Old Orchard

Downs, Moorland in Dorset

England

Old Orchard

Hare and Hounds, Waytown
Hare and Hounds, Waytown Credit: Roger Cornfoot

Old Orchard, Dorset is a picturesque village located in the southern part of England, known for its stunning Downs and Moorland landscapes. Nestled in the heart of the county of Dorset, this small village offers a tranquil and idyllic setting for residents and visitors alike.

The Downs of Old Orchard present rolling hills and expansive meadows, providing a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The undulating terrain offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, with walking trails that wind through fields of wildflowers and ancient woodlands. The Downs also provide a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including deer, rabbits, and a diverse array of bird species.

Adjacent to the Downs lies the enchanting Moorland of Old Orchard. This expanse of open countryside features vast stretches of heather and gorse, creating a rich tapestry of colors throughout the seasons. The Moorland is home to several rare plant species, including the Dorset heath and the bog asphodel, attracting botanists and plant enthusiasts from far and wide.

Old Orchard itself is a quintessential English village, with charming thatched cottages and a sense of community that is cherished by its residents. The village boasts a quaint church, a village green, and a few local shops and pubs, providing a sense of convenience and local charm.

Overall, Old Orchard, Dorset is a haven for those seeking the tranquility and beauty of the English countryside. Its Downs and Moorland landscapes, coupled with its traditional village atmosphere, make it a desirable destination for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life.

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Old Orchard Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.779177/-2.7806865 or Grid Reference SY4598. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Hare and Hounds, Waytown
Hare and Hounds, Waytown
Brinsham Farm, Salwayash
Brinsham Farm, Salwayash
Orchard at Elwell Farm, Waytown. A view of a mature orchard, probably part of Higher Elwell Farm <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/SY4796">SY4796</a>.
Orchard at Elwell Farm, Waytown.
A view of a mature orchard, probably part of Higher Elwell Farm SY4796.
Farm loading bay between Waytown & Salwayash This solidly-built stone structure appears to be some sort of loading bay for farm produce. Presumably a vehicle would pull into the lay-by and produce would be dropped through the hoppers into the back. The land at the top of the embankment is shown on the map as an orchard, but I can't see this loading method being very kind to fruit. Anybody know more about this?
Farm loading bay between Waytown & Salwayash
This solidly-built stone structure appears to be some sort of loading bay for farm produce. Presumably a vehicle would pull into the lay-by and produce would be dropped through the hoppers into the back. The land at the top of the embankment is shown on the map as an orchard, but I can't see this loading method being very kind to fruit. Anybody know more about this?
Entrance to Higher Ford Farm This is the entrance track leading to Higher Ford Farm, SY465967. The sign just says 'FORD', and the river bridge a little further down the road looks fairly new and may have replaced a ford crossing.
Entrance to Higher Ford Farm
This is the entrance track leading to Higher Ford Farm, SY465967. The sign just says 'FORD', and the river bridge a little further down the road looks fairly new and may have replaced a ford crossing.
Higher Ford Farm The white buildings in the right half of the picture are Higher Ford Farm. Further away is Elwell Farm, and its orchards can be seen on the hilltop. The pond at SY463967 can be seen on the left of the picture. The picture was taken looking NE from the road at the top of a farm track at SY461965.
Higher Ford Farm
The white buildings in the right half of the picture are Higher Ford Farm. Further away is Elwell Farm, and its orchards can be seen on the hilltop. The pond at SY463967 can be seen on the left of the picture. The picture was taken looking NE from the road at the top of a farm track at SY461965.
Bidlake Farm and more pylons A view from the road between Broadoak and Atrim towards Bidlake Farm. A public footpath crosses the road at this point.
Bidlake Farm and more pylons
A view from the road between Broadoak and Atrim towards Bidlake Farm. A public footpath crosses the road at this point.
Salway Ash (or Salwayash): church of the Holy Trinity
Salway Ash (or Salwayash): church of the Holy Trinity
Sheep in bracken The view of sheep in bracken to the west of the footpath behind Bottle Cottage.
Sheep in bracken
The view of sheep in bracken to the west of the footpath behind Bottle Cottage.
Bottle Cottage Looking north east towards Bottle Cottage.  Notice the concrete milk stand, where the farmer used to leave the churns of milk ready for picking up for transportation to the dairy.  The demands of improved hygiene, through quick chilling, and bulk tank transporters means that milkk stands are no longer used.
Bottle Cottage
Looking north east towards Bottle Cottage. Notice the concrete milk stand, where the farmer used to leave the churns of milk ready for picking up for transportation to the dairy. The demands of improved hygiene, through quick chilling, and bulk tank transporters means that milkk stands are no longer used.
Road junction From the road between Netherbury and South Bowood, the road to the left goes to Silkhay and Hingsdon Farms
Road junction
From the road between Netherbury and South Bowood, the road to the left goes to Silkhay and Hingsdon Farms
Gollop Arms The Gollop Arms, South Bowood on the B3162 as viewed from the east
Gollop Arms
The Gollop Arms, South Bowood on the B3162 as viewed from the east
Silkhay Farm Looking north west to Silkhay Farm.  The tyres and plastic sheeting provide a covering for the heap of silage, which will provide feed for cattle during the winter.
Silkhay Farm
Looking north west to Silkhay Farm. The tyres and plastic sheeting provide a covering for the heap of silage, which will provide feed for cattle during the winter.
Strode Manor Farm
Strode Manor Farm
North Bowood
North Bowood
Entrance to Strode Manor There appears to be no public access to the manor: this is as far as you can legally approach.
Entrance to Strode Manor
There appears to be no public access to the manor: this is as far as you can legally approach.
South Bowood A Picture-Postcard cottage.
South Bowood
A Picture-Postcard cottage.
Show me another place!

Old Orchard is located at Grid Ref: SY4598 (Lat: 50.779177, Lng: -2.7806865)

Unitary Authority: Dorset

Police Authority: Dorset

What 3 Words

///splat.proves.heavy. Near Beaminster, Dorset

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 50.779177,-2.7806865
Furleigh Cross
Is In: Dorset, England, UK
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 50.7801161/-2.7776536
Crossing
Lat/Long: 50.7803562/-2.7745916
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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