Ash Moor Plantation

Wood, Forest in Devon Torridge

England

Ash Moor Plantation

Tarka Trail shared path near Meeth Credit: David Smith

Ash Moor Plantation is a sprawling woodland located in the county of Devon, England. Covering a vast area of approximately 500 hectares, it is a prominent feature of the local landscape. The plantation primarily consists of ash trees, which lend their name to the site. These majestic trees create a dense canopy, providing shade and shelter to a diverse range of flora and fauna.

The plantation is situated in a low-lying area, with the River Ash meandering through its heart. This river not only adds to the scenic beauty of the woodland but also serves as a vital water source for the surrounding ecosystem. The rich and fertile soil, coupled with the moderate climate of Devon, creates the perfect conditions for the growth of various plant species.

Ash Moor Plantation is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, attracting a wide array of animals. It is home to numerous bird species, including woodpeckers, thrushes, and owls, which find sanctuary amidst the dense foliage. The woodland also supports a population of small mammals such as squirrels, rabbits, and foxes.

The plantation offers a network of well-maintained footpaths, allowing visitors to explore the woodland at their own pace. Nature lovers can enjoy leisurely walks, taking in the sights and sounds of the serene surroundings. The plantation is particularly popular among photographers and artists, who find inspiration in its natural beauty.

Overall, Ash Moor Plantation is a cherished natural asset in Devon, providing a tranquil escape for both locals and tourists. Its diverse ecosystem, scenic landscapes, and abundant wildlife make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a connection with nature.

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Ash Moor Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.855821/-4.0904427 or Grid Reference SS5208. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Tarka Trail shared path near Meeth

David Smith

Ford and footbridge on Tarka Trail

The ford is for cyclists

David Smith

Cott Lane, Petrockstow

Looking east towards the main road. Mist filled the valley that morning, hence no background!

Andrew Longton

Petrockstowe Church

The church is dedicated to Saint Petroc.

Bernice

View from Friar's Hele Cross

A view NNE from the ridge north of the Torridge. Fields slope towards an unnamed wood.

Derek Harper

St Michael's church, Meeth

Plenty of Norman work is evident. "This is a very simple church but it has some good quality detail and the C19 restoration has added to rather than detracted from the building" Link

. Seen from the edge of the churchyard, which is set up above the main road.

Derek Harper

Field beside Round Pole Plantation

The plantation is to the right across the field. The mound on the extreme left is part of Meeth Clay Tip. Seen in torrential rain from Meeth Footpath 2, here followed by the cycle track version of the Tarka Trail.

Derek Harper

Meeth Halt (disused)

The North Devon and Cornwall Junction Light Railway (Link

) closed in 1965. This must always have been a tiny station. It now serves as a starting point for a cyclepath along the former line as a branch of the Tarka Trail.

Derek Harper

Countryside west of the Torridge

Looking across fields from the A386 north of Stone Cross. The trees on the right follow a small valley down to the nearby Torridge. The buildings at Lovistone Barton are in SS5410.

Derek Harper

Tarka Trail junction

The trail follows the line of the North Devon and Cornwall Junction Light Railway for a long distance across North Devon; on the left it reaches the last hundred metres before veering off towards the Torridge. On the right is a cyclepath which takes a different route around the clay pits to reach SS5407 : Meeth Halt (disused).

Derek Harper

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.

Derek Harper

Path to church, Meeth

"A cobbled path, made in 1818 from Torridge river pebbles by the French prisoners from Dartmoor prison at the time of the Napoleonic wars, leads past old lime trees to the early Norman porch" (Link

). A similar path exists at SS5311 : St James the Less church, Huish, presumably of the same origin.

Derek Harper

Path from church, Meeth

Clearly not of the some vintage as SS5408 : Path to church, Meeth, at least not in its present tarmaced state, this path leads across the northern churchyard.

Derek Harper

St Michael's church, Meeth

The east end of SS5408 : St Michael's church, Meeth seen from SS5408 : Path from church, Meeth.

Derek Harper

Gravestones, Meeth

Inscribed slate stones, leaning against the wall of SS5408 : St Michael's church, Meeth.

Derek Harper

Broken gravestone, Meeth

This looks like the top and bottom of the same stone, against the church wall at SS5408 : St Michael's church, Meeth.

Derek Harper

Gravestones, Meeth

Further gravestones to accompany SS5408 : Gravestones, Meeth and SS5408 : Broken gravestone, Meeth, with some fine decorative touches. The quatrain on the left is from Coleridge.

Derek Harper

Coat of arms, St Michael's church, Meeth

"Uncommonly swagger", say Cherry and Pevsner about the coat of arms on the wall of the church, which dates from 1704 and may be by John Abbot of Frithelstock.

Derek Harper

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Ash Moor Plantation is located at Grid Ref: SS5208 (Lat: 50.855821, Lng: -4.0904427)

Administrative County: Devon

District: Torridge

Police Authority: Devon and Cornwall