Ashridge Wood

Wood, Forest in Devon West Devon

England

Ashridge Wood

Ordnance Survey Flush Bracket S5177 This can be found on the wall of The Town Hall in North Tawton.
For more detail see : <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.bench-marks.org.uk/bm20808" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.bench-marks.org.uk/bm20808">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> — Ordnance Survey Flush Bracket S5177 Credit: Peter Wood

Ashridge Wood, located in the county of Devon, is a picturesque woodland area renowned for its natural beauty and rich biodiversity. Covering approximately 1,250 acres, it is one of the largest and most significant woodlands in the region. Ashridge Wood is situated near the village of North Tawton, offering a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The woodland is characterized by its dense canopy of predominantly oak and beech trees, creating a captivating and enchanting atmosphere. The forest floor is adorned with a carpet of bluebells during the springtime, adding a splash of vibrant color to the surroundings.

Ashridge Wood is home to a diverse array of wildlife, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers. Red deer, roe deer, badgers, and foxes are among the many inhabitants of the woodland. Birdwatchers can delight in spotting species such as woodpeckers, owls, and various songbirds.

The wood has a network of well-maintained footpaths and trails, making it accessible for visitors of all ages and fitness levels. These paths wind through the wood, allowing visitors to explore its hidden corners and discover its natural wonders. The wood also has a picnic area, providing a perfect spot for enjoying a packed lunch amidst the serenity of nature.

With its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and peaceful ambiance, Ashridge Wood is a popular destination for walkers, nature lovers, and families seeking a day out in the great outdoors. Whether strolling through the ancient woodland or simply relaxing amidst the tranquil surroundings, a visit to Ashridge Wood is sure to be a memorable experience.

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Ashridge Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.812684/-3.8953728 or Grid Reference SS6603. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Ordnance Survey Flush Bracket S5177

This can be found on the wall of The Town Hall in North Tawton. For more detail see : Link

Peter Wood

North Tawton - derelict textile mill

This former serge and woollen mill has lain empty for many years. There are extensive north light sheds on the left and a four storey block on the right. This is the view from the public side of the gate into the site. The site was driven by a large waterwheel and a beam engine but I resisted the temptation to explore further.

Chris Allen

North Tawton - Town Hall

Chris Allen

Staddon Moor

An wet field of Culm grasses.

Jay Pea

Silage Bales

A stack of silage bales stored just off the road and sheltered by the narrow strip of woodland.

Jay Pea

Old Wayside Cross - moved to North Tawton churchyard

North Tawton Market Cross, old head and shaft, by the footpath, in parish of North Tawton (West Devon District), by the church tower, shaft standing by path and head under yew tree close by. See photo of cross head here Link

Grade II Listed. List Entry Number: 1105339 Link

Scheduled Monument. List Entry Number: 1013741 Link

Surveyed Milestone Society National ID: DVWD_NTA01

Alan Rosevear

Titterton Cross

The road to the left leads to Lowton and Bondleigh and the trackway on the right leads to Clapperdown via a PROW, but originally led towards Millsome Castle, a 12thC motte and bailey.

Matthew Hatton

The jungle that is Half Farthing Lane

Care must be taken when walking down here especially if shorts are worn; brambles and nettles will paw at your legs, whilst burdock burrs will attach themselves to your socks and bootlaces. Half Farthing Lane once reached Cholhouse, but where the PROW crosses the stile and heads towards Clapperdown, the hedge has taken over the lane, and it would take a week with a machete to cut through all the blackthorn.

Matthew Hatton

Boundary Stone on the way to Westworthy

On the left face there is faint writing which spells 'Bondleigh P' and on this face it spells 'Zeal P'. On the top of the stone there is a rivet benchmark. It seems to have been exposed by the farmr who had widened the adjacent field gate.

Matthew Hatton

Highfield Farm

These buildings had a look of abandonment, and are situated at the end of the tarmac section of Wood Lane.

Matthew Hatton

A dry portion of Wood Lane

Lower down the lane, close to Bailey's Ford this was a complete swamp, with deep ruts full of water and mud everywhere in between, I found myself picking my way carefully along the top of the hedge-bank, only after the track heads up hill do the conditions underfoot begin to improve.

Matthew Hatton

Don't be fooled

This obvious looking track opposite Yeo Bridge, that climbs up the bank, is not a PROW and should not be followed. The Tarka Trail crosses it to the left and right.

Matthew Hatton

Footbridge over the River Taw

The river has been crossed here for hundreds of years and is known as Bailey's Ford. The roadway can be seen entering the water on the left bank to the side of the footbridge.

Matthew Hatton

Ridgetown Quarry (dis)

Carboniferous Sandstone (Bude Formation) quarry that was most likely used for building material for local farms and possibly the church at Bondleigh, it is somewhat overgrown.

Matthew Hatton

Not so Old Boundary Marker near Farley's Grave

Millennium stone on the east side of the T junction 400 metres south of Farley's Grave, opposite Hill Road. On the site of an old stone on the boundary of North Tawton and Zeal Monachorum parishes. Milestone Society National ID: DV_NTHO03cm

T Jenkinson