Howler's Heath

Downs, Moorland in Gloucestershire Forest of Dean

England

Howler's Heath

A449 at Wayend Street
A449 at Wayend Street Credit: Peter Whatley

Howler's Heath is a picturesque area located in the county of Gloucestershire, England. Situated on the edge of the Cotswolds, it encompasses a diverse landscape of downs and moorland, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.

The downs of Howler's Heath are characterized by rolling hills covered in lush grasses and scattered with wildflowers. These open spaces provide breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, making it a popular spot for hikers, cyclists, and picnickers. The moorland, on the other hand, offers a more rugged terrain, featuring heather-covered hillsides and rocky outcrops. It is home to a variety of unique flora and fauna, including rare bird species and wild ponies.

Traversing the area, visitors can explore a network of well-maintained footpaths and bridleways, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Howler's Heath. Additionally, there are several designated nature reserves within the vicinity, providing even more opportunities for wildlife spotting and conservation efforts.

The charm of Howler's Heath extends beyond its natural offerings. Nearby, there are quaint villages and historic landmarks, such as ancient stone circles and medieval ruins, adding a touch of cultural interest to the area.

Overall, Howler's Heath in Gloucestershire is a captivating destination that showcases the best of the English countryside. With its stunning downs, captivating moorland, and rich biodiversity, it offers a truly enchanting experience for those seeking solace in nature.

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Howler's Heath Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.015602/-2.3656179 or Grid Reference SO7535. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

A449 at Wayend Street
A449 at Wayend Street
Hollybush Hill from the A438
Hollybush Hill from the A438
Roadside cottages near Hollybush
Roadside cottages near Hollybush
Clencher's Mill Taken on a visit during the National Mills Weekend.
An 18th century timber framed mill with an iron overshot waterwheel dating back to 1820. 
The waterwheel is accessed from the open doorway.
When, in the 1920s, the water supply via the leet was cut off the mill was driven from an engine in the building on the left with a drive shaft passing overhead.
Clencher's Mill
Taken on a visit during the National Mills Weekend. An 18th century timber framed mill with an iron overshot waterwheel dating back to 1820. The waterwheel is accessed from the open doorway. When, in the 1920s, the water supply via the leet was cut off the mill was driven from an engine in the building on the left with a drive shaft passing overhead.
Clencher's Mill Taken on a visit during the National Mills Weekend.
An 18th century timber framed mill with an iron overshot waterwheel dating back to 1820. 
When, in the 1920s, the water supply via the leet was cut off the mill was driven from an engine in the building on the right with a drive shaft passing overhead.
Clencher's Mill
Taken on a visit during the National Mills Weekend. An 18th century timber framed mill with an iron overshot waterwheel dating back to 1820. When, in the 1920s, the water supply via the leet was cut off the mill was driven from an engine in the building on the right with a drive shaft passing overhead.
Outbuildings, Clencher's Mill I was told these were pigsties. 
The front wall is two bricks 18" deep.
The left end wall is modern breeze block so the building may have been shortened.
Outbuildings, Clencher's Mill
I was told these were pigsties. The front wall is two bricks 18" deep. The left end wall is modern breeze block so the building may have been shortened.
The mill stones, Clencher's Mill Taken on a visit during the National Mills Weekend.
An 18th century timber framed mill with an iron overshot waterwheel dating back to the 1820.
The corn for grinding was shaken from the wooden hopper into the centre of the top stone.
The string disappearing through a hole to the floor below controlled the feed of corn to the mill - when a bag of milled flour was full the miller pulled the string and the corn stopped flowing.
The metal lever on the wall on the left of the picture controlled the water flow over the wheel, housed beyond the brick wall.
The horizontal shaft with the leather belt must be a 1920s addition when the water supply to the leet was cut off and the mill was powered from an engine in an adjacent building.
The mill stones, Clencher's Mill
Taken on a visit during the National Mills Weekend. An 18th century timber framed mill with an iron overshot waterwheel dating back to the 1820. The corn for grinding was shaken from the wooden hopper into the centre of the top stone. The string disappearing through a hole to the floor below controlled the feed of corn to the mill - when a bag of milled flour was full the miller pulled the string and the corn stopped flowing. The metal lever on the wall on the left of the picture controlled the water flow over the wheel, housed beyond the brick wall. The horizontal shaft with the leather belt must be a 1920s addition when the water supply to the leet was cut off and the mill was powered from an engine in an adjacent building.
Clenchers Mill This is the watermill for Eastnor Castle and was open for National Mills Weekend. There is an overshot wheel and a single pair of stones.
Clenchers Mill
This is the watermill for Eastnor Castle and was open for National Mills Weekend. There is an overshot wheel and a single pair of stones.
Clenchers Mill, near Eastnor The estate watermill for Eastnor Castle and shortly to be restored to working order. This is the overshot water wheel. The wooden penstock is at the top. The railing is obviously more modern.
Clenchers Mill, near Eastnor
The estate watermill for Eastnor Castle and shortly to be restored to working order. This is the overshot water wheel. The wooden penstock is at the top. The railing is obviously more modern.
Clenchers Mill, near Eastnor This is the gear room of this 18th century timber framed watermill. The wheel is of 1820. The pit wheel is at the back and the wallow is out of mesh on the beam carrying the footstep bearing for the main shaft. There is one surviving set of stones driven to the right. The stones on the left are missing but sufficient remains to show there must have been a pair here. The vertical centre boarding is curved to clear the great spur wheel.
Clenchers Mill, near Eastnor
This is the gear room of this 18th century timber framed watermill. The wheel is of 1820. The pit wheel is at the back and the wallow is out of mesh on the beam carrying the footstep bearing for the main shaft. There is one surviving set of stones driven to the right. The stones on the left are missing but sufficient remains to show there must have been a pair here. The vertical centre boarding is curved to clear the great spur wheel.
Clenchers Mill This shows the pit wheel, great spur wheel and single surviving stone nut. The jacking ring has been used to take the stone nut out of engagement. The axle of the wheel can be seen to be metal. This watermill was open for National Mills Weekend.
Clenchers Mill
This shows the pit wheel, great spur wheel and single surviving stone nut. The jacking ring has been used to take the stone nut out of engagement. The axle of the wheel can be seen to be metal. This watermill was open for National Mills Weekend.
Clenchers Mill - stone floor The single surviving pair of stones and a crusher for animal feed are on the right. The lever on the wall on the left opens the penstock for the overshot waterwheel. The crownwheel is just left of centre and operates one shaft for the sack hoist and one for other auxiliaries.
Clenchers Mill - stone floor
The single surviving pair of stones and a crusher for animal feed are on the right. The lever on the wall on the left opens the penstock for the overshot waterwheel. The crownwheel is just left of centre and operates one shaft for the sack hoist and one for other auxiliaries.
Clenchers Mill,  sack hoist mechanism This roller on an arm is pulled onto the sack hoist belt (vertical belt left of centre) to tighten it and engage the sack hoist and pulled off to release it. There are two cords to operate it. I have never seen one like it before.

