Black Down Wood

Wood, Forest in Somerset Somerset West and Taunton

England

Black Down Wood

Roadside stall Local fresh produce was for sale on the day we saw this pretty honesty stall. The young courgettes were delicious.
Roadside stall Credit: Marika Reinholds

Black Down Wood is a picturesque woodland located in the county of Somerset, England. It covers an area of approximately 600 acres and is situated on the southern slopes of the Quantock Hills, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The woodland is managed by the Forestry Commission and offers a diverse range of habitats and wildlife.

The forest consists mainly of deciduous trees, including oak, beech, and ash, which create a dense canopy overhead. This provides a suitable habitat for a variety of bird species, such as woodpeckers, thrushes, and owls. The woodland floor is covered in a rich carpet of wildflowers, including bluebells, primroses, and wood anemones, which bloom in abundance during the spring months.

Black Down Wood is crisscrossed by a network of well-maintained footpaths, making it a popular destination for walkers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts. These paths offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside and provide access to other areas of the Quantock Hills.

The woodland is also home to a number of historical features, including ancient earthworks and remnants of old charcoal pits, which provide a glimpse into the area's past. Visitors can learn about the history and ecology of the forest through informative signage and interpretation boards.

With its tranquil atmosphere, diverse flora and fauna, and scenic beauty, Black Down Wood is a haven for nature lovers seeking a peaceful escape in the heart of Somerset's countryside.

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Black Down Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.145357/-3.3323284 or Grid Reference ST0639. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Roadside stall Local fresh produce was for sale on the day we saw this pretty honesty stall. The young courgettes were delicious.
Roadside stall
Local fresh produce was for sale on the day we saw this pretty honesty stall. The young courgettes were delicious.
Turning for North Street
Turning for North Street
Ordnance Survey Cut Mark This OS cut mark can be found on the south face of the old council office. It marks a point 31.986m above mean sea level.
Ordnance Survey Cut Mark
This OS cut mark can be found on the south face of the old council office. It marks a point 31.986m above mean sea level.
Ordnance Survey Cut Mark This OS cut mark can be found on the SE angle of All Saints Church. It marks a point 89.685m above mean sea level.
Ordnance Survey Cut Mark
This OS cut mark can be found on the SE angle of All Saints Church. It marks a point 89.685m above mean sea level.
Steam train and Quantocks from the footpath to Capton A perfect walk home with only the whistle of a train and the distant sound of a tractor to be heard.
Steam train and Quantocks from the footpath to Capton
A perfect walk home with only the whistle of a train and the distant sound of a tractor to be heard.
All Saints Church, Monksilver, Somerset All Saints, Monksilver is located between the Quantocks and the Brendon Hills.   The church  dates back to the C12,  although the current structure  is the results of rebuilding in the C14.  It is thought that the original church was built by monks from Bec Abbey in Normandy, and had connections to 
Goldcliffe Priory in South Wales.  Because the church was a monastic church, the usual memorials inside these early churches are absent, due being owned by the Priory.  The main entrance door is the original medieval door with the original ironwork.  In later years it came under the ownership of  Eton College and then by the Dean and Canons of St George's Chapel, Windsor.
The layout is of a standard design -  chancel, nave and tower at the west end.  The tower has five bells, the oldest being cast in 1548.   The church is in the Diocese of Bath and Wells.
All Saints Church, Monksilver, Somerset
All Saints, Monksilver is located between the Quantocks and the Brendon Hills. The church dates back to the C12, although the current structure is the results of rebuilding in the C14. It is thought that the original church was built by monks from Bec Abbey in Normandy, and had connections to Goldcliffe Priory in South Wales. Because the church was a monastic church, the usual memorials inside these early churches are absent, due being owned by the Priory. The main entrance door is the original medieval door with the original ironwork. In later years it came under the ownership of Eton College and then by the Dean and Canons of St George's Chapel, Windsor. The layout is of a standard design - chancel, nave and tower at the west end. The tower has five bells, the oldest being cast in 1548. The church is in the Diocese of Bath and Wells.
SCC fingerpost near Sampford Brett 3 fingered SCC Post.
SCC fingerpost near Sampford Brett
3 fingered SCC Post.
SCC Fingerpost at Capton Cross Awaiting black paint on legend?
SCC Fingerpost at Capton Cross
Awaiting black paint on legend?
SCC Fingerpost nr Capton Cross
SCC Fingerpost nr Capton Cross
SCC Fingerpost north of Monksilver 3 fingered post one of which is missing.
SCC Fingerpost north of Monksilver
3 fingered post one of which is missing.
Monksilver Country Fair, Somerset 1992
Monksilver Country Fair, Somerset 1992
Old Village Signpost by the B3183, Combehill Cross, Monksilver Parish Warning triangle finial - Somerset village sign by the B3183, in parish of Monksilver (West Somerset District), Combecross Hill, southern approach to village, in hedge.

