The Moors

Downs, Moorland in Hampshire Basingstoke and Deane

England

The Moors

Trees starting on the heathland Following decades as a military airfield, Greenham Common is returning to a natural state. The thin gravel soil supports colourful expanses of heather, but birch trees are now starting to take over. — Trees starting on the heathland Credit: Des Blenkinsopp

The Moors in Hampshire, also known as the Hampshire Downs or Moorland, is a vast and picturesque expanse located in the southern part of England. Spanning an area of approximately 1,400 square kilometers, it is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife.

The Moors are characterized by rolling hills, expansive grasslands, and heathlands, creating a captivating landscape that is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The area is home to an array of flora and fauna, including rare species of plants such as the vibrant purple heather and the delicate harebell.

The Moors boast a rich cultural and historical heritage. Archaeological remains and ancient monuments can be found scattered throughout the region, serving as a testament to its past. These include ancient burial mounds, Iron Age hillforts, and remnants of Roman settlements, providing insights into the area's human occupation over thousands of years.

The Moors offer a wide range of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. Walking and hiking trails crisscross the landscape, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The area also provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching, with species such as the red kite, buzzard, and skylark commonly spotted.

In addition to its natural attractions, the Moors are dotted with charming villages and towns that exude a quintessentially British charm. These settlements offer cozy pubs, quaint tea rooms, and local craft shops, providing a glimpse into the traditional rural life of Hampshire.

Overall, the Moors in Hampshire are a captivating destination that combines natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural charm, making it a must-visit location for both locals and tourists alike.

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The Moors Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.368141/-1.2783913 or Grid Reference SU5063. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Trees starting on the heathland

Following decades as a military airfield, Greenham Common is returning to a natural state. The thin gravel soil supports colourful expanses of heather, but birch trees are now starting to take over.

Des Blenkinsopp

Track on Greenham Common

Good tracks like this are all over the common, plus a lot of smaller paths, making it very easy to get around.

Des Blenkinsopp

Bowdown Woods

To the north of Bury's Bank Road, the scenery is quite different from the open heathland of Greenham Common to the south. It is predominantly woodland.

Des Blenkinsopp

Pasture, Bishop's Green

With woodland on the Berkshire side of the River Enborne.

Andrew Smith

Pasture, Ecchinswell

The footpath seen descending to Hyde Lane.

Andrew Smith

Pond at Greenham Common

A shallow pond formed by heavy rain on Greenham Common. The old control tower - now a cafe - can be seen in the background.

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Lay-by off Bury's Bank Road

A lay-by off Bury's Bank Road beside Greenham Common. The road runs from Newbury to Thatcham, with livestock across part of it in-between two cattle grids.

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Lay-by off Bury's Bank Road

A lay-by off Bury's Bank Road beside Greenham Common. The road runs from Newbury to Thatcham, with livestock across part of it in-between two cattle grids. The field to the right of the road is part of Greenham Common. The track to the left leads to a private dwelling.

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Bowdown Woods entrance from car park

The entrance to Bowdown Woods from the car park off Bury's Bank Road. The woods are suffering extensively from ash dieback disease, and many paths are closed because of it. Also in view is a rather smelly over-filled dog poo bin!

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Bowdown Woods car park

The car park at Bowdown Woods off Bury's Bank Road is rather bumpy, with a large 'roundabout' in the centre. Cars can park all round the edges of the track, and often down the access road to the car park on a weekend.

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Bowdown Woods entrance path

The main path from the entrance gate off the car park into Bowdown Woods. At the fork in the path ahead, there are two directions: north east or east.

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Bowdown Woods entrance path

The main path from the entrance gate off the car park into Bowdown Woods. The gate at the end leads to the car park. The path to the left heads east.

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Bowdown Woods

A view through the woodland at Bowdown Woods, from the path near to the entrance to the woods.

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Start of wildlife walk at Bowdown Woods

To the left of the main path from the entrance to Bowdown Woods is a 'wildlife walk' that runs in a loop past Bowdown House and Bowdown Farm. The start of the walk is characterised by a little undulation in the path. To the left in this image are the grounds of Bowdown House.

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Path north east in Bowdown Woods

The main entrance path leads straight on to this path at the fork to the wildlife walk by Bowdown House and Bowdown Farm. This path leads to another loop and has wider paths than the wildlife walk.

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Bowdown Woods entrance path

The entrance path to Bowdown Woods from the car park, photographed from beside the start of the wildlife walk by Bowdown House and Bowdown Farm.

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Bowdown Woods wildlife walk

The first section of the wildlife walk in Bowdown Woods runs past the garden of Bowdown House. It is quite a steep path to the centre of the valley and up again.

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