Francroft Wood

Wood, Forest in Bedfordshire

England

Francroft Wood

Bridge at Sharnbrook This bridge on Park Lane takes the road under the Midland Main Line. — Bridge at Sharnbrook Credit: Bob Walters

Francroft Wood is a picturesque forest located in Bedfordshire, England. Covering an area of approximately 100 acres, it is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The woodland is situated near the village of Aspley Guise and is easily accessible by foot or car.

Francroft Wood is known for its diverse range of flora and fauna. The forest is home to a variety of tree species, including oak, beech, and birch, which create a dense canopy that provides shade and shelter for the wildlife. Visitors can enjoy walking along well-maintained trails that wind through the forest, offering glimpses of wildflowers and towering trees.

Wildlife enthusiasts are in for a treat at Francroft Wood, as it is home to a plethora of animal species. Deer, foxes, badgers, and rabbits are commonly spotted, especially during the early morning or late evening hours. Birdwatchers can also delight in the sight of various bird species, including woodpeckers, owls, and thrushes.

The forest is a tranquil and serene place, perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. It offers opportunities for picnicking, photography, and simply immersing oneself in the beauty of nature. The management of Francroft Wood ensures that it remains well-preserved and accessible for visitors to enjoy.

Overall, Francroft Wood is a hidden gem in Bedfordshire, offering a serene and beautiful natural environment for visitors to explore and appreciate. Whether it's a leisurely walk, a wildlife spotting adventure, or simply a moment of tranquility, this woodland has something to offer for everyone.

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Francroft Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.235574/-0.54647281 or Grid Reference SP9960. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bridge at Sharnbrook

This bridge on Park Lane takes the road under the Midland Main Line.

Bob Walters

St Pancras - Bradford express approaching Souldrop Summit near Sharnbrook

View SE, towards London: ex-Midland St Pancras - Leicester - Sheffield main line. On the left can just be seen the Slow lines, which from Souldrop (north of Sharnbrook) to Irchester took a separate track east of the Fast lines on an easier gradient and through a tunnel. The 14.00 from St Pancras should reach Bradford via Leeds at 19.20: Stanier 'Jubilee' 6P 4-6-0 No. 45612 'Jamaica' (with Fowler tender) (built 7/34, withdrawn 3/64) probably worked as far as Leeds.

Ben Brooksbank

St Pancras - Manchester express approaching Souldrop Summit

View SE, towards Bedford and London: ex-Midland Main Line, St Pancras - Leicester - Sheffield, also Manchester via Derby and the Peak Line. The Slow lines here are dropping away on the left on an easier gradient through Sharnbrook Tunnel. The 14.15 from St Pancras (due Manchester Central 18.35) conveyed through coaches for Buxton. It is double-headed, with Johnson/Deeley ex-Midland 2P 4-4-0 No. 40485 (withdrawn 8/57) piloting Stanier 5MT 4-6-0 No. 44938 (built 11/45, withdrawn 10/67).

Ben Brooksbank

Down fast freight approaching Souldrop Summit, Sharnbrook

View SE, towards Bedford and London: Midland Main Line from St Pancras. Headed by BR 9F 2-10-0 No. 92164 (built 4/58, withdrawn 7/66), a Down Class C freight is running on the easier Slow lines which penetrated the ridge between the Ouse and Nene valleys in a tunnel, while the Fast lines went over the summit - cf. SP9860 : St Pancras - Manchester express approaching Souldrop Summit. [I was travelling on a Down train on the latter, hence the less than perfect photograph].

Ben Brooksbank

Kettering - Bedford stopping train near Souldrop Summit

View NW, towards Wellingborough, Kettering etc., ex-Midland main line from London St Pancras. On the Up Fast, the 14.36 from Kettering is headed by LMS Ivatt 2MT 2-6-0 No. 46403 (built 12/46, withdrawn 7/64). The Slow lines coming from their separate tunnel through the summit are just out of sight down on the right.

Ben Brooksbank