Grade II Listed. List Entry Number: 1057564
<span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1057564" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1057564">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>

Surveyed

Milestone Society National ID: SO_ST0737B
Old Village Signpost by the B3183, Combehill Cross, Monksilver Parish
Warning triangle finial - Somerset village sign by the B3183, in parish of Monksilver (West Somerset District), Combecross Hill, southern approach to village, in hedge. Grade II Listed. List Entry Number: 1057564 LinkExternal link Surveyed Milestone Society National ID: SO_ST0737B
Old Direction Sign - Signpost by the B3190, Fair Cross, Old Cleeve Parish Pyramid finial - 8 arms (at least three are replacements); by the B3190, in parish of Old Cleeve (West Somerset District), Fair Cross, Beggearn Huish, junction with the B3180.

Surveyed

Milestone Society National ID: SO_ST0539
Old Direction Sign - Signpost by the B3190, Fair Cross, Old Cleeve Parish
Pyramid finial - 8 arms (at least three are replacements); by the B3190, in parish of Old Cleeve (West Somerset District), Fair Cross, Beggearn Huish, junction with the B3180. Surveyed Milestone Society National ID: SO_ST0539
Direction Sign - Signpost on the B3188 in Monksilver Pyramid finial - 3 arms; Somerset SCC pyramid by the B3188, in parish of Monksilver (West Somerset District), Combehill Cross, southern approach to village. See also <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tollhouses/10223330974" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tollhouses/10223330974">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>. By 2021 the Williton, Watchet, Minehead arm had broken off.

Surveyed

Milestone Society National ID: SO_ST0737C
Direction Sign - Signpost on the B3188 in Monksilver
Pyramid finial - 3 arms; Somerset SCC pyramid by the B3188, in parish of Monksilver (West Somerset District), Combehill Cross, southern approach to village. See also LinkExternal link. By 2021 the Williton, Watchet, Minehead arm had broken off. Surveyed Milestone Society National ID: SO_ST0737C
Old Village Signpost by the B3183, Monksilver Finial - Somerset village sign by the B3183, in parish of Monksilver (West Somerset District), Northern approach to village, by '30' sign, in hedge.

Grade II listed.
List Entry Number: 1345632 <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1345632" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1345632">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>

Surveyed

Milestone Society National ID: SO_ST0737A
Old Village Signpost by the B3183, Monksilver
Finial - Somerset village sign by the B3183, in parish of Monksilver (West Somerset District), Northern approach to village, by '30' sign, in hedge. Grade II listed. List Entry Number: 1345632 LinkExternal link Surveyed Milestone Society National ID: SO_ST0737A
Ferret Racing, Monksilver Country Fair, Somerset 1992
Ferret Racing, Monksilver Country Fair, Somerset 1992
Ferret Racing, Monksilver Country Fair, Somerset 1992
Ferret Racing, Monksilver Country Fair, Somerset 1992
Williton : B3190 Looking along the B3190.
Williton : B3190
Looking along the B3190.
Show me another place!

Black Down Wood is located at Grid Ref: ST0639 (Lat: 51.145357, Lng: -3.3323284)

Administrative County: Somerset

District: Somerset West and Taunton

Police Authority: Avon and Somerset

What 3 Words

///havens.plotter.hulk. Near Williton, Somerset

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 51.145357,-3.3323284
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Lat/Long: 51.1423721/-3.3334529
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Lat/Long: 51.1434741/-3.3360942
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Lat/Long: 51.1448943/-3.3351472
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Lat/Long: 51.142626/-3.3351769
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Lat/Long: 51.1409262/-3.3322964
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Source: bing
Lat/Long: 51.1441891/-3.3369116
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Lat/Long: 51.1416062/-3.3329455
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Lat/Long: 51.1418216/-3.3342059
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Lat/Long: 51.1462876/-3.3386155
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Lat/Long: 51.1453655/-3.3382882
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Lat/Long: 51.1466179/-3.3359287
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Lat/Long: 51.1474888/-3.3361532
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Lat/Long: 51.1485102/-3.3364401
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Lat/Long: 51.1469068/-3.3374031
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Lat/Long: 51.1462068/-3.3392055
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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