Ranscombe Brake

Wood, Forest in Devon Mid Devon

England

Ranscombe Brake

Hone Cross lane junction, looking south
Hone Cross lane junction, looking south Credit: Rob Purvis

Ranscombe Brake is a picturesque woodland located in Devon, England. Covering an area of approximately 20 hectares, it is a diverse and thriving ecosystem, rich in flora and fauna. The woodland is part of the larger Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve, managed by the Devon Wildlife Trust.

The character of Ranscombe Brake is defined by its ancient oak and beech trees, which dominate the landscape and provide a canopy of shade. These majestic trees are home to a variety of bird species, including woodpeckers and owls. The forest floor is carpeted with bluebells and wildflowers during the spring, creating a colorful and enchanting display.

The woodland is crisscrossed by a network of well-maintained footpaths, allowing visitors to explore its natural beauty. These paths wind through the trees, leading to tranquil clearings and secluded spots, perfect for picnics or quiet contemplation. The peaceful atmosphere of Ranscombe Brake makes it a popular destination for nature lovers and walkers seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

In addition to its recreational value, Ranscombe Brake also plays an important role in conservation. It provides a habitat for many rare and endangered species, such as the hazel dormouse and the lesser horseshoe bat. The Devon Wildlife Trust actively manages the woodland to enhance its biodiversity and protect these vulnerable creatures.

Overall, Ranscombe Brake is a haven of natural beauty and tranquility. Its ancient trees, vibrant wildflowers, and diverse wildlife make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the wonders of nature.

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Ranscombe Brake Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.027147/-3.4180602 or Grid Reference ST0026. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Hone Cross lane junction, looking south
Hone Cross lane junction, looking south
House at Old Hayes
House at Old Hayes
Bridge at Petton crossing the route of the abandoned Taunton to Barnstaple railway line
Bridge at Petton crossing the route of the abandoned Taunton to Barnstaple railway line
Houses at Petton
Houses at Petton
Chipstable: Kingston Farm and Mill Two spring-fed ponds each provided a mere 20 minutes operation for the 19th century waterwheel at the mill, now a private residence. The mill was purely for the use of the farm: it was not a manor or parish flour mill
Chipstable: Kingston Farm and Mill
Two spring-fed ponds each provided a mere 20 minutes operation for the 19th century waterwheel at the mill, now a private residence. The mill was purely for the use of the farm: it was not a manor or parish flour mill
Bampton: near Raddington In the Batherm valley near Batherm Bridge
Bampton: near Raddington
In the Batherm valley near Batherm Bridge
Bampton: church at Petton The neo-Romanesque structure, characterised by the apse and windows, dates from the 19th century. Looking north-north-east
Bampton: church at Petton
The neo-Romanesque structure, characterised by the apse and windows, dates from the 19th century. Looking north-north-east
Bampton: houses by the B3227 road Looking north-north-east. While the overhead transmission line is close, the track of the old Taunton – Barnstaple railway is closer still, a field’s length beyond the houses
Bampton: houses by the B3227 road
Looking north-north-east. While the overhead transmission line is close, the track of the old Taunton – Barnstaple railway is closer still, a field’s length beyond the houses
Clayhanger: near Berry Farm Farm access road and public footpath – the path runs through to Batherm Bridge. Looking north west from the bridge over the abandoned Taunton – Barnstaple railway, closed in the 1960s
Clayhanger: near Berry Farm
Farm access road and public footpath – the path runs through to Batherm Bridge. Looking north west from the bridge over the abandoned Taunton – Barnstaple railway, closed in the 1960s
Chipstable: Washers Farm Looking north-north-east. The farm faces south in an east-west valley; below it a stream runs westwards from Raddington to join the Batherm near Batherm Bridge
Chipstable: Washers Farm
Looking north-north-east. The farm faces south in an east-west valley; below it a stream runs westwards from Raddington to join the Batherm near Batherm Bridge
Upton: by the entrance to Ranscombe Farm Looking north west on the lane from Blackwell to Skilgate
Upton: by the entrance to Ranscombe Farm
Looking north west on the lane from Blackwell to Skilgate
Chipstable: lane at Raddington Bottom Looking north east near Rectory Farm
Chipstable: lane at Raddington Bottom
Looking north east near Rectory Farm
Skilgate: near Bittescombe Hill Farm Looking north east on the lane from Blackwell
Skilgate: near Bittescombe Hill Farm
Looking north east on the lane from Blackwell
Skilgate: Bittescombe Hill Farm Farm buildings by the lane from Blackwell to Heydon Hill. Looking east
Skilgate: Bittescombe Hill Farm
Farm buildings by the lane from Blackwell to Heydon Hill. Looking east
Skilgate: lane with beech tree and hedge Looking north-north-east
Skilgate: lane with beech tree and hedge
Looking north-north-east
Skilgate: the road from Lowtrow Cross Looking south-south-west
Skilgate: the road from Lowtrow Cross
Looking south-south-west
Skilgate: bridleway from Haddon End Looking east-north-east. The track leads to Dulverton Lane and Heydon Hill
Skilgate: bridleway from Haddon End
Looking east-north-east. The track leads to Dulverton Lane and Heydon Hill
St Michael's church, Raddington Isolated from lanes, the C13 church <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://webapp1.somerset.gov.uk/her/details.asp?prn=41129" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://webapp1.somerset.gov.uk/her/details.asp?prn=41129">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> sits on the lower slopes of a deep valley, Raddington Bottom. Seen from a gateway on Hill Lane.
St Michael's church, Raddington
Isolated from lanes, the C13 church LinkExternal link sits on the lower slopes of a deep valley, Raddington Bottom. Seen from a gateway on Hill Lane.
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Ranscombe Brake is located at Grid Ref: ST0026 (Lat: 51.027147, Lng: -3.4180602)

Administrative County: Devon

District: Mid Devon

Police Authority: Devon and Cornwall

What 3 Words

///deep.dolphins.completed. Near Wiveliscombe, Somerset

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