during the spring and summer months.

The diversity of plant life in Austin's Spinney supports a wide array of wildlife. Birdwatchers will be delighted to spot species such as woodpeckers, thrushes, and finches. Squirrels can also be seen darting between the trees, while the occasional sighting of a deer is not uncommon.

Throughout the spinney, there are well-maintained footpaths and trails that wind their way through the forest, allowing visitors to explore the area at their own pace. Information boards are strategically placed along the paths, providing interesting facts about the flora and fauna found in the spinney.

Austin's Spinney offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life, where visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. Whether it's a leisurely stroll, a family outing, or a moment of solitude, this woodland sanctuary is a true gem in the heart of Bedfordshire.

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Austin's Spinney Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.210712/-0.63365144 or Grid Reference SP9357. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Track to Dungee Farm

Bikeboy

High Street, Harrold

As seen from opposite the United Reformed chapel looking east.

David Kemp

High Street, Harrold

Looking west towards Brook Lane.

David Kemp

Entranceway to The Mansion, Harrold

This charming tree-lined driveway to The Mansion has entrance gates and piers that are Grade II listed. The gates are wrought iron with spearhead tops. The associated piers are incised with trefoil heads to each panel and they are surmounted by urn shaped finials.

Nigel Stickells

Harrold Village Green

The tree-lined village green includes a war memorial (not shown), an early 18th-century market house and a circular village lock-up built in 1824. The latter two are both Grade II listed.

Nigel Stickells

Harrold Market House

This early 18th-century octagonal market house on the village green is said to have been used for the marketing of local lace industry products and the distribution of thread and patterns. The building is Grade II listed.

Nigel Stickells

Building Remnants at Daisy Castle near Harrold

Despite its name there were no buildings of any great age at this site which has now been all but cleared with only dry ponds and trackways left to serve it. Close to Templegrove Spinney, the site which had modest domestic and agricultural buildings was first shown on a local estate map of 1836. Although cleared some years ago and with only a few remnants left, the site is still marked on modern OS maps.

Nigel Stickells

Trig Point near Harrold Park Farm

This Trig Point is readily accessible beside the Three Shire Bridleway where it is joined by another bridleway that leads directly up from Harrold via Park Wood. The trig point is in good condition.

Nigel Stickells

Harvest Gathered in at Dungee Farm

This view of the recently harvested cornfield looks to the north-east from the bridleway that emerges on the north side of Park Wood near Harrold. Dungee Farm is visible beyond the edge of the nearby woods. In the far-distance and on the skyline from left to right are Dungee, Forty Acre and Great Odell Woods.

Nigel Stickells

Harvest Gathered in at Dungee Corner

This view of the recently harvested crop looks north-westwards from the Three Shire Bridleway across to Dungee Barn - see SP9259.

Nigel Stickells

Old Threshing Machine near Harrold

This old threshing machine, well dilapidated, stood until recently at the entrance of this field opposite the White Lane greenway north of Harrold. Regretably the machine has now disappeared, though hopefully for refurbishment by an enthusiast.

Nigel Stickells

Benchmark Detail on Trig Point near Harrold Park Farm

The OS Bench Mark shows the number detail: S6835. The whole trig point is also shown in another photo in this grid square.

Nigel Stickells

Harrold Park Farm

The isolated Harrold Park Farm is viewed here from the nearby Three Shire Bridleway. Park Wood is shown to the rear of the farmhouse on the right.

Nigel Stickells

Electricity Pylons near Harrold Park Farm

These pylons march off into the distance dropping down over the River Great Ouse Valley towards Bedford. Harrold Park Wood is on the left.

Nigel Stickells

Pond adjacent to Three Shire Bridleway

This pond is a surprise in that it is essentially on the top of the ridge along which this part of the Three Shire Bridleway passes. Where does the water come from? It clearly forms a wildlife oasis that drains westward down a shallow valley towards Bozeat.

Nigel Stickells