Stratton Down

Downs, Moorland in Dorset

England

Stratton Down

Direction Sign â Signpost Located between Frampton and Grimstone on an island in the centre of the junction of the A37 Dorchester Road and a minor road to Langford Farm, Stratton parish. The annulus &amp; bar finial and pillar remain but the arms of the fingerpost have gone. See also <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1785108" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1785108">Link</a>.

Milestone Society National ID: DO_SY6394 — Direction Sign â Signpost Credit: C Payne

Stratton Down is a picturesque area located in the county of Dorset, England. It is situated in the western part of the county, near the town of Dorchester. This area is known for its stunning natural beauty, encompassing both downs and moorland landscapes.

The downs of Stratton Down are characterized by their rolling hills and expansive grasslands. These open spaces provide breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers. The downs are home to a rich variety of plant and animal species, including wildflowers, butterflies, and birds, adding to the area's ecological diversity.

In addition to the downs, Stratton Down also features extensive areas of moorland. Moorland is a unique type of landscape characterized by its heather-covered hills and peat bogs. This rugged terrain offers a stark contrast to the softer downs, providing visitors with a diverse range of environments to explore. The moorland is home to various wildlife species, including deer, foxes, and birds of prey, making it a haven for nature lovers and photographers.

Stratton Down is also steeped in history, with evidence of human settlement dating back thousands of years. The area is dotted with ancient landmarks, such as burial mounds and stone circles, giving visitors a glimpse into the region's past. Additionally, there are several walking trails and paths that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the rich history and natural beauty of Stratton Down.

Overall, Stratton Down, Dorset, offers a unique blend of downs and moorland landscapes, making it a captivating destination for those seeking natural beauty, wildlife, and historical intrigue.

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Stratton Down Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.759459/-2.4918548 or Grid Reference SY6595. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Direction Sign â Signpost

Located between Frampton and Grimstone on an island in the centre of the junction of the A37 Dorchester Road and a minor road to Langford Farm, Stratton parish. The annulus & bar finial and pillar remain but the arms of the fingerpost have gone. See also Link. Milestone Society National ID: DO_SY6394

C Payne

Stratton, war memorial

On Dorchester Road; recording the names of thirteen fallen in the world wars.

Mike Faherty

Stratton, St. Mary the Virgin

Parish church on Dorchester Road, dating from C12; listed by Historic England (Grade I): Link

Mike Faherty

Stratton, Saxon Arms

Welcoming village pub on the Square. A modern building, like the village hall opposite, and houses on this side of the main road, but with plenty of character. Back bar, open plan, with drinking area front and left, and dining right. Wooden panelled ceilings, wood burning stoves and festoons of hops. Cask ales on offer at my visit: Butcombe Bitter, Moorhouse's White Witch, St. Austell Proper Job, Taylor's Landlord. Listed in the 2016 Good Beer Guide.

Mike Faherty

Stratton Village Hall

On the Square; dated 2000.

Mike Faherty

Stratton Village Green

Overlooking Dorchester Road; with seats and a playground (out of sight).

Mike Faherty

Stratton, former school

On Dorchester Road, dated 1898; now residential.

Mike Faherty

Stratton, Meadow Bottom

Like most of the housing in this corner of the village, modern; but showing sympathetic use of vernacular cladding (thatch or stone and flint).

Mike Faherty

Stratton, postbox

DT2 605, at the western end of the village, on Dorchester Road; ahead, A37 and the village by-pass.

Mike Faherty

Stratton, footpath

Alongside Dorchester Road (A37); the wonky sign indicates that the path is to be shared by pedestrians and cyclists.

Mike Faherty

Defending Dorset in 1940: the Maiden Newton - Poole Harbour Stop Line (42)

Grimstone Railway Viaduct. At a strategic crossing point of both road and rail, the viaduct was on the Stop Line, and probably manned in 1940 with a road block under the central arch. According to local legend, the viaduct would have been blown up by auxiliaries in the event of a landing by invasion forces. SY6394 : Defending Dorset in 1940: the Maiden Newton - Poole Harbour Stop Line (43)

Mike Searle

Defending Dorset in 1940: the Maiden Newton - Poole Harbour Stop Line (43)

- Anti-tank Block: DoB ID: S0000060 Grimstone Railway Viaduct - Cube: definitely an anti-tank cube, but what sort of vehicle this was designed to stop is uncertain - presumably a fairly small one! It's under the southern arch of the three railway arches, whose central arch presumably had a road block of some kind, whilst flowing under the northern arch is the natural obstacle of Sydling Water. It has been said, and it's entirely possible, that this cube was part of a line that once extended across the entire road to form a permanent road block. Which would have inconvenienced the residents of Sydling St Nicholas somewhat! SY6394 : Defending Dorset in 1940: the Maiden Newton - Poole Harbour Stop Line (44)

Mike Searle

Defending Dorset in 1940: the Maiden Newton - Poole Harbour Stop Line (44)

- Anti-tank Block: DoB ID: S0000060 Grimstone Railway Viaduct - Cube. A close-up of the anti-tank cube under the southern arch of the Grimstone railway viaduct. SY7290 : Defending Dorset in 1940: the Maiden Newton - Poole Harbour Stop Line (45)

Mike Searle

Footpath up Magiston Hill

Becky Williamson

Forston Farm

Becky Williamson

Fields in the Cerne Valley, Charlton Down

Becky Williamson

Rivet on wall at Forston Farm

Ordnance Survey rivet benchmark (missing its arrow) on roadside wall at Forston Farm. It seems that this rivet has been elevated from its original position as, according to the Ordnance Survey database, it is only 0.2 M above ground level and it is definitely more than that now! For full description on the database, see Link

. See also SY6695 : Wall at Forston Farm.

Becky Williamson