South Common

Settlement in Dorset East Devon

England

South Common

All Saints Road, Smallridge A village of houses and cottages to the north of Axminster.
All Saints Road, Smallridge Credit: Jonathan Billinger

South Common is a picturesque countryside area located in the county of Dorset, England. Situated south of the small town of Wareham, it covers an area of approximately 5 square kilometers. The common is bordered by the River Frome to the north and is surrounded by lush green fields and rolling hills, offering stunning panoramic views of the Dorset countryside.

Known for its natural beauty and tranquility, South Common is a popular destination for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking a peaceful retreat. The area is dotted with walking trails that meander through ancient woodlands, providing opportunities to spot a variety of wildlife, including deer, rabbits, and a myriad of bird species.

One of the highlights of South Common is its diverse flora, with vibrant wildflowers carpeting the meadows during the spring and summer months. It is also home to several species of rare plants, adding to its ecological value and attracting botanists and conservationists.

Aside from its natural attractions, South Common is also steeped in history. The remnants of an Iron Age hillfort can be found on the eastern edge, serving as a reminder of the area's ancient past. Additionally, the common is dotted with archaeological sites, including burial mounds and ancient settlements, providing insights into the region's rich historical heritage.

Overall, South Common offers a unique blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and historical significance, making it a must-visit destination for those looking to immerse themselves in the enchanting landscapes of Dorset.

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South Common Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.80431/-2.9947584 or Grid Reference ST3001. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

All Saints Road, Smallridge A village of houses and cottages to the north of Axminster.
All Saints Road, Smallridge
A village of houses and cottages to the north of Axminster.
Unnamed stream, Smallridge A lovely September afternoon to be on the footbridge here.
Unnamed stream, Smallridge
A lovely September afternoon to be on the footbridge here.
Converted Chapel, Smallridge Designed to resemble Noah's Ark, a very early Methodist Chapel dating to 1796 which was closed in 2002 and is now a comfortable holiday let.
Converted Chapel, Smallridge
Designed to resemble Noah's Ark, a very early Methodist Chapel dating to 1796 which was closed in 2002 and is now a comfortable holiday let.
Houses in Smallridge
Houses in Smallridge
Churchill Farm
Churchill Farm
Houses in Goldsmiths Lane
Houses in Goldsmiths Lane
Weir above Weycroft Mill
Weir above Weycroft Mill
Chardstock: Churchill Farm Seen from the public footpath at Churchill Lane; the field is accessed up a steep flight of steps from the lane
Chardstock: Churchill Farm
Seen from the public footpath at Churchill Lane; the field is accessed up a steep flight of steps from the lane
Higher Uphay Farm sign By farm entrance in steeply banked and wooded hedge. The road here is narrow and views out to Seaton and down the Axe Valley are hidden by the high hedges
Higher Uphay Farm sign
By farm entrance in steeply banked and wooded hedge. The road here is narrow and views out to Seaton and down the Axe Valley are hidden by the high hedges
River Axe at Weycroft Looking upstream from Weycroft Bridge on the Fosse Way. The cottage backs on to the mill stream which supplied the adjacent mills.
River Axe at Weycroft
Looking upstream from Weycroft Bridge on the Fosse Way. The cottage backs on to the mill stream which supplied the adjacent mills.
Power lines Parallel with Greatwood Lane, west of Weycroft.
Power lines
Parallel with Greatwood Lane, west of Weycroft.
Back gardens of Smallridge
Back gardens of Smallridge
Bridge over River Axe The Axe a little north of Axminster, crossed here by the drive to Cloakham. Looking upstream.
Bridge over River Axe
The Axe a little north of Axminster, crossed here by the drive to Cloakham. Looking upstream.
Looking across the Axe valley A view from a bend on Lodge Lane, looking obliquely up the Axe valley. The field is crossed to the left by Axminster Footpath 4. The trees framing the view are alongside the drive to Bagley Hill Farm.
Looking across the Axe valley
A view from a bend on Lodge Lane, looking obliquely up the Axe valley. The field is crossed to the left by Axminster Footpath 4. The trees framing the view are alongside the drive to Bagley Hill Farm.
Meander on River Axe The cattle are standing within a meander, on what is likely to become an island in a very few years, as the river is rapidly eroding the neck. The houses in the background are on Willhay Lane, at the northern edge of Axminster. Seen from Axminster Footpath 45.
Meander on River Axe
The cattle are standing within a meander, on what is likely to become an island in a very few years, as the river is rapidly eroding the neck. The houses in the background are on Willhay Lane, at the northern edge of Axminster. Seen from Axminster Footpath 45.
Meander on River Axe Another view of <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/440538">SY2999 : Meander on River Axe</a>, showing trees on the upstream side of the bend; the river is flowing towards the camera in the foreground.
Meander on River Axe
Another view of SY2999 : Meander on River Axe, showing trees on the upstream side of the bend; the river is flowing towards the camera in the foreground.
River Axe See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/440538">SY2999 : Meander on River Axe</a>; the cattle are grazing within the meander, oblivious to the precarious nature of their link to the outside world. The river is flowing away from the camera as it prepares to bend around to the right. Houses on Willhay Lane are visible behind.
River Axe
See SY2999 : Meander on River Axe; the cattle are grazing within the meander, oblivious to the precarious nature of their link to the outside world. The river is flowing away from the camera as it prepares to bend around to the right. Houses on Willhay Lane are visible behind.
River Axe The Axe in serene mood, with the wooded grounds of Cloakham rising behiund the floodplain. The trees on the flat land behind the cows hide a pond. Axminster Footpath 45 runs alongside the river here; in fact, the maps have the line of it crossing the river twice along this stretch.
River Axe
The Axe in serene mood, with the wooded grounds of Cloakham rising behiund the floodplain. The trees on the flat land behind the cows hide a pond. Axminster Footpath 45 runs alongside the river here; in fact, the maps have the line of it crossing the river twice along this stretch.
Show me another place!