This watermill was open for National Mills Weekend.
Clenchers Mill, sack hoist mechanism
This roller on an arm is pulled onto the sack hoist belt (vertical belt left of centre) to tighten it and engage the sack hoist and pulled off to release it. There are two cords to operate it. I have never seen one like it before. This watermill was open for National Mills Weekend.
Clenchers Mill near Eastnor The leat is on the right with the by-pass sluice in the foreground. The mill is beyond and the wheel is under the slate roof that is catching the light. The leat is currently dry but restoration is anticipated within three years.
Clenchers Mill near Eastnor
The leat is on the right with the by-pass sluice in the foreground. The mill is beyond and the wheel is under the slate roof that is catching the light. The leat is currently dry but restoration is anticipated within three years.
Ford on the minor road from Eastnor to Bromsberrow
Ford on the minor road from Eastnor to Bromsberrow
A big grass field, Bromesberrow Looking towards the limestone hills at Ledbury, beyond Bromesberrow Court and church.
A big grass field, Bromesberrow
Looking towards the limestone hills at Ledbury, beyond Bromesberrow Court and church.
School, Bromesberrow Village primary school and telephone box seen from the green.
School, Bromesberrow
Village primary school and telephone box seen from the green.
Hayes Coppice One of the many small woodlands in the surrounds of the Malvern Hills. This is a great place to visit if you like traditional old English woodland.  This is the Bromesberrow Estate in Gloucestershire, just to the north in Herefordshire is Eastnor which is also well wooded and very light on the Sitka.
 Oaks dominate the deep soils on the sandstones. Further up the hill on thin soils above Uriconian rocks ashes, some huge are the favoured tree.  Sadly the invasive sycamore is too common in the Malvern Hills, it thrived when grazing stopped.
Hayes Coppice
One of the many small woodlands in the surrounds of the Malvern Hills. This is a great place to visit if you like traditional old English woodland. This is the Bromesberrow Estate in Gloucestershire, just to the north in Herefordshire is Eastnor which is also well wooded and very light on the Sitka. Oaks dominate the deep soils on the sandstones. Further up the hill on thin soils above Uriconian rocks ashes, some huge are the favoured tree. Sadly the invasive sycamore is too common in the Malvern Hills, it thrived when grazing stopped.
Show me another place!

Howler's Heath is located at Grid Ref: SO7535 (Lat: 52.015602, Lng: -2.3656179)

Administrative County: Gloucestershire

District: Forest of Dean

Police Authority: Gloucestershire

What 3 Words

///thrusters.throats.acrobat. Near Donnington, Herefordshire

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 52.015602,-2.3656179
Howlers Heath
Place: locality
Source: OS 1:25k
Lat/Long: 52.0162211/-2.3680409
Man Made: water_well
Source: OS 1:25k
Lat/Long: 52.0114271/-2.362891
Fixme: incomplete
Lat/Long: 52.0140566/-2.360976
Fixme: incomplete
Lat/Long: 52.0142597/-2.3598012
Fixme: incomplete
Lat/Long: 52.0137859/-2.3599085
Fixme: incomplete
Lat/Long: 52.0179675/-2.3621998
Fixme: incomplete
Lat/Long: 52.0143274/-2.3613193
Barrier: stile
Source: survey+gps
Lat/Long: 52.0141435/-2.3651048
Keepers Cottage
Power: pole
Transformer: distribution
Voltage Primary: 11000
Lat/Long: 52.0148317/-2.3712746
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.0137409/-2.3711459
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.0132267/-2.3712511
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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