Coachroad Plantation

Wood, Forest in Suffolk West Suffolk

England

Coachroad Plantation

Little Saxham: cottages and the 'new' road The road from Risby originally passed to the west of the parish church (out of the picture to the left), but at the behest of the Earl of Bristol, of nearby Ickworth House, and by Act of Parliament, it was diverted to its present course in 1850. The thatched row behind the hedge, dating from the eighteenth century and part of the Ickworth Estate, was originally symmetrical, with its gable in the centre, but two bays at the left-hand end were demolished to make way for the new road and the smaller cottage to the left built as a replacement. Early 19th-century iron window frames from the demolished cottages were re-used in the new one.

<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7625265">TL7963 : Little Saxham: Church Cottages</a> is a closer view of the cottage of 1850, whose owner kindly explained its history.

For the listings, see <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/101181221-numbers-1-4-church-cottages-the-saxhams" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/101181221-numbers-1-4-church-cottages-the-saxhams">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> and <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/101031406-number-5-church-cottages-the-saxhams" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/101031406-number-5-church-cottages-the-saxhams">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> — Little Saxham: cottages and the 'new' road Credit: John Sutton

Coachroad Plantation is a picturesque woodland located in Suffolk, England. Situated in the heart of the county, this expansive forest covers approximately 500 acres of land. The plantation is known for its rich biodiversity, ancient trees, and tranquil ambiance.

The woodland is primarily composed of native tree species such as oak, beech, and birch. These majestic trees create a dense canopy that provides a haven for a wide variety of wildlife. The forest floor is covered with a diverse array of plants, including bluebells, ferns, and mosses, adding to the enchanting atmosphere.

Coachroad Plantation is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The forest offers numerous walking trails, allowing visitors to explore its natural beauty. These paths wind through the woodland, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape and glimpses of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and a wide variety of bird species.

The plantation also has a rich historical background, with evidence of human activity dating back centuries. The remnants of old pathways, walls, and ditches can still be found within the forest, adding to its charm and sense of heritage.

Overall, Coachroad Plantation is a captivating woodland that offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and historical significance make it a cherished destination for both locals and visitors to Suffolk.

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Coachroad Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.236867/0.6454538 or Grid Reference TL8063. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Little Saxham: cottages and the 'new' road

The road from Risby originally passed to the west of the parish church (out of the picture to the left), but at the behest of the Earl of Bristol, of nearby Ickworth House, and by Act of Parliament, it was diverted to its present course in 1850. The thatched row behind the hedge, dating from the eighteenth century and part of the Ickworth Estate, was originally symmetrical, with its gable in the centre, but two bays at the left-hand end were demolished to make way for the new road and the smaller cottage to the left built as a replacement. Early 19th-century iron window frames from the demolished cottages were re-used in the new one. TL7963 : Little Saxham: Church Cottages is a closer view of the cottage of 1850, whose owner kindly explained its history. For the listings, see Link

and Link

John Sutton

Little Saxham: Church Cottages

The road from Risby originally passed to the west of the parish church, but at the behest of the Earl of Bristol, of nearby Ickworth House, and by Act of Parliament, it was diverted to its present course in 1850. The Grade II listed thatched row behind the hedge, dating from the eighteenth century and part of the Ickworth Estate, was originally symmetrical, with its gable in the centre, but two bays at the left-hand end were demolished to make way for the new road and the smaller cottage to the left built as a replacement. Early 19th-century iron window frames from the demolished cottages were re-used in the new one. The owner of the newer cottage, also Grade II listed, kindly explained its history. For the listings, see Link

and Link

John Sutton

Little Saxham: St Nicholas - Crofts Monument

This impressive late 17th-century monument is locked in the vestry, but there are plans for a wall to be removed to make it more accessible. William, Baron Crofts, died in 1677 and the monument, with his wife on a lower level, Nikolaus Pevsner considered "a conservative motif in the last quarter of the century" - but "'Modern' on the other hand the back architecture, with columns carrying a large open scrolly pediment". In the Shell Guide Norman Scarfe described the "baroque Crofts monument, fine work of Abraham Storey: Madcap Crofts recumbent in full peer's robes, his wife on a lower plane".

John Sutton

Little Saxham: St Nicholas - pews, pulpit and chancel

The canopied pulpit of this rewarding village church is Jacobean and the glass in the 15th-century east window dates from 1899. There are some animal bench ends, but the worn and brightly sunlit one in the foreground depicts a woman - possibly a nun - seated at a desk, reading the Bible.

John Sutton

Little Saxham: St Nicholas

"The most spectacular Norman round tower in Suffolk," wrote Nikolaus Pevsner. "Round the top a rhythmical order of arches on columns. In the four main directions they hold deeply recessed two-light bell-openings, in the diagonals two lower blank arches. Billet frieze along the sill level." The Perpendicular "nave and chancel S sides [have] uncusped, rather bald tracery," he opined.

John Sutton

Little Saxham: St Nicholas - from the east

A fine parish church with a remarkable Norman round tower which stands in a churchyard shaded by tall trees. The chancel dates from the fifteenth century.

John Sutton

Little Saxham in early autumn

Looking along the road from Chevington towards the church at the centre of this small village on a fine Sunday morning in mid October.

John Sutton

The Umbrello

This folly is one of the few outdoor examples of Coade Stone, a cast man-made material. The lead roof went long ago. The iron core of the pillars is starting to rust, breaking off chunks of the stone. The structure seems to have no point at all - it is so high that even with its roof it would not protect you from the rain. And being tucked into the edge of a wood means it does not enhance the view from anywhere.

John Goldsmith

The Umbrello

Being set amongst trees there is no really good view of this folly, though the undergrowth does seem to have been cleared. The floor is just flat stone. There is more information in TL7962 : The Umbrello and other captions. I am negotiating to add a photo taken in the 1930s, when the ornate roof was still in place.

John Goldsmith

Snake's Head fritillary

This white version of the snake's head fritillary (fritillaria meleagris) was growing in the wild meadow opposite Great Saxham Hall, which can be seen in the background.

Bob Jones