Southwood Wood

Wood, Forest in Devon South Hams

England

Southwood Wood

Old Boundary Marker on the former A38 in Lee Mill, Sparkwell parish Parish Boundary Marker in Lee Mill against the east end of the north parapet of Leemill Bridge, River Yealm. The inscription of ERMINGTON has been filled with concrete, perhaps in World War 2. One of a pair of markers at each end of the bridge. In Ermington parish until 1966 when it became part of Sparkwell parish.

Milestone Society National ID: DV_PLEX08bpb — Old Boundary Marker on the former A38 in Lee Mill, Sparkwell parish Credit: T Jenkinson

Southwood Wood, located in Devon, England, is a picturesque forest renowned for its natural beauty and diverse flora and fauna. Covering an area of approximately 500 hectares, this ancient woodland is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and wildlife enthusiasts.

The forest is predominantly composed of native broadleaf trees such as oak, beech, and ash, creating a dense canopy that provides shade and shelter to a wide range of plant and animal species. The woodland floor is adorned with a rich carpet of wildflowers, including bluebells, primroses, and wood anemones, creating a vibrant and colorful setting during the spring months.

Southwood Wood is crisscrossed by an extensive network of walking trails, offering visitors the opportunity to explore its hidden gems and discover its hidden treasures. These trails lead visitors through ancient woodland, alongside babbling streams, and up gentle slopes, providing stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

The forest is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, badgers, foxes, and a multitude of bird species. Nature enthusiasts can observe and appreciate the rich biodiversity of the area, from the elusive tawny owl to the magnificent red deer.

Southwood Wood is not only a natural sanctuary but also an important historical site. It has been used by humans for centuries, with evidence of ancient settlements and historic structures scattered throughout the forest. Archaeological investigations have unearthed artifacts and remains, shedding light on the lives of past inhabitants.

In conclusion, Southwood Wood, Devon, is a captivating woodland, offering a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. With its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich history, it is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a connection with nature and a glimpse into the past.

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Southwood Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.376333/-3.973646 or Grid Reference SX5954. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Old Boundary Marker on the former A38 in Lee Mill, Sparkwell parish

Parish Boundary Marker in Lee Mill against the east end of the north parapet of Leemill Bridge, River Yealm. The inscription of ERMINGTON has been filled with concrete, perhaps in World War 2. One of a pair of markers at each end of the bridge. In Ermington parish until 1966 when it became part of Sparkwell parish. Milestone Society National ID: DV_PLEX08bpb

T Jenkinson

Old Boundary Marker on the former A38 in Lee Mill, Sparkwell parish

Parish Boundary Marker against the west end of the north parapet of Leemill Bridge, River Yealm. The inscription of PLYMPTON / ST / MARY has been filled with concrete, perhaps in World War 2. One of a pair of markers at each end of the bridge. In Plympton St Mary parish until 1966 when it was renamed Sparkwell parish. Milestone Society National ID: DV_PLEX08apb

T Jenkinson

Devon Expressway, Lee Mill

The A38 is a major A-class trunk route. When first designated in 1922, it ran from Derby to Plymouth but it was later extended at both ends so that it now runs for 292 miles from Mansfield in Nottinghamshire to Bodmin in Cornwall. Prior to the opening of the M5 motorway in the 1960s and 1970s, the A38 formed the main "holiday route" from the Midlands to Somerset, Devon and Cornwall and the south-western section was notorious at holiday times for the congestion. Nowadays, for most of the southern section, the A38 is a fairly quiet road shadowing the M5 extremely closely; often running alongside the motorway as a single carriageway road. The section between Exeter and Plymouth is, however, a busy dual carriageway which serves as the southern extension of the M5 and is known as “the Devon Expressway”. More information at Link

(Wikipedia) and Link

(SABRE).

David Dixon

A38 Devon Expressway near Lee Mill

(Wikipedia) and Link

(SABRE).

David Dixon

Layby on the Devon Expressway at Smithaleigh

(Wikipedia) and Link

(SABRE).

David Dixon

Little Chef, Smithaleigh

The Little Chef at Smithaleigh, Devon, just off the A38 Plymouth bound carriageway.

Kevin Hale

Challonsleigh Farm Waste Recycling Centre

The entrance to Challonsleigh Farm Waste Recycling Centre and Transfer Station at Smithaleigh, Devon. The cars on the left of the picture behind the crash barrier are travelling on the A38 towards Ivybridge.

Kevin Hale

The New Country Inn, Smithaleigh

The New Country Inn, Smithaleigh, Devon, lies on the route of the old A38. The current A38 now bypasses it to the north.

Kevin Hale

River Yealm from Popple's Bridge

Looking south downstream. The Yealm drops steadily here in its wooded valley between low hills.

Derek Harper

River Yealm from Lotherton Bridge

The Yealm cutting away at both banks as it reaches Lotherton Bridge. Photo taken from the bridge looking upstream (north).

Derek Harper

Langage Farm ice cream factory

Home of one of the superior ice creams. An interesting comparison: the old thatched farmhouse behind the friendly cow, and the building in the background where, presumably, the ice cream is manufactured. On the other hand, which premises are more likely to produce a reliably hazard-free product?

Derek Harper

Wet lane to Mount Pleasant

Seen from its junction with the lane from Smithaleigh to Yolland Farm.

Derek Harper

Farm buildings at Hitchcombe

Silo and breeze block barns at the end of the public lane near Lee Mill.

Derek Harper

Confused bullocks near Hitchcombe

The footpath from Hitchcombe to Yolland Farm runs along the edge of their field.

Derek Harper

Ploughed field north of Lee Mill

Shadows encroaching on a field seen across a bramble and oak hedge, from the passing footpath.

Derek Harper

Choakford Farm

The farmhouse is on the lane from Yealmpton to Lee Mill.

Derek Harper

Silverbridge Lake near Collaford

The stream is flowing away from the camera on its journey towards the Yealm estuary. Seen from beside the bridge on the lane between Choakford and Voss.

Derek Harper