Varley's Copse

Wood, Forest in Devon Torridge

England

Varley's Copse

Bracken by the Tarka Trail on Marland Moor
Bracken by the Tarka Trail on Marland Moor Credit: David Smith

Varley's Copse is a picturesque woodland located in the county of Devon, England. This enchanting forest covers an area of approximately 50 acres and is nestled in the heart of the Devonshire countryside. It is named after the renowned landscape painter John Varley, who was known for his stunning depictions of the English countryside.

The copse is characterized by its dense canopy of towering trees, predominantly oak and beech, which provide a haven for a diverse range of flora and fauna. The forest floor is adorned with a carpet of wildflowers, including bluebells and primroses, creating a vibrant and colorful display during the spring and summer months.

Walking through Varley's Copse, visitors are greeted by a serene and tranquil atmosphere. The sounds of birdsong fill the air as various avian species, such as woodpeckers and song thrushes, make their homes in the tree branches. Squirrels can also be spotted scurrying along the forest floor, while deer occasionally graze in the more secluded areas.

The copse offers a network of well-maintained footpaths, allowing visitors to explore its natural beauty at their own pace. It is a popular destination for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers, who are drawn to the copse's stunning vistas and peaceful ambiance.

Varley's Copse is not only a haven for wildlife and plant life, but also a place of relaxation and rejuvenation for those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its natural beauty and tranquility make it a true gem in the Devonshire countryside.

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Varley's Copse Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.877735/-4.1185465 or Grid Reference SS5110. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bracken by the Tarka Trail on Marland Moor
Bracken by the Tarka Trail on Marland Moor
Ball clay works at West Bear Ball clay is the name given to the type of china clay extracted in this area.
Ball clay works at West Bear
Ball clay is the name given to the type of china clay extracted in this area.
Merton Church Another Devon location where my BLIGHT ancestors came from.
Merton Church
Another Devon location where my BLIGHT ancestors came from.
Lower Lodge Close to Kingsford Bridge on the A386 over the Little Mere River.
Lower Lodge
Close to Kingsford Bridge on the A386 over the Little Mere River.
Tarka Trail notices, Petrockstowe station A small car park to the right makes this a spot for starting walks or cycle rides along the trail, which here follows the line of the North Devon and Cornwall Junction Light Railway. Going through the gate on the left and turning right will take you past the site of the former station and on through woodland towards Meeth. The wood in the background is Heathmoor Plantation.
Tarka Trail notices, Petrockstowe station
A small car park to the right makes this a spot for starting walks or cycle rides along the trail, which here follows the line of the North Devon and Cornwall Junction Light Railway. Going through the gate on the left and turning right will take you past the site of the former station and on through woodland towards Meeth. The wood in the background is Heathmoor Plantation.
Tarka Trail The trail, combining footpath and cycleway, follows the North Devon and Cornwall Junction Light Railway across Marland Moor. Discreetly hidden by trees on the left are large clay working spoil heaps.
Tarka Trail
The trail, combining footpath and cycleway, follows the North Devon and Cornwall Junction Light Railway across Marland Moor. Discreetly hidden by trees on the left are large clay working spoil heaps.
Otter seats, Tarka Trail Katy Hallett, Sustrans lead artist, designed these mosaic benches, entitled "White Tip and Greymuzzle", beside the trail on Marland Moor. To the right, across the field, is North Meadow Copse. Spoil tips from clay mining (one of the main users of the former railway along which the trail runs) are hidden to the left.
Otter seats, Tarka Trail
Katy Hallett, Sustrans lead artist, designed these mosaic benches, entitled "White Tip and Greymuzzle", beside the trail on Marland Moor. To the right, across the field, is North Meadow Copse. Spoil tips from clay mining (one of the main users of the former railway along which the trail runs) are hidden to the left.
Berry Farm Seen from the lane from Petrockstowe to Winswell, close to a bridge over a stream.
Berry Farm
Seen from the lane from Petrockstowe to Winswell, close to a bridge over a stream.
Lower Lodge Another view of <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/567513">SS5211 : Lower Lodge</a> from the A386 at Kingsford Bridge over the Little Mere River. The junction on the right is with a lane to Petrockstowe.
Lower Lodge
Another view of SS5211 : Lower Lodge from the A386 at Kingsford Bridge over the Little Mere River. The junction on the right is with a lane to Petrockstowe.
Recycled sign, Petrockstowe station I tried turning this upside down to read the former wording, but it seems to have been re-used several times!
Recycled sign, Petrockstowe station
I tried turning this upside down to read the former wording, but it seems to have been re-used several times!
The Guardian A mosaic sculpture by Katy Hallett, Sustrans lead artist, on the Tarka Trail as it follows the line of the former North Devon and Cornwall Junction Light Railway past Ladywell Wood. The lettering includes quotes from "Tarka the Otter".
The Guardian
A mosaic sculpture by Katy Hallett, Sustrans lead artist, on the Tarka Trail as it follows the line of the former North Devon and Cornwall Junction Light Railway past Ladywell Wood. The lettering includes quotes from "Tarka the Otter".
Tarka Trail The trail, combining footpath and cycleway (NCN route 3), follows the former track of the North Devon and Cornwall Junction Light Railway across Bury Moors.
Tarka Trail
The trail, combining footpath and cycleway (NCN route 3), follows the former track of the North Devon and Cornwall Junction Light Railway across Bury Moors.
Lane past Berry Farm The lane from Petrockstowe to Winswell passes the spot where <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/567857">SS5010 : Berry Farm</a> was taken.
Lane past Berry Farm
The lane from Petrockstowe to Winswell passes the spot where SS5010 : Berry Farm was taken.
Burymoor Plantation A rather gloomy road that links Petrockstowe station on the Tarka Trail with the A386 near Merton. Burymoor Plantation is on the right; on the left is Baker's Plantation.
Burymoor Plantation
A rather gloomy road that links Petrockstowe station on the Tarka Trail with the A386 near Merton. Burymoor Plantation is on the right; on the left is Baker's Plantation.
Road passing Petrockstowe station site
Road passing Petrockstowe station site
Cott Lane, Petrockstow Looking east towards the main road.  Mist filled the valley that morning, hence no background!
Cott Lane, Petrockstow
Looking east towards the main road. Mist filled the valley that morning, hence no background!
Petrockstowe Church The church is dedicated to Saint Petroc.
Petrockstowe Church
The church is dedicated to Saint Petroc.
Tarka Trail in Foxes' Covert The trail follows the line of the North Devon and Cornwall Junction Light Railway through woodland as it approaches the Little Mere River.
Tarka Trail in Foxes' Covert
The trail follows the line of the North Devon and Cornwall Junction Light Railway through woodland as it approaches the Little Mere River.
Show me another place!

