Badley Wood Common

Downs, Moorland in Herefordshire

England

Badley Wood Common

Track at Lower Brockhampton Track to farm buildings at Lower Brockhampton. — Track at Lower Brockhampton Credit: Philip Halling

Badley Wood Common is a picturesque expanse of land located in the county of Herefordshire, England. Covering an area of approximately 150 acres, it is nestled amidst the stunning countryside and offers a diverse range of natural habitats. The common is primarily characterized by its rolling downs and expansive moorland, providing a unique landscape that attracts both locals and tourists alike.

The common is home to a rich and varied array of flora and fauna, making it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts. The downs are covered in a patchwork of vibrant wildflowers during the spring and summer months, including rare orchids and various species of grasses. Meanwhile, the moorland is a haven for wildlife, with an abundance of bird species such as skylarks, stonechats, and kestrels, as well as small mammals like rabbits and voles.

In addition to its natural beauty, Badley Wood Common has a rich history dating back many centuries. It was once part of a larger medieval hunting ground and has remnants of ancient stone structures, which serve as reminders of its past. The common also offers a network of walking trails and bridleways, allowing visitors to explore its picturesque surroundings while enjoying the fresh air and tranquility.

Badley Wood Common is a cherished natural gem in Herefordshire, offering a peaceful retreat for those seeking a moment of respite from the hustle and bustle of modern life. With its diverse ecosystems, captivating landscapes, and historical significance, it is a place that truly captures the essence of the English countryside.

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Badley Wood Common Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.214264/-2.4447903 or Grid Reference SO6957. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Track at Lower Brockhampton

Track to farm buildings at Lower Brockhampton.

Philip Halling

Lower Brockhampton

Lower Brockhampton is a moated half-timbered manor house dating from the late 14th century, complete with a timber-framed gatehouse straddling the moat. The Brockhampton Estate was bequeathed to the National Trust in 1946 by Colonel John Talbot Lutley. The house is Grade I listed.

Philip Halling

Rowan berries

Rowan berries at Lower Brockhampton.

Philip Halling

Font at Lower Brockhampton

Font in the abandoned church at Lower Brockhampton.

Philip Halling

Brockhampton medieval manor house

Compiled by Brian Robert Marshall The Brockhampton Estate centred on Lower Brockhampton is a National Trust property and has been since 1946 when it was bequeathed to the Trust by the last owner Colonel John Lutley. It was and remains a working farm and the ancient buildings were occupied as late as the 1980s. The two main buildings are the farmhouse and the gatehouse which date to the 14th and 16th centuries respectively. In 2010 the farmhouse was comprehensively restored following earlier restoration and repair programmes in 1871, 1947 and the 1990s Link

The gatehouse has also recently been restored. The third building of interest is the ruin of a Norman chapel used for storage purposes from the late 18th century until the 1980s. The farmhouse is listed Grade I Link

as is the gatehouse Link

The chapel is Grade II* Link

Mat Fascione

Damson orchard, Brockhampton

Mike Parker

View to the orchard at Brockhampton

Looking through a window in the C15 half-timbered gatehouse of Lower Brockhampton, towards the moat and orchard of damson trees in full blossom.

Mike Parker

Lower Brockhampton

Drive approaching the National Trust property of Lower Brockhampton.

Philip Halling

Cattle grid and drive

Cattle grid and drive at Lower Brockhampton.

Philip Halling

Orchard at Lower Brockhampton

A damson orchard at Lower Brockhampton.

Philip Halling

Lower Brockhampton

After the dry summer of 2022 the moat at Lower Brockhampton is particularly low.

Philip Halling

Lower Brockhampton

The National Trust have opted for more subdued colours on this noted building.

David M Clark

Lower Brockhampton

Part of a large estate owned by the National Trust.

David M Clark

Lower Brockhampton Gatehouse

Adding greatly to the attractiveness of the medieval moated manor house at Lower Brockhampton, the two storey gatehouse over the short path up to the front door appears to have been a total vanity project. As a display board inside explains, the gatehouse is built with far more decorative timberwork than is necessary for a relatively simple structure. Excessive use of cut timber, which was very expensive in those days, was a way of showing off how much cash you had to spare. It also says that later tenants used it as a hen house.

Des Blenkinsopp

Orchard across the Moat

Lower Brockhampton House is surrounded by orchards of Apple, Pear and Damson trees. Although the tree in the foreground is a Medlar, the fruit of which is also edible, albeit in a rather acquired taste sort of way.

Des Blenkinsopp

Ruined Chapel in Autumn

The remains of an old medieval chapel stand next to the farm buildings a short distance away from Lower Brockhampton House.

Des Blenkinsopp

New Orchard at Lower Brockhampton

The National Trust has been busy planting new fruit trees at its Lower Brockhampton estate. Not just in the original orchards, replacing old trees which are nearing the end of their days, but out into the fields beyond. The new orchards are landscaped, with many varieties from overseas included as part of a history of the development of fruit growing. Various woodcarvings and story boards are also included, as shown here. This has all resulted in previously remote parts of the estate becoming interesting for visitors. New pathways have been made so that you can now walk out to areas that I would guess nobody went to much before.

Des Blenkinsopp