Birchcleave Wood

Wood, Forest in Devon West Devon

England

Birchcleave Wood

Magpie Bridge looking west The former railway bridge is part of Drakes Trail — Magpie Bridge looking west Credit: David Smith

Birchcleave Wood, located in Devon, England, is a charming and picturesque woodland that spans over a vast area. Known for its pristine beauty and serene atmosphere, it is a popular destination for nature lovers and hikers alike.

The wood is predominantly made up of birch trees, which give it its name, but also features an array of other deciduous and coniferous trees. With its dense foliage and well-preserved vegetation, Birchcleave Wood offers a diverse and vibrant habitat for a variety of wildlife.

The forest floor is covered with a blanket of moss and ferns, creating a lush carpet that adds to the enchanting ambiance. The wood is crisscrossed with numerous walking trails, allowing visitors to explore and immerse themselves in the tranquil surroundings.

Birchcleave Wood is also home to a plethora of wildlife. Nature enthusiasts can spot a range of bird species, including woodpeckers and owls, as well as small mammals such as squirrels and rabbits. The wood is also known for its diverse insect population, with butterflies and dragonflies fluttering through the air during the warmer months.

The wood is open to the public year-round, offering opportunities for leisurely walks, birdwatching, and photography. It provides a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life, allowing visitors to reconnect with nature and enjoy the simple pleasures of the great outdoors.

In conclusion, Birchcleave Wood in Devon is a captivating forest that showcases the beauty of nature. Its rich biodiversity, well-maintained trails, and tranquil atmosphere make it a delightful destination for anyone seeking solace in the midst of nature.

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Birchcleave Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.516864/-4.1185086 or Grid Reference SX4970. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Magpie Bridge looking west

The former railway bridge is part of Drakes Trail

David Smith

Foundation blocks from original Gem Bridge

These blocks were part of the foundations of the railway bridge across the valley, now crossed by the cycle route on a new bridge. They have been placed by the path as a monument and as seating for picnics

David Smith

Old Bridge Marker near Grenofen Bridge, Whitchurch

90 metres north of Grenofen Bridge, River Walkham, on the east side of the road. Whitchurch parish. The stone marks the extent of roadway adjoining the bridge that the County was obliged to maintain. See also Link

. Milestone Society National ID: DV_WHIT01br

S Vowden

Whitchurch: leat in Walkham valley

The dry channel of an old mining leat which may date from the 18th century, as a 19th century elvan quarry straddles its course upstream

Martin Bodman

Grenofen Bridge

The River Walkham at Grenofen Bridge

Ron Strutt

Site of former Grenofen railway viaduct

The Plympton-Tavistock railway viaduct over the Walkham river at Grenofen was unfortunately demolished by explosives as a training exercise some time ago. Vandals! The trackbed stops at the ledge showing at the foot of the picture. The far side was just right of the middle distance in the picture. The camera is facing towards Tavistock.

Crispin Purdye

River Walkham, Lower Grenofen

Looking downriver in a wooded valley with granite boulders and rocks covered with moss and lichen. Position is about 300m downstream of the Grenofen bridge car park at the north west corner of the grid square.

Crispin Purdye

Disused buildings, Westdown copper Mine

These mine buildings are sited 500m downstream from Grenofen bridge car park, on level ground 75m from the river Walkham north bank. Photograph taken in July 1978.

Crispin Purdye

Railway bridge, above the river Walkham

View looking north west to a bridge carrying a path/track above the former Plympton to Tavistock railway. The site is around 1km west of the car park at Bedford Bridge on the A386.

Crispin Purdye

Buckland Monachorum: weir on the river Walkham

The weir served the Lady Bertha Mine at SX471689, a mile or more away. The leat on the left, now a dry ditch, powered water wheels on the mine, used for crushing ores and initially for pumping water. The mine raised nearly 4,400 tons of copper ore and almost 1,700 tons of arsenic in the period 1855–1882. Note the remains of a fish pass here

Martin Bodman

The road through Grenofen

The Dartmoor National Park sign is attached to a large block of granite. It is displayed on this minor road as it crosses the park boundary.

Tony Atkin

Mobile Phone Mast

The large transmission tower dominates this agricultural hilltop.

Tony Atkin

A386, Main Road between Yelverton and Tavistock

Tony Atkin

New bridge on the new cycle path along the old railway

A cycle path is being built along the old Yelverton - Tavistock railway. A major problem is crossing the River Walkham after the demolition of the old viaduct, which had originally been designed by Brunel although it was modified later. This is a temporary bridge being lifted into position on 3rd April 2007. A high-level one is planned to replace it in a few years. The depth of the problem can be seen from Crispin Purdye's image SX4970 : Site of former Grenofen railway viaduct. Ben Naylor of Devon County Council did the specification. The bridge was built by CTS Bridges of Huddersfield Link

Oak