Foxham Common

Downs, Moorland in Wiltshire

England

Foxham Common

From a Swindon-Bristol train, fields near Friday Street Farm Credit: Nigel Thompson

Foxham Common is a picturesque area located in the county of Wiltshire, England. Spanning across approximately 60 hectares, it is classified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its unique combination of downs and moorland habitats. The common is situated on the southern edge of the Marlborough Downs, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

The landscape of Foxham Common is characterized by undulating hills, interspersed with patches of heather and gorse. The area is rich in biodiversity, hosting a variety of plant and animal species. It is particularly renowned for its diverse bird population, including species such as skylarks, meadow pipits, and stonechats.

Visitors to the common can explore a network of footpaths and bridleways, allowing them to experience the natural beauty of the area firsthand. The common is also a popular destination for outdoor activities such as walking, horse riding, and birdwatching. The tranquil atmosphere and unspoiled scenery make it an ideal location for those seeking a peaceful retreat in nature.

Historically, Foxham Common has been used for grazing livestock, and evidence of this traditional land management can still be seen today. The area is managed by the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, ensuring the preservation of its unique ecosystems and the continuation of traditional land practices.

Overall, Foxham Common is a captivating natural site, offering both locals and tourists a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Wiltshire countryside and witness the diversity of its flora and fauna.

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Foxham Common Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.493307/-2.0343339 or Grid Reference ST9777. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

From a Swindon-Bristol train, fields near Friday Street Farm

Nigel Thompson

Christian Malford railway station (site), Wiltshire

Opened in 1926 by the Great Western Railway on the line from Swindon to Chippenham, this halt closed in 1965. View north east from a passing train towards Dauntsey and Swindon. No trace apparently remains of the two parallel timber platforms, one of which was located where the stanchion now is, to the left of this image.

Nigel Thompson

From a Swindon-Bristol train, lineside trees near Foxham

The line here passes a mixture of fields and woodland.

Nigel Thompson

From a Swindon-Bristol train, ruin near Christian Farm

Nigel Thompson

2011 : Old barn near Chestermans Farm

On the road out of East Tytherton toward Charlcutt.

Maurice Pullin

2011 : Cyclist heading south on Hare Street

Past Hare Street Farm.

Maurice Pullin

2011 : Chapel and cottages, Foxham

At the eastern end of Foxham Common.

Maurice Pullin

2011 : Horses and riders approaching Wood Farm

"I say, I say, my horse has no nose." "Your horse has no nose! How does he smell?" "Terrible." Old music hall joke, revised.

Maurice Pullin

2011 : Thornend, on the back road to Foxham

The alternative route from Christian Malford. A closer look at the cottage in ST9778 : Thornend cottage

Maurice Pullin

2011 : South east near Chestermans Farm

Looking toward Bremhill, or should that be Brem Hill? The disused Wilts & Berks Canal passes across the picture, second hedgerow over, sign of a lock centre frame. Looks like a good crop of sloes this year, but they, like the blackberry, are indigenous and usually produce well. Sloes grow on blackthorn, blackberries grow on bramble.

Maurice Pullin

2011 : Field near Chestermans Farm

Looking east of north toward Foxham.

Maurice Pullin

2011 : Minor road to East Tytherton

Passing Chestermans Farm.

Maurice Pullin

2011 : Minor road heading east from Chestermans Farm

Toward Charlcutt Hill.

Maurice Pullin

2011 : Private car heading north on Hare Street

Toward Foxham and/or Christian Malford. Teal Farm is almost in sight. Dandelions and blackthorn dominate.

Maurice Pullin

2011 : South east from Hare Street

Toward Charlcutt Hill.

Maurice Pullin

2011 : Cattle pasture west of Hare Street

The light is angled to show evidence of medieval strip farming, the end of which was brought about at least partly by the black death from 1350 onward.

Maurice Pullin

2011 : Lock Farm, near Foxham

Near the bottom of Foxham Locks on the Wilts & Berks Canal. The farmer here has cheerfully endured considerable disturbance over the past 10 years (at least) caused by restoration of these locks by the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust.

Maurice Pullin