Eastland Copse

Wood, Forest in Surrey Waverley

England

Eastland Copse

Cricket Ground at Ewhurst Green Credit: Chris Thomas-Atkin

Eastland Copse is a serene wooded area located in Surrey, England. Covering an area of approximately 50 hectares, it is a haven for nature enthusiasts and a popular destination for outdoor activities. The copse is situated in the southeast region of Surrey, near the town of Dorking.

The woodland is predominantly composed of mature broadleaf trees, including oak, beech, and birch, creating a rich and diverse ecosystem. The canopy is thick and lush, providing ample shade and shelter for a variety of wildlife species. This makes Eastland Copse an ideal habitat for numerous bird species, small mammals, and insects.

Visitors to Eastland Copse can explore a network of well-maintained footpaths that wind through the woodland, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The copse is also intersected by a small stream, which adds to its natural beauty and tranquility. These paths provide a serene environment for walking, jogging, and cycling, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the peaceful ambiance of the copse.

Additionally, Eastland Copse boasts several designated picnic areas and benches, making it an ideal spot for families and friends to gather and enjoy a day out in nature. The copse is carefully managed by local authorities to preserve its natural beauty and ensure the safety of visitors.

Eastland Copse is a cherished natural asset in Surrey, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustling city life. Whether it is for a leisurely stroll, wildlife observation, or a picnic with loved ones, this woodland sanctuary provides a welcome escape into nature's embrace.

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Eastland Copse Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.156729/-0.41918192 or Grid Reference TQ1040. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Cricket Ground at Ewhurst Green

Chris Thomas-Atkin

Larkfield Pond

A very well kept looking pond in Ewhurst

Chris Thomas-Atkin

Pond near Ewhurst Cricket Ground

In an earlier Geograph photo the pond was overgrown but it now seems to be cleared and being maintained.

Chris Thomas-Atkin

Barn at Rumbeams Farm

Rumbeams Farm is at Ewhurst Green and is visible from the passing road ‘The Green’.

Chris Thomas-Atkin

Old barn at Ewhurst

To be found a short distance to the east of Ewhurst church. Rather oddly, it stands in the grounds of the Old Rectory (now a care home), with no other farm buildings nearby. Much of the surrounding area is now residential - 20th century development, for the most part. I'd guess that (with such huge doors) this was once a threshing barn. The framing seems very regular and symmetrical - apparently all of one build. I was going to suggest a Victorian date, but have since found a listing: Link

My guess would be that most of what can be seen externally dates from the 20th-century restoration.

Stefan Czapski

Wealden farmland north of Ewhurst

With the slopes of Holmbury Hill rising in the distance. The tall trees are ashes - and very typical of this area.

Stefan Czapski

Ewhurst church from the north-east

Stefan Czapski

Grave-board under a yew tree, Ewhurst churchyard

Wooden grave-boards are not uncommon in Surrey, and I've seen them elsewhere in the Home Counties (for instance, at Baldock). But more often than not what you find are heavily restored boards - or frank replacements (as at Mickleham). I hadn't explored this churchyard before and it came as a surprise to find a number of 'original' unrestored boards - albeit in various stages of decrepitude. The inscriptions they once carried had weathered away without trace - as they would do, inevitably, if not repainted every few years. This one, under its yew tree, was one of the more complete examples - sufficiently complete to give a fair idea as to original design and construction. I can't claim to know anything of the history of grave-boards, but here in the Weald where timber was abundant (and local stone scarce) their use could stretch back many centuries, poorly documented. The lack of suitable local stone means that cast-iron grave-markers, too, are fairly common in Surrey and Sussex.

Stefan Czapski

18th-century headstone, Ewhurst churchyard: David Tidy, yeoman

A good number of 18th-century headstones have survived in this churchyard. This one, dated 1762, stands with other old stones in the south-eastern part of the yard. To my eye this stone is an unusually fine piece of work. The design is restrained - no mourning angels,no trumpets, no skulls or cross-bones (common in the mid-18th century) - it makes its impact by the use of finely executed lettering alone. The inscription reads: IN MEMORY of DAVID TIDY Late of this Parish Yeoman who departed this Life August the 27th 1762 in the 53d Year of his Age There is no riot of lettering styles (as became the norm 50 years later): only the words 'Year' and 'Age' are given fancy copper-plate treatment.

Stefan Czapski

Ewhurst church: Norman doorway

On the south side of the church, at its west end.

Stefan Czapski

Weather-boarded cottage at the corner of Wykehurst Lane

At the north end of the green, opposite the Bull's Head. Wykehurst Lane leads west from the main village street.

Stefan Czapski

Wykehurst Lane, Ewhurst

The lane leads westward from the main village street, giving access to residential development of a rather suburban character.

Stefan Czapski

View from the south-west flank of Holmbury Hill (1)

Shot taken from a muddy bridleway in the north-east corner of the grid-square (the view from the Greensand Way is less open). The view is roughly SSW. In the foreground are the steep wooded slopes of Holt Copse. Beyond (and in the next grid-square) the buildings at Radnor Place Farm are largely hidden among the trees. Further off - and showing as a rather dark wooded area - is the village of Ewhurst (a couple of miles from my vantage point). In the far distance is the ridge of the South Downs.

Stefan Czapski

View from the south-west flank of Holmbury Hill (2)

Looking out over the tree-tops of Holt Copse. Radnor Place Farm is hidden among the clump of trees near the middle of the picture. The short spire of Ewhurst church can be made out in the original (above the left-hand corner of the very noticeable green field on the right). The ridge of the South Downs can be made out in the far distance.

Stefan Czapski