Westdown Copse

Wood, Forest in Devon North Devon

England

Westdown Copse

Swimbridge: grass harvest Gathering mown grass for silage at Bickle Farm
Swimbridge: grass harvest Credit: Martin Bodman

Westdown Copse is a picturesque woodland located in the county of Devon, England. Situated near the village of Westdown, this copse covers an area of approximately 50 acres and is renowned for its natural beauty and diverse ecosystem.

The copse is predominantly made up of deciduous trees, with a mix of oak, beech, and ash being the most prominent species. These trees form a thick canopy, providing shade and shelter to the woodland floor below. Walking through the copse, visitors will be greeted by a carpet of bluebells in the spring, creating a stunning floral display.

The woodland is home to a variety of wildlife species, including birds such as buzzards, woodpeckers, and tawny owls. Mammals such as badgers, foxes, and deer can also be spotted in the area, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

Tranquil streams meander through the copse, adding to its charm and providing a habitat for small aquatic creatures. These streams are also a source of water for the surrounding flora and fauna.

Westdown Copse offers several walking trails, allowing visitors to explore the woodland and take in its natural wonders. These trails vary in length and difficulty, catering to both casual strollers and more seasoned hikers. The copse is also a popular spot for picnics, with designated areas equipped with picnic tables and benches.

Overall, Westdown Copse is a true gem in the heart of Devon, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature and experience the tranquility of a traditional English woodland.

