Shaftesbury Clump

Wood, Forest in Suffolk East Suffolk

England

Shaftesbury Clump

Footbridge at Woodbridge Station Credit: Richard Cooke

Shaftesbury Clump is a picturesque woodland area located in Suffolk, England. Situated near the town of Woodbridge, it covers an area of approximately 20 acres and is part of the larger Sutton Heath nature reserve. The clump is named after the nearby village of Sutton, which was historically known as Shaftesbury.

The woodland is characterized by a variety of tree species, including oak, birch, beech, and pine. These trees create a dense canopy that provides shade and shelter for numerous wildlife species, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. The clump is particularly known for its diverse bird population, with species such as woodpeckers, owls, and warblers frequently spotted among the branches.

Aside from its natural beauty, Shaftesbury Clump also holds historical significance. It is believed that the woodland has been present for hundreds of years, serving as a hunting ground for ancient civilizations and later as a source of timber for the local community. Today, the clump is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is managed by a local conservation group.

Visitors to Shaftesbury Clump can enjoy leisurely walks through the woodland, following a network of well-maintained paths. The tranquil atmosphere and stunning views make it an ideal location for relaxation and reconnecting with nature.

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Shaftesbury Clump Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.080894/1.3257045 or Grid Reference TM2747. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Footbridge at Woodbridge Station

Richard Cooke

Woodbridge Railway Station

Jim Osley

Flat farmland, Broom Hill

Looking south towards Martlesham Creek.

JThomas

Entrance to Elmhurst Park

JThomas

Ferry Quay, Woodbridge

JThomas

Turreted residence

This stair turret with its conical cap, an unusual feature in a suburban residence, seems to have been inspired by the round towers of many nearby Suffolk churches. Located by the Driftway between Seckford Street and Bridgewood Road, it bears the date 2007.

Tiger

The former Queen's Head

The old pub in Seckford Street has been converted into a pair of dwellings but the empty bracket for the inn sign and the name of the steep lane at the side are clues to the building's former use.

Tiger

Plaque on the Seckford Dispensary

"Founded 1861, Erected 1886, Converted 1979 - conversion by C.V. Aldous". The Latin motto "Orationes et eleemosynæ ascendunt in memoriam coram Deo" translates as "Prayers and alms rise up for a remembrance before God." The dispensary was designed by Ernest Carritt, architect to the Seckford charity, and is now converted into residential flats. For a general view see TM2649 : Seckford Dispensary.

Tiger

The Tide Mill, Woodbridge

This mill was in use until 1956, when the main shaft broke. It has been restored for demonstration purposes.

Humphrey Bolton

Tide mill pond, Woodbridge

This was much bigger when the mill operated commercially. Enough of it has been retained to supply the mill for demonstration purposes.

Humphrey Bolton

The Bell Inn, New Street, Woodbridge

Now called Ye Olde Bell and Steelyard. The steelyard is a weighing device, and it is on a gantry projecting from the right-hand end of the building (not visible in this image). New Street was new in 1550, and the inn was probably built in the second half of the 16C. There is an old house of similar vintage a little further down the road.

Humphrey Bolton

Tranmer House, Sutton Hoo

This is the back of the house, where the 'tradesman's entrance would have been, and also the entrance to the estate office.

Humphrey Bolton

The west front of Tranmer House

There is a tall cedar tree on the right with the lowest branches surprisingly near to ground level. The ground floor is open to the public, along with the Sutton Hoo Exhibition. The upper floors are National Trust holiday apartments

Humphrey Bolton

Tranmer House, Sutton Hoo

This shows the western and southern fronts of the house.

Humphrey Bolton

The Dairy Farm, Sutton Hoo

The left end of the building is called The Court, and is an art gallery. To the right of it there is a National Trust second-hand bookshop. The Sutton Hoo visitor centre is in the dark building to the left.

Humphrey Bolton

I hold and am held

The hands sculpture outside Woodbridge Quay Church was commissioned by the church in 2014 from Rick Kirby, who works in welded steel. According to a notice displayed at the site it represents "giving and receiving on several levels - in our relationships with one another as well as in our relationship with God. The words I HOLD AND AM HELD bear witness to the act of putting our trust in God. In faith we hold on to Him - He is our Strength and our ever-present Help. Our Hope is in Him and He holds us securely and lovingly as our Father God."

Tiger

Farming

Farming near to Martlesham, Suffolk.

Keith Evans

Zeppelin raid memorial

In memory of the six civilians killed by bombs dropped from a Zeppelin on August 12th 1915. Extract from Ian Castle's excellent web pages. Link

"Arriving over Woodbridge at about 10.20pm, men of the 2nd/3rd London Infantry Brigade engaged L.10 with machine gun and rifle fire. Wenke replied by dropping four explosive and twenty incendiary bombs on the town. The effect on St. John’s Hill was devastating. An explosive bomb landing on the pavement outside 1 St. John’s Hill, claimed six lives. Mr Tyler – a bootmaker - and his wife were standing at the door of 4 St. John’s Hill; the blast killed Mrs Tyler instantly and mortally injured her husband. Edward Turner and Dennis Harris had the misfortune to be in the street as the bomb exploded and were both killed. Another victim, Mrs Eliza Bunn, aged 67, living at 14 New Street, on the corner of St. John’s Hill, died shortly after rescuers carried her from the wreckage of her house. And 16-year-old James Marshall died at 27 New Street"