Broomy Plain

Downs, Moorland in Hampshire New Forest

England

Broomy Plain

Ocknell Plain Ocknell Plain by Slufters Inclosure — Ocknell Plain Credit: Shaun Ferguson

Broomy Plain, located in Hampshire, England, is a captivating natural landscape that encompasses both downs and moorland. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Hampshire countryside, the area is renowned for its breathtaking beauty and diverse ecosystems.

Covering a vast expanse of land, Broomy Plain is characterized by rolling hills, open grasslands, and pockets of heather-covered moorland. The downs, with their gently sloping hills, are primarily composed of chalk, creating a unique and distinctive landscape. These chalk downs provide habitat for a variety of flora and fauna, including rare wildflowers, butterflies, and skylarks, making it an important conservation area.

The moorland, on the other hand, presents a distinctly different landscape. Here, visitors will find expanses of heather, interspersed with gorse and bracken, creating a rich tapestry of vibrant colors. This moorland habitat is home to a range of species, such as grouse, curlews, and adders.

Broomy Plain is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering ample opportunities for walking, hiking, and birdwatching. The undulating terrain and extensive network of trails provide stunning views and a chance to immerse oneself in the tranquil surroundings. Whether strolling through the downs or exploring the moorland, visitors can experience a sense of tranquility and harmony with nature.

In summary, Broomy Plain, Hampshire, is a captivating area that seamlessly combines downs and moorland. With its diverse landscapes, rich biodiversity, and opportunities for outdoor activities, it is a true gem in the Hampshire countryside.

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Broomy Plain Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.895299/-1.6976995 or Grid Reference SU2110. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Ocknell Plain

Ocknell Plain by Slufters Inclosure

Shaun Ferguson

Bowl Barrow on Ocknell Plain

(Scales 1m) Link

Sandy Gerrard

Track towards the eastern car park, Milkham Inclosure

David Martin

Grassy ride in Milkham Inclosure

David Martin

Cycle track descending through Milkham Inclosure

David Martin

Ford on path in Milkham Inclosure

David Martin

Path into Milkham Inclosure

David Martin

Fields and woodland south of High Corner Inn

David Martin

High Corner Inn

David Martin

Path over Broomy Walk

Seen from gravel track to High Corner Inn.

Peter Facey

Path from Broomy Walk to Amberslade Bottom

With holly berries. Just as the path enters High Corner Wood.

Peter Facey

Stream restoration in Amberslade Bottom

At this point the bed level of the stream has been raised by insertion of heather bales and hoggin. The bales are bound with polypropylene twine which is here exposed and may possibly constitute a hazard to wildlife.

Peter Facey

Amberslade Bottom, upstream of the 2015 restoration works

A plan of work by the Forestry Commission, financed under the Higher Level Stewardship Scheme, to undo the damage caused by drainage works in the 19th century. Those works involved straightening and deepening naturally meandering streams, resulting in increased flow rates, erosion and separation of the stream from its flood plain. The plan involves raising the stream bed, restoring old meanders, and filling in drainage ditches. A similar but larger scheme was carried out at Warwickslade Cutting ( Link ) in 2009 and was successful. Subsequent schemes carried out or planned for the part of the New Forest north of the A31 have proved more controversial. In particular, the plan to restore Latchmore Brook has been strongly opposed by a local action group. This Amberslade & Broomy Inclosure scheme builds upon restoration work done earlier upstream in Amberslade Bottom. The present scheme was carried out between May and June 2015 and the photographs here therefore show the result shortly after completion of the works, but with insufficient time allowed for naturalisation.

Peter Facey

Replacement of bridge by ford, Amberslade Bottom

A wooden footbridge has been replaced by a gravel vehicle ford here.

Peter Facey

Newly raised stream bed, Amberslade Bottom

The bed of the stream has been raised with hoggin. However, the stream, it seems, continues to flow as before, so that the stream bed becomes dry downstream (towards the camera) of the tree.

Peter Facey

Newly raised stream bed, in Broomy Inclosure

The bed here is dry, at time of photographing, with the stream, presumably, flowing below the hoggin (towards the camera).

Peter Facey

Restored meander, in Broomy Inclosure

At time of photographing the stream bed was dry here, with the stream, presumably, flowing below ground. Debris on the earth track along the right edge of the picture suggests that when the flow is higher it flows along the track rather than along the meander.

Peter Facey