The Rough Strip

Wood, Forest in Norfolk North Norfolk

England

The Rough Strip

Rectory Road
Rectory Road Credit: Hugh Venables

The Rough Strip, located in Norfolk, is a picturesque wood and forest area encompassing an approximate area of [insert size] hectares. This natural haven provides a serene environment, attracting nature enthusiasts, hikers, and bird watchers alike.

The Rough Strip boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna, with its woodlands comprising primarily deciduous trees such as oaks, beeches, and birches. The forest floor is covered in a thick carpet of moss, ferns, and wildflowers, adding to the enchanting atmosphere of the area. The plentiful vegetation provides a habitat for various wildlife species, including deer, foxes, badgers, and a myriad of bird species.

Hiking trails meander through the Rough Strip, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area. The trails are well-maintained and suitable for all levels of fitness, making it an ideal destination for families and nature lovers seeking a peaceful retreat. Along the way, visitors may encounter breathtaking viewpoints, babbling brooks, and hidden clearings that offer a tranquil space for picnics or meditation.

Bird watching enthusiasts will find The Rough Strip particularly captivating, as it hosts a diverse range of species. From the elusive woodpeckers to the majestic buzzards soaring above, bird watchers are in for a treat. Binoculars and cameras are highly recommended to capture the beauty of the avian residents.

The Rough Strip is a true gem within Norfolk's natural landscape, offering a sanctuary for both wildlife and visitors seeking solace amidst nature's splendor. Whether it's immersing oneself in the tranquility of the woods or marveling at the diverse birdlife, this forested area is a must-visit for anyone seeking a connection with the great outdoors.

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The Rough Strip Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.907752/1.1994532 or Grid Reference TG1539. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Rectory Road
Rectory Road
Solar farm near Bodham Hill
Solar farm near Bodham Hill
Field by New Road
Field by New Road
Solar farm near Bodham Hill
Solar farm near Bodham Hill
Buildings by Rectory Road See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3938108">TG1338 : RAF West Beckham radar station (C Site)</a> for more details.
Buildings by Rectory Road
Road to West Beckham
Road to West Beckham
Barley field near Bodham Hill
Barley field near Bodham Hill
All Saints' church, Gresham See <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.norfolkchurches.co.uk/gresham/gresham.htm" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.norfolkchurches.co.uk/gresham/gresham.htm">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>.
All Saints' church, Gresham
See LinkExternal link.
Transmitter on the former RAF West Beckham radar station This is a modern mast.
Transmitter on the former RAF West Beckham radar station
This is a modern mast.
Farm building at Bodham Hill
Farm building at Bodham Hill
Guardhouse at the entrance to RAF West Beckham (A Site) RAF West Beckham, which had close links with the local fighter station RAF Matlask, was opened in 1938 and comprised a transmitter and receiver site, a generator site and underground reserves. It reported to the filter room at RAF Watnall which was the HQ to No. 12 Group RAF, and the station was originally parented to RAF Bircham Newton, followed by later RAF Wittering and finally RAF Coltishall.

The radar site proper, located at Bodham Hill, was known as A Site.  During World War II the station was commanded by the famous dance band leader Marius B. Winter and because of his background the soldiers based at the camp were very well entertained. A Site was closed in 1956.

There were also two separate camps:  The B Site provided accommodation for the WAAFs and airmen from 1939 to 1946. The B Site, which was also known as "The Marlpit Camp" due to its close proximity to a disused marl pit - now a fishing lake > <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3938061" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3938061">Link</a> -  was closed down in 1958.

Site C was home to the Royal Norfolk Regiment in 1940 and in 1941 was used by the Military Police, followed by an RAF regiment from 1942 until 1945. After the war the site went into care and maintenance.

Today the station is privately owned and many of the buildings are still in existence.
Guardhouse at the entrance to RAF West Beckham (A Site)
RAF West Beckham, which had close links with the local fighter station RAF Matlask, was opened in 1938 and comprised a transmitter and receiver site, a generator site and underground reserves. It reported to the filter room at RAF Watnall which was the HQ to No. 12 Group RAF, and the station was originally parented to RAF Bircham Newton, followed by later RAF Wittering and finally RAF Coltishall. The radar site proper, located at Bodham Hill, was known as A Site. During World War II the station was commanded by the famous dance band leader Marius B. Winter and because of his background the soldiers based at the camp were very well entertained. A Site was closed in 1956. There were also two separate camps: The B Site provided accommodation for the WAAFs and airmen from 1939 to 1946. The B Site, which was also known as "The Marlpit Camp" due to its close proximity to a disused marl pit - now a fishing lake > Link - was closed down in 1958. Site C was home to the Royal Norfolk Regiment in 1940 and in 1941 was used by the Military Police, followed by an RAF regiment from 1942 until 1945. After the war the site went into care and maintenance. Today the station is privately owned and many of the buildings are still in existence.
RAF West Beckham radar station (A Site) Remains of the IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) hut.
RAF West Beckham radar station (A Site)
Remains of the IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) hut.
RAF West Beckham radar station (A Site) The overgrown concrete bases of the wooden mast adjacent to the receiver block.
RAF West Beckham radar station (A Site)
The overgrown concrete bases of the wooden mast adjacent to the receiver block.
RAF West Beckham radar station (A Site) Approach to the receiver block.
RAF West Beckham radar station (A Site)
Approach to the receiver block.
RAF West Beckham radar station (A Site) Entrance into the receiver block.
RAF West Beckham radar station (A Site)
Entrance into the receiver block.
RAF West Beckham radar station (A Site) View from the blast wall surrounding the receiver block.
RAF West Beckham radar station (A Site)
View from the blast wall surrounding the receiver block.
RAF West Beckham radar station (A Site) Pillbox located above the entrance/exit of the receiver block. It would appear to have been accessed via a ladder.
RAF West Beckham radar station (A Site)
Pillbox located above the entrance/exit of the receiver block. It would appear to have been accessed via a ladder.
West Beckham ROC post The Royal Observer Corps post on the A Site of the former RAF West Beckham radar station.  The post was set up in 1960 and  closed in 1991. This area is fenced in and inaccessible.
West Beckham ROC post
The Royal Observer Corps post on the A Site of the former RAF West Beckham radar station. The post was set up in 1960 and closed in 1991. This area is fenced in and inaccessible.
Show me another place!

The Rough Strip is located at Grid Ref: TG1539 (Lat: 52.907752, Lng: 1.1994532)

Administrative County: Norfolk

District: North Norfolk

Police Authority: Norfolk

What 3 Words

///curly.processes.formed. Near Sheringham, Norfolk

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