Finchampstead Ridges

Heritage Site in Berkshire

England

Finchampstead Ridges

Fleethill Gravel Pit near Yateley The conveyer which runs under the B3016 to the processing plant at Manor Farm, a distance of 1.3Km — Fleethill Gravel Pit near Yateley Credit: Alan Hunt

Finchampstead Ridges, located in Berkshire, England, is a renowned heritage site known for its natural beauty and historical significance. Covering an area of approximately 150 acres, the site is situated on the edge of the ancient Finchampstead village, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

The Ridges are an extensive network of undulating hills and valleys, formed by the erosion of sand and gravel deposits over millions of years. The area is characterized by its vibrant heathland, rich in diverse flora and fauna. Visitors can explore the picturesque landscape, consisting of heather, gorse, bracken, and scattered oak and birch trees.

Apart from its natural splendor, Finchampstead Ridges also boasts a rich historical heritage. The site has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with archaeological evidence suggesting human activity dating back to the Neolithic era. Additionally, the Ridges served as an important defense site during the Iron Age, with remnants of hillforts and defensive ditches still visible today.

During the medieval period, Finchampstead Ridges played a significant role in local agriculture and provided grazing land for livestock. The site also witnessed military activity during World War II, with trenches and other defensive structures built to protect the area.

Today, Finchampstead Ridges is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and history buffs alike. The site offers several walking trails, allowing visitors to explore its diverse ecosystem and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. With its combination of natural beauty and historical significance, Finchampstead Ridges continues to captivate and inspire visitors from near and far.

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Finchampstead Ridges Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.364/-0.841 or Grid Reference SU8063. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Fleethill Gravel Pit near Yateley

The conveyer which runs under the B3016 to the processing plant at Manor Farm, a distance of 1.3Km

Alan Hunt

Manor Farm gravel pit near Yateley

The western end of the pit near the B3016. The pond was once part of a much larger lake which has been infilled. This area is designated to become a nature reserve once operations have ceased, possibly passing to the RSPB.

Alan Hunt

B3016, Longwater Road

The road running from Eversley Cross to Finchampstead. The bridge is an underpass for the mineral conveyor belt from the Fleethill gravel pit on the left to the Manor Farm processing plant south of the River Blackwater.

Alan Hunt

River Blackwater near Eversley Cross

The view across the Blackwater towards the farmland near Eversley Cross.

Alan Hunt

Sewage works near Eversley Cross

The filter beds of this small sewage farm off the B3016 near Eversley Cross.

Alan Hunt

Manor Farm gravel pit

The entrance to Manor Farm gravel pit off the B3016. The conveyor belt running across the site is on the right.

Alan Hunt

Manor Farm gravel pit

The dried up lake bed along the Blackwater Valley path which runs across the site following the course of the river. Large flocks of finches frequent these beds.

Alan Hunt

Bridge, Manor Farm

A vehicle bridge over the mineral conveyor belt in the Manor Farm gravel pit near Yateley.

Alan Hunt

Manor Farm gravel pit

A transfer station where the mineral conveyor belt takes a change of direction. The conveyor which runs for 1.3Km has a number of transfer stations along its length.

Alan Hunt

Fleethill Farm gravel pit entrance

The entrance to the Fleethill Farm gravel pit off the B3016 near Finchampstead.

Alan Hunt

River Blackwater, Eversley Cross

Looking across the Blackwater towards one of the houses on the B3016 in Eversley Cross.

Alan Hunt

Manor Farm gravel pit

The west end of the gravel pits with a vehicle bridge over the conveyor belt and a belt transfer station to the left where the belt changes direction.

Alan Hunt