Varley's Copse is located at Grid Ref: SS5110 (Lat: 50.877735, Lng: -4.1185465)

Administrative County: Devon

District: Torridge

Police Authority: Devon and Cornwall

What 3 Words

///surpasses.surcharge.blaze. Near Hatherleigh, Devon

Related Wikis

Petrockstow railway station

Petrockstow railway station was a station serving the village of Petrockstowe in West Devon, which is about one mile away. The station was, throughout...

Heanton Satchville, Petrockstowe

Heanton Satchville was a historic manor in the parish of Petrockstowe, North Devon, England. With origins in the Domesday manor of Hantone, it was first...

Marland Works railway station

Marlands Works was a busy industrial site for just over a century, firstly on the Torrington and Marland Railway, built to carry bricks and clay on a three...

Petrockstowe

Petrockstowe (or Petrockstow) is a small village and civil parish in the district of Torridge in Northern Devon, England. Its population in 2001 was 379...

Merton, Devon

Merton is a village, ecclesiastical parish, former manor and civil parish administered by the local government district of Torridge, Devon, England. The...

Huish, Torridge

Huish (anciently Hiwis) is a small village, civil parish and former manor in the Torridge district of Devon, England. The eastern boundary of the parish...

Barometer World

Barometer World was the world's only barometer museum, and was located in the village of Merton, near Great Torrington, Devon, England. Barometer World...

Dunsbear Halt railway station

Dunsbear Halt was a relatively well-used halt on the initially privately run North Devon and Cornwall Junction Light Railway. Opened in 1925 and closed...

Have you been to Varley's Copse?

Leave your review of Varley's Copse below (or comments, questions and feedback).