Bears Wood

Wood, Forest in Surrey

England

Bears Wood

A study in brown A lone walker crosses a ploughed field following footpath 587, or actually the straight line version customarily used - the legal line bends somewhat across the field for no obvious reason. — A study in brown Credit: Robin Webster

Bears Wood is a beautiful forested area located in Surrey, England. Spanning approximately 100 acres, it is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike who seek tranquility and natural beauty. The wood is situated near the town of Walton-on-the-Hill, offering easy access for those living in the surrounding areas.

This ancient woodland is characterized by its dense canopy of trees, predominantly made up of oak and beech. The forest floor is covered with a lush carpet of ferns, bluebells, and other wildflowers, creating a picturesque landscape throughout the seasons. The diverse flora and fauna found in Bears Wood make it an ideal habitat for a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, badgers, and various species of birds.

The wood offers numerous trails and paths for exploration, making it a haven for walkers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts. Visitors can amble along well-maintained pathways, taking in the sights and sounds of the forest, or venture off the beaten track to discover hidden corners and secluded spots. The wood is equipped with informative signposts and interpretation boards that provide interesting facts about the flora and fauna found within the forest.

Bears Wood is also steeped in history, with evidence of human activity dating back to the Bronze Age. Archaeological remains, including ancient burial mounds and remnants of Iron Age settlements, can be found throughout the area. This adds an extra layer of intrigue and fascination for history buffs and those curious about the region's past.

Overall, Bears Wood is a natural treasure in Surrey, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and rich history make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a connection with nature and a deeper understanding of the area's heritage.

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Bears Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.338936/-0.034770001 or Grid Reference TQ3661. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

A study in brown

A lone walker crosses a ploughed field following footpath 587, or actually the straight line version customarily used - the legal line bends somewhat across the field for no obvious reason.

Robin Webster

The Vanguard Way approaching Farleigh Church

Ian Nairn in 'The Buildings of England: Surrey' says of Farleigh - "Tiny hamlet on the North Downs, quite unspoilt - almost the most rural in Surrey. This extraordinary place is four miles from the centre of Croydon, eleven from the Isle of Dogs, and almost within sight of some of the worst sprawl in the country at New Addington." St Mary's Church is "as surprising a survival for Surrey as the village: Simple village-Norman, fairly gently restored, with new chancel arch and simple new bell-turret. All stuccoed, and not a window later than 1250. Nave and chancel c.1100." Basil Cracknell in 'A Portrait of Surrey' writes about Farleigh - "My favourite oasis is Farleigh, with its tiny Norman church of St Mary's, damaged badly by fire in 1964 but still standing, as it has stood for 850 years, the smallest and one of the oldest churches in Surrey." Farleigh resisted its incorporation into Greater London in the 1960s so fiercely that it won its case and stayed in Surrey. "The essence of Farleigh's claim was that it was not an oasis at all, since it did not lie within the desert but belonged to the green country beyond it. Farleigh they said was rural in character, had been rural for all its recorded history, and wanted to stay that way - and they won their case." St Mary's Church is just beyond the trees in the centre with the church car park on this side of the trees - see Link

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Farleigh Church seen from Greatpark Wood

Ian Nairn in 'The Buildings of England: Surrey' says of Farleigh - "Tiny hamlet on the North Downs, quite unspoilt - almost the most rural in Surrey. This extraordinary place is four miles from the centre of Croydon, eleven from the Isle of Dogs, and almost within sight of some of the worst sprawl in the country at New Addington." St Mary's Church is "as surprising a survival for Surrey as the village: Simple village-Norman, fairly gently restored, with new chancel arch and simple new bell-turret. All stuccoed, and not a window later than 1250. Nave and chancel c.1100." Basil Cracknell in 'A Portrait of Surrey' writes about Farleigh - "My favourite oasis is Farleigh, with its tiny Norman church of St Mary's, damaged badly by fire in 1964 but still standing, as it has stood for 850 years, the smallest and one of the oldest churches in Surrey." Farleigh resisted its incorporation into Greater London in the 1960s so fiercely that it won its case and stayed in Surrey. "The essence of Farleigh's claim was that it was not an oasis at all, since it did not lie within the desert but belonged to the green country beyond it. Farleigh they said was rural in character, had been rural for all its recorded history, and wanted to stay that way - and they won their case." St Mary's Church can just be seen above the trees in the centre with the church car park on this side of the trees beyond the horses - see Link The Vanguard Way is just the other side of the fence on the left - see Link

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Footpath to Littlepark Wood

A path leads across a field near Farleigh Court towards the wood and onwards to Harrow Road, Chelsham.

David Anstiss

Hayturner near Farleigh Court

As seen from a bridleway to the court. In the background are farmhouses on Farleigh Court Road. This type of turner is a Vicon acrobat. In america they are known as Hay Tedders. See Link

for more details

David Anstiss

Bridleway to Farleigh Court

The Vanguard Way (long distance path) leads from Chelsham towards Farleigh via bridleway from Greatpark Wood.

David Anstiss

Farleigh Court Golf Course

This looks down from a footpath at the edge of Frylands Wood. Frith Wood is on the other side of the golf course. This is just beyond the built-up area of Forestdale.

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Farleigh Court Golf Course

This looks down from a footpath at the edge of Frylands Wood. This is just beyond the built-up area of Forestdale.

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Farleigh Court Golf Course

This looks across the golf course from a bridleway between Frith Wood and Selsdon Wood which leads to the London Loop . This is just beyond the built-up area of Forestdale.

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Bridleway alongside Farleigh Court Golf Course

This bridleway leads down from Frith Wood and meets the London Loop and Selsdon Wood just ahead. The latter can be seen on the horizon. This is just beyond the built-up area of Forestdale.

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The London Loop through Puplet Wood

This section of the London Loop is like being right out in the countryside but is just beyond the housing of Forestdale. Selsdon Wood is just off to the right. The path here is also followed by the Vanguard Way and the Tandridge Border Path.

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The London Loop through Puplet Wood

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'Animal's head' in Puplet Wood

This section of the London Loop is like being right out in the countryside but is just beyond the housing of Forestdale. The path here is also followed by the Vanguard Way and the Tandridge Border Path.

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