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Westdown Copse Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.042326/-4.0075437 or Grid Reference SS5928. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Swimbridge: grass harvest Gathering mown grass for silage at Bickle Farm
Swimbridge: grass harvest
Gathering mown grass for silage at Bickle Farm
Hannaford This lane curls out of the tiny hamlet of Hannaford, dropping down steeply to cross a small stream, before climbing across Hearson Hill to Hearson Cross.
Hannaford
This lane curls out of the tiny hamlet of Hannaford, dropping down steeply to cross a small stream, before climbing across Hearson Hill to Hearson Cross.
Hannaford Looking along the lane from Hearson Cross towards the junction with the lane from Hunnacott to Swimbridge.
Hannaford
Looking along the lane from Hearson Cross towards the junction with the lane from Hunnacott to Swimbridge.
Higher Hearson Farm Farms and  farm buildings in the geographical area North Devon. (The administrative area governed by North Devon District Council covers a slightly different area.)
Higher Hearson Farm
Farms and farm buildings in the geographical area North Devon. (The administrative area governed by North Devon District Council covers a slightly different area.)
A view across North Devon towards the hills beyond Landkey & Swimbridge Houses on the periphery of Barnstaple can be seen on the far right of the image. The villages of Landkey and Swimbridge are hidden in valleys.
A view across North Devon towards the hills beyond Landkey & Swimbridge
Houses on the periphery of Barnstaple can be seen on the far right of the image. The villages of Landkey and Swimbridge are hidden in valleys.
Swimbridge: on Hangman’s Hill View towards a new plantation, seen from the lane from Higher Bobleigh to Hearson Cross
Swimbridge: on Hangman’s Hill
View towards a new plantation, seen from the lane from Higher Bobleigh to Hearson Cross
Bishop’s Tawton: on Codden Hill Overlooking the Taw valley. In mid distance is Bishop’s Tawton village. Just visible beyond is the tower or folly in Tower Park, Tawstock, across the river. The western suburbs of Barnstaple encroach, top right. Codden Hill is associated with the author of ‘The Journal of a Disappointed Man’. W N P Barbellion’s book was a sensation when published in the 1920s. The hill is also associated with Caroline Thorpe, the wife of Jeremy Thorpe, who died in 1970, aged 32, and loved the place. An obelisk has been erected at Codden Beacon in her memory
Bishop’s Tawton: on Codden Hill
Overlooking the Taw valley. In mid distance is Bishop’s Tawton village. Just visible beyond is the tower or folly in Tower Park, Tawstock, across the river. The western suburbs of Barnstaple encroach, top right. Codden Hill is associated with the author of ‘The Journal of a Disappointed Man’. W N P Barbellion’s book was a sensation when published in the 1920s. The hill is also associated with Caroline Thorpe, the wife of Jeremy Thorpe, who died in 1970, aged 32, and loved the place. An obelisk has been erected at Codden Beacon in her memory
Bishop’s Tawton: toward’s Hangman’s Hill Seen from Codden Hill, Hangman’s Hill is the conical peak to the left, in the next square. The track to Codden Beacon – extreme right – is presently a permissive path for the public
Bishop’s Tawton: toward’s Hangman’s Hill
Seen from Codden Hill, Hangman’s Hill is the conical peak to the left, in the next square. The track to Codden Beacon – extreme right – is presently a permissive path for the public
Bishop’s Tawton: Codden Beacon Obelisk erected in 1971. Inscribed ‘To Caroline who lived closely at Cobbaton and loved this hill, the beloved wife of the Right Honorable Jeremy Thorpe MP and mother of Rupert, she died on June 29th 1970 aged 32’. The obelisk was designed by architect Clough Williams Ellis of Portmeirion fame and the monument was dedicated by the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishop of Crediton on 4 December 1971
Bishop’s Tawton: Codden Beacon
Obelisk erected in 1971. Inscribed ‘To Caroline who lived closely at Cobbaton and loved this hill, the beloved wife of the Right Honorable Jeremy Thorpe MP and mother of Rupert, she died on June 29th 1970 aged 32’. The obelisk was designed by architect Clough Williams Ellis of Portmeirion fame and the monument was dedicated by the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishop of Crediton on 4 December 1971
Landkey: Higher Bableigh The farm in the centre of this shot, with Pitt Farm nearer the camera, in the hollow, now a residence. Seen from Codden Hill, beyond the square. The plantations, right, are on Hangman’s Hill
Landkey: Higher Bableigh
The farm in the centre of this shot, with Pitt Farm nearer the camera, in the hollow, now a residence. Seen from Codden Hill, beyond the square. The plantations, right, are on Hangman’s Hill
Bishop’s Tawton: on Martin’s Hill Looking south west towards the Taw valley at New Bridge on a sultry September afternoon
Bishop’s Tawton: on Martin’s Hill
Looking south west towards the Taw valley at New Bridge on a sultry September afternoon
Bishop’s Tawton: lane to Heaton Cleave is reachable but not on tarmac: it means driving through a gated farmyard at Heaton and then on by an unsurfaced track
Bishop’s Tawton: lane to Heaton
Cleave is reachable but not on tarmac: it means driving through a gated farmyard at Heaton and then on by an unsurfaced track
Bishop’s Tawton: Great Westacott Seen from the lane to Heanton with woods in Tawstock parish, the far side of the Taw valley, beyond
Bishop’s Tawton: Great Westacott
Seen from the lane to Heanton with woods in Tawstock parish, the far side of the Taw valley, beyond
Bishop’s Tawton: lane near Heaton Leading to Higher and Lower Woolstone
Bishop’s Tawton: lane near Heaton
Leading to Higher and Lower Woolstone
Bishop’s Tawton: towards Codden Hill Looking north-north-west
Bishop’s Tawton: towards Codden Hill
Looking north-north-west
Bishop’s Tawton: Little Halmpstone Converted cottages by a back lane
Bishop’s Tawton: Little Halmpstone
Converted cottages by a back lane
Bishop’s Tawton: Lower Woolstone By the entrance to the farm
Bishop’s Tawton: Lower Woolstone
By the entrance to the farm
Bishop’s Tawton: Higher Woolstone Seen from the lane to Great Fisherton. The farmhouse now appears to be a residence
Bishop’s Tawton: Higher Woolstone
Seen from the lane to Great Fisherton. The farmhouse now appears to be a residence
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Westdown Copse is located at Grid Ref: SS5928 (Lat: 51.042326, Lng: -4.0075437)

Administrative County: Devon

District: North Devon

Police Authority: Devon and Cornwall

What 3 Words

///meanders.stems.hydrant. Near Barnstaple, Devon

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 51.042326,-4.0075437
Power: tower
Lat/Long: 51.0412388/-4.0055903
Power: tower
Lat/Long: 51.041286/-4.0129503
Power: tower
Lat/Long: 51.0412591/-4.0097102
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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