Gradna Plantation

Wood, Forest in Cornwall

England

Gradna Plantation

On SW Coast Path - view W above Trethill Cliffs Credit: Colin Park

Gradna Plantation is a charming woodland area located in Cornwall, England. Covering a vast expanse of land, it is known for its beautiful and diverse array of trees, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers.

The plantation is predominantly composed of native tree species such as oak, beech, and birch, creating a rich and vibrant forest ecosystem. These trees provide a lush canopy, offering shade and shelter for a variety of wildlife, including birds, insects, and small mammals. The undergrowth is filled with ferns, mosses, and wildflowers, adding to the natural beauty of the area.

Visitors to Gradna Plantation can explore the numerous well-marked trails that wind through the forest, offering a chance to immerse themselves in the tranquil surroundings. The paths range from easy strolls to more challenging hikes, accommodating visitors of all fitness levels. Along the way, there are several viewpoints that provide breathtaking vistas of the surrounding countryside, allowing visitors to take in the stunning natural scenery.

For those interested in the history of the area, Gradna Plantation also holds cultural significance. It was once part of an ancient estate and has remnants of old stone walls and structures hidden among the trees, providing a glimpse into the past.

Overall, Gradna Plantation in Cornwall is a haven for nature lovers, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its diverse flora and fauna, well-maintained trails, and scenic views, it is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking solace in the beauty of nature.

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Gradna Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.365867/-4.2801806 or Grid Reference SX3754. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

On SW Coast Path - view W above Trethill Cliffs

Colin Park

Tregantle Fort near Antony

Tregantle Fort is one of several forts surrounding Plymouth that were built as a result of a decision in Lord Palmerston's premiership to deter the French from attacking naval bases on the Channel coast. The fort was originally designed by Captain William Crossman, with later modifications by Captain (later Maj General) Edmund Frederick Du Cane. Construction commenced in 1859 and was completed in 1865. When originally designed it had provision for 35 large guns. By 1893 the guns consisted of five RBL 7 inch Armstrong guns and nineteen RML 64-pounders, together with a number of 32 Pounder Smooth Bore Breech Loading guns. Early in the 1900s it became an infantry battalion headquarters with 14 officers and 423 other ranks, and from 1903 was used for rifle training. Tregantle is infamous within the armed forces because many of the rifle ranges located there slope steeply down towards the sea. These ranges are still in use, primarily by personnel located at HMS Raleigh. Tregantle was vacated after World War I until 1938, when it was used as the Territorial Army Passive Air Defence School. During World War II it was used first as the Army Gas School and from 1942 as US Army accommodation. (source Wikipedia)

Colin Park

SW Coast Path between Tregantle Down & Freathy

Colin Park

Tregantle Rifle Range and The Kodima

This photograph looks out to sea over one of the rifle ranges at Tregantle Fort, although at this time it looks more like a timber yard. The ship beached in the bay is the Kodima which was stranded in heavy seas on 2nd February 2002. This photograph was taken 2 weeks later just before it was refloated. The ship was carrying a cargo of timber planks, much of which was washed up on local beaches and subsequently "liberated" by local people indulging in one of the oldest Cornish Traditions. Officials protested that this activity was against the law and generally not cricket but nobody paid much attention. A local pub put out a sign saying "Wreckers welcome".

Tony Atkin

Crafthole Village

Crafthole is a village on the hilltop above Portwrinkle. The picture shows part of the old village centre although there are many more 20th century houses in the village.

Tony Atkin

Sheviock

Looking east towards the village of Sheviock from Horsepool Road. The freshwater lake in the foreground has been artificially created.

Tony Atkin

Sheviock

A view of the village from the eastern side. The church spire on the right is the Parish Church of St Mary, Sheviock. While this may look an idyllic scene, Sheviock is one of those unfortunate villages which is split by a fast main road. Although some of the traffic actually obeys the 40mph speed limit, this does not really help to make it either peaceful or safe.

Tony Atkin

The A374 east of Sheviock

This stretch of road between the villages of Antony and Polbathic cuts through the low-lying mainly wooded countryside along the south side of Lynher River estuary. Its open curves and good cambers make it a favourite with motor cyclists.

Tony Atkin

Not the way into Wacker Woods

While the footpath looks inviting, the sign warns that it leads into a military training area and that entry is forbidden.

Tony Atkin

Wacker Quay and Warren Point

Looking over the old quayside and across the entrance to the tidal creek called Wacker Lake to the woodlands at Warren Point. Wacker Quay used to be where ammunition and other goods were brought in for the military fortifications of Scraesdon Fort and Tregantle Fort. They were taken up to the forts on a railway line which started here but has long since disappeared.

Tony Atkin

A waterside field

Note the two berry pickers at the field edge.

Tony Atkin

Antony Village

This photograph was taken from the "bottom" of the village looking up the main street to the church.

Tony Atkin

Golf Course near Crafthole

Looking over part of a golf course between Crafthole and the sea cliffs.

Tony Atkin

Entrance to the path by Tregantle Fort

This permissive path is one of the most recently opened sections of the South West Coast Path. It is closed when the MOD firing ranges at Tregantle are being used, at which times walkers must take a detour to the landward side of the fort.

Tony Atkin

Tregantle Fort

This 19th century fortification was completed in 1865 and overlooks Whitsand Bay. The intention of the fort was to hold guns which could fire on ships at sea. Whilst its guns were upgraded in the late 19th century they did not keep pace with the advances in naval guns at the time. Tregantle Forts most famous resident was probably the American heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis who was stationed here for a time in the Second World War. This photograph shows the southwestern aspect of the fort. The fort and its surrounds now contain rife ranges for military practice.

Tony Atkin

Clampet Lane

A narrow lane through mixed agricultural land to the north of Whitsand Bay.

Tony Atkin

World War II Pillbox

This old pillbox sits decaying in the corner of a field.

Tony Atkin

Rock Formation, Blarrick Cliff

This rosy cliff rises from the "Danger Area" beach below Tregantle Fort. (It's only a Danger Area when the red flags are flying signifying that they're using the firing ranges)

Rob Farrow

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Gradna Plantation is located at Grid Ref: SX3754 (Lat: 50.365867, Lng: -4.2801806)

Unitary Authority: Cornwall

Police Authority: Devon and Cornwall