Ash Grove

Wood, Forest in Hertfordshire East Hertfordshire

England

Ash Grove

Glyn Hopkin Nissan, Bishop's Stortford Credit: David Howard

Ash Grove is a small woodland area situated in Hertfordshire, England. Covering approximately 20 acres, it is known for its lush greenery and dense forest. The grove is located near the picturesque village of Ashwell, and is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers.

The woodland boasts a variety of tree species, including oak, beech, and birch, which create a diverse and vibrant ecosystem. The forest floor is covered with a thick carpet of ferns, moss, and wildflowers, adding to the area's natural beauty. Ash Grove is also home to a wide range of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and various bird species, making it a haven for animal lovers and birdwatchers.

Visitors can explore the grove through a network of well-marked trails, offering a serene and tranquil environment for walking and hiking. The trails vary in difficulty, catering to both casual strollers and more experienced hikers. Along the way, visitors can enjoy the peaceful ambiance, breathe in the fresh air, and listen to the soothing sounds of nature.

Ash Grove is managed by the local council, which ensures the preservation of the woodland and its biodiversity. The area is open to the public year-round, and there are no entrance fees or permits required. However, visitors are encouraged to follow the designated paths, respect the wildlife, and take their litter with them to maintain the pristine condition of the grove.

Overall, Ash Grove is a hidden gem in Hertfordshire, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether it's for a leisurely walk, a picnic with family and friends, or simply to reconnect with nature, this woodland provides a tranquil retreat for all who visit.

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Ash Grove Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.878066/0.14913898 or Grid Reference TL4822. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Glyn Hopkin Nissan, Bishop's Stortford

David Howard

Hadham Road, Bishop's Stortford

David Howard

Hadham Court, Bishop's Stortford

David Howard

Hadham Road, Bishop's Stortford

David Howard

High Street, Bishop's Stortford

These crossroads in the heart of the town are at the eastern end of High Street where it meets (clockwise) North Street, Bridge Street and Market Street. Most of the shops are on Market Street. Finery & Co are independent jewellers with shops in Saffron Walden and here in Bishop's Stortford.

Stephen McKay

Adnams, Bishop's Stortford

Adnams is a long-established brewing company based in Southwold. As well as a significant pub estate it runs a number of retail outlets selling beers, wines, spirits and other products. Most of these shops are in Suffolk and Norfolk but Bishop's Stortford has this one on High Street. The window display looks suitably festive.

Stephen McKay

High Street, Bishop's Stortford

The building on the corner of High Street and Basbow Lane dates from around 1360 with 16th century additions. Slaters a tailor, draper and undertaker was established here in 1601, changing its name to Tissimans in the late 19th century and later Alexandra Wood. It remained a gentleman's outfitters (although the undertaking side of the business evidently disappeared at some point) and claimed to be the oldest men's clothing establishment in the world. The business has now moved and the premises have been taken over by Adnams the Suffolk brewery.

Stephen McKay

St Michael's Churchyard, Bishop's Stortford

The churchyard outside the grade I listed 15th century St Michael's Church faces High Street with the Boar's Head, now a steak restaurant, opposite.

Stephen McKay

The Corn Exchange, Bishop's Stortford

An outsize Santa stands outside the grade II listed Corn Exchange which was built in 1828 to a design by Lewis Vulliamy. As well as a market place for agricultural products it has had various uses over the years including as a synagogue for Jewish refugees evacuated from London during the Second World War. It ceased trading as a corn exchange in 1959 and was threatened with demolition in the 1960s. Today, it houses a restaurant, bar and entertainment venue called 'Host'.

Stephen McKay

River Stort Navigation, Bishop's Stortford

This used to be the main channel of the River Stort through Bishop's Stortford town centre. Today this has been blocked off by the Jackson Square Shopping Centre and the main flow goes under Hockerill Bridge. This short arm allows boats to wind (turn) at the head of navigation.

Stephen McKay

Hockerill Cut, Bishop's Stortford

The Hockerill Cut is the end of navigation on the River Stort. The main channel of the river now flows this way but boats cannot go beyond the bridge.

Stephen McKay

Castle Park, Bishop's Stortford

Children's play equipment at the southern end of the park is seen here on a day that the forecasts had promised would be bright sunshine but in fact the thick cloud cover never lifted.

Stephen McKay

River Stort Navigation, Bishop's Stortford

Downstream of Bishop's Stortford the Stort is a canalised river, part of the Lee & Stort Navigations system giving access to London. The banks here would once have been lined with boatyards and canalside industries, especially maltings. The weather-boarded building is a survivor from those times.

Stephen McKay

Mallard Court, Bishop's Stortford

The octagonal shape of this modern block of flats beside the River Stort is intended as a reminder of the gas holders that once occupied this site.

Stephen McKay

Millennium Bridge, Bishop's Stortford

The Millennium Bridge over the River Stort was completed in 2008. This view shows the ramp provided for wheelchair access but there are steps as a shorter alternative for those able to use them. It connects the new Goodsyard housing development with Southmill Road.

Stephen McKay

Millars Maltings, Bishop's Stortford

The building occupied by the Graham School of Dance is the southernmost of three well-preserved maltings buildings on this site collectively called Millars Maltings (sic) after the original maltster, Joshua Miller. They were constructed between 1843 and 1897 largely to serve London breweries. Today, the complex has found a new purpose, described as 'a vibrant community of residential and commercial tenants'.

Stephen McKay

Millars Three, Bishop's Stortford

This is one of three 19th century maltings buildings on Southmill Road that have been repurposed as 'a vibrant community of residential and commercial tenants'. They are collectively called Millars after the original maltster, Joshua Miller, albeit with a different spelling for some reason. The business in the foreground is the Stortford Phone Surgery offering 'same day phone & tablet repairs' and 'laptop & desktop repairs'. The sign by the door says 'Pop in for a coffee whilst you wait'.

Stephen McKay

The Jolly Brewers, Bishop's Stortford

This pub was first opened in 1870 with the odd name 'The Teetotallers'. Quite why is not known but it is thought that the first landlord, Henry Phipp, was related to a John Phipp who held the first baptist meetings in the town. Perhaps the intention was to mock his pious relative but in any case the name was changed to the present one three years later. The new name was appropriate in a brewing town with a major maltings industry.

Stephen McKay

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Ash Grove is located at Grid Ref: TL4822 (Lat: 51.878066, Lng: 0.14913898)

Administrative County: Hertfordshire

District: East Hertfordshire

Police Authority: Hertfordshire