The Belt

Wood, Forest in Somerset Somerset West and Taunton

England

The Belt

Liddymore Lane or Doniford Road? I am in no doubt as to the location of this photo, but OpenStreetMap labels it Liddymore Lane while the OS and Google Map call it Doniford Road. What do locals call it? — Liddymore Lane or Doniford Road? Credit: Stephen Craven

The Belt, Somerset, also referred to as Wood or Forest, is a picturesque and diverse area located in the county of Somerset, England. Nestled amidst the rolling hills and valleys of the region, The Belt boasts a rich natural landscape that spans over a vast expanse of approximately 200 square miles.

The area is characterized by its dense woodlands, encompassing a variety of tree species such as oak, beech, and ash. These ancient woodlands provide a haven for wildlife, with numerous species of birds, mammals, and insects inhabiting the area. The Belt is particularly renowned for its diverse bird population, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

In addition to its woodlands, The Belt is also home to several rivers and streams, which meander through the landscape, adding to its beauty and tranquility. The rivers not only serve as a scenic backdrop but also provide habitats for aquatic creatures and support a thriving ecosystem.

The area is crisscrossed by a network of walking trails and footpaths, making it an ideal destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking. Visitors can explore the woodlands and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the surroundings, taking in the sights and sounds of nature.

The Belt, Somerset, is a true gem of natural beauty, offering a serene and idyllic escape for those seeking to immerse themselves in the splendor of the English countryside. With its diverse flora and fauna, picturesque woodlands, and tranquil rivers, this enchanting area is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

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The Belt Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.178478/-3.2847412 or Grid Reference ST1042. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Liddymore Lane or Doniford Road?

I am in no doubt as to the location of this photo, but OpenStreetMap labels it Liddymore Lane while the OS and Google Map call it Doniford Road. What do locals call it?

Stephen Craven

Helwell Bay

Viewed from the West Somerset Railway at the point where it runs closest to the coast. ST0843 : On the rocks in Helwell Bay and ST0843 : Interesting rock formation at Helwell Bay show a closer view on the ground. A local geological guide describes the rocks here as Triassic-Jurassic transition beds.

Stephen Craven

View across a field from Donniford Halt, West Somerset Railway

The photo was taken from a train heading for Minehead.

Ruth Sharville

Wave-cut platform at Donniford, seen from the West Somerset Railway

Ruth Sharville

Williton village sign on the A39 west

Roy Hughes

Arrival at Doniford Beach Halt, West Somerset Railway

Large GWR 2-6-2T 6106 approaches Doniford Beach Halt with a train for Minehead in 1991. The halt had been opened by the WSR in 1987 to serve the local community and holiday campsites. Four years on and there are no passenger facilities. However, the concrete slab behind the platform shows the planned location of a waiting shelter that will be built here. It will be a typical GWR 'Pagoda' shelter of corrugated iron as shown in this 2004 photo: ST0842 : Doniford Halt, West Somerset Railway. This also shows that the halt is now simply 'Doniford Halt'.

Martin Tester

Approaching Doniford Beach Halt, West Somerset Railway

On leaving Watchet Station southbound trains follow the coastline of Helwell Bay before turning inland and passing beneath Doniford Road bridge from where this photo was taken. Immediately beyond the bridge is Doniford Beach Halt, ST0842 : Arrival at Doniford Beach Halt, West Somerset Railway (but nowadays simply 'Doniford Halt'). Here, GWR small 'Prairie' 4561 heads a train from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard.

Martin Tester

St Etheldreda's Church

Paul Barnett

The Orangery at St Audries Park

Paul Barnett

St. Audries Church

A charming little church, next to the A39 in West Quantoxhead

Bob Tinley

The Orangery, St Audries Park

At one time St. Audries Park was a posh girls'-school, or is that posh-girls' school? Anyway it is now a business that specialises in weddings. The service takes place in the Orangery and the rest of the festivities take place in the house, behind us.

Bob Tinley

St Audries Park

The house was once a girl's school, but is now used for weddings.

Bob Tinley

Waterfall between Doniford and St. Audries Bay

This waterfall plunges straight down onto the beach and can only be reached on foot at low tide. There will soon be some more falls of vegetation and rock from the top. The horizontal strata are very well defined.

Barbara Cook

Eastwards from Doniford.

The waterfall in the other photograph for this square plunges from the striped cliff face on the extreme left of the picture.

Barbara Cook

Changing face of the Quantocks.

The photograph shows how the rhododendron bushes are encroaching into areas that were previously bracken, even on very steep slopes. Some efforts are being made to cut them down but are probably doomed to failure. They do look stunning in the spring though!

Barbara Cook

Wibble Farm Nurseries.

This is a traditional working family nursery where plants are grown on from cuttings until ready for sale. The emphasis is on hardy perennials, shrubs and trees. Being in the South West and very near the coast lots of plants can be grown that wouldn't be hardy in other areas of the country.

Barbara Cook