Gutteridge Wood

Wood, Forest in Hertfordshire Dacorum

England

Gutteridge Wood

Narrow field along bottom west of Frithsden Credit: Robin Webster

Gutteridge Wood is a beautiful woodland located in Hertfordshire, England. Covering an area of approximately 20 hectares, it is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The wood is managed by the Woodland Trust, a leading conservation charity in the United Kingdom, which ensures its preservation and protection.

The wood is characterized by a diverse range of flora and fauna, offering a rich and vibrant natural environment. Ancient oak and beech trees dominate the landscape, creating a dense canopy that provides shade and shelter for a variety of wildlife. Bluebells carpet the forest floor in the spring, creating a stunning display of color and fragrance.

The wood is crisscrossed by a network of well-maintained footpaths and trails, allowing visitors to explore and appreciate its natural beauty. Walking through Gutteridge Wood, one may encounter various bird species, including woodpeckers, song thrushes, and tawny owls. Squirrels can be spotted darting between the trees, while foxes and badgers are occasionally seen in the early morning or evening.

In addition to its ecological significance, Gutteridge Wood also holds historical value. It was once part of the ancient Manor of Gutteridge, and remnants of its past can still be found within the wood. The remains of an old moat and fishponds provide a glimpse into the area's rich history.

Overall, Gutteridge Wood is a tranquil and enchanting woodland, offering a haven for wildlife and a place of relaxation and exploration for visitors. Its natural beauty and historical importance make it a cherished asset of Hertfordshire's countryside.

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Gutteridge Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.763313/-0.53586565 or Grid Reference TL0108. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Narrow field along bottom west of Frithsden

Robin Webster

Narrow field along bottom west of Frithsden

Robin Webster

Old Tree, Frithsden Woods

This old decaying tree stump is in the woods (Great Frithsden Copse) opposite Frithsden Gardens, a disparate row cottages and houses on the lane from Ashridge to Frithsden.

Rob Farrow

Frithsden Vineyard

View down row of vines. Vineyard now produces 5,000 bottles per year on the chalky clay-with-flints soil of this south-facing slope.

Tom Presland

Canadian totem pole

The totem pole was given to John Alsford in 1968 when he owned the timber yard that was originally on the site where it stands. The red cedar wood pole was carved and designed by the Kwaguilth artist Chief Henry Hunt of the Kwakiutl tribe. The carving is a fertility symbol and legend has it that women wishing to conceive should make three wishes for the child they dream of.

Mark Percy

Berkhamsted Castle ruins

Berkhamsted can trace its origins to Saxon times when there was an important fort here guarding one of the principal routes through the Chilterns. It was to Berkhamsted that William, Duke of Normandy came in 1066 after defeating Harold at Hastings and where he was offered the English Crown by Archbishop Ealdred and various noblemen before proceeding to London. William granted the Manor and Honour of Berkhamsted to his half-brother, Robert, Count of Mortain who built a typical Norman motte and bailey castle including an earthen mound surrounded by a defensive enclosure. The earliest stone buildings appeared in the mid-12th century when the castle was rebuilt. In 1216 the castle was besieged by Prince Louis of France. Castles of this type fell out of favour at the end of the 15th century and Berkhamsted was abandoned in 1495. Although much of the stone was plundered in subsequent centuries, the ruin has always been a significant feature of the town and is now in the care of English Heritage.

Mark Percy