South Common is located at Grid Ref: ST3001 (Lat: 50.80431, Lng: -2.9947584)

Administrative County: Devon

District: East Devon

Police Authority: Devon and Cornwall

What 3 Words

///rejected.goose.collect. Near Axminster, Devon

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 50.80431,-2.9947584
Smallridge
Place: hamlet
Wikidata: Q7543691
Lat/Long: 50.8047826/-2.9918536
Pub
Lat/Long: 50.8035328/-2.9916823
Design: barrel
Power: tower
Lat/Long: 50.802293/-3.0004782
Design: barrel
Power: tower
Lat/Long: 50.8004826/-2.9970604
Post Box
Operator: Royal Mail
Post Box Type: lamp
Ref: EX13 241
Royal Cypher: EIIR
Royal Cypher Wikidata: Q33102113
Lat/Long: 50.8012817/-2.9900757
Power: pole
Source: bing
Transformer: distribution
Lat/Long: 50.8055483/-2.9970735
Power: pole
Source: bing
Lat/Long: 50.8067534/-2.9967839
Power: pole
Source: bing
Lat/Long: 50.8072602/-2.9981223
Power: pole
Source: bing
Lat/Long: 50.8077212/-2.9993024
Power: pole
Source: bing
Lat/Long: 50.8073484/-2.9957029
Power: pole
Source: bing
Transformer: distribution
Lat/Long: 50.8066229/-2.9938576
Power: pole
Source: bing
Lat/Long: 50.807289/-2.9945281
Power: pole
Source: bing
Lat/Long: 50.8072009/-2.9930261
Power: pole
Source: bing
Lat/Long: 50.8071331/-2.9917842
Power: pole
Source: bing
Lat/Long: 50.8071382/-2.9907113
Power: pole
Source: bing
Lat/Long: 50.8036227/-2.9885066
Power: pole
Source: bing
Lat/Long: 50.803248/-2.9891261
Power: pole
Source: bing
Lat/Long: 50.803943/-2.9879513
Power: pole
Source: bing
Lat/Long: 50.8028124/-2.9899174
Power: pole
Source: bing
Transformer: distribution
Lat/Long: 50.8025446/-2.9903734
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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