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Dowland's Copse

Wood, Forest in Somerset Somerset West and Taunton

England

Dowland's Copse

A reburbished Wellington Monument Wellington Monument is a 53 metre high triangular obelisk located on the Blackdown Hills, 3 km south of Wellington, Somerset. It is the tallest three-sided obelisk in the world. The monument was designed to commemorate the Duke of Wellington's victory at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Construction of the original design was started in 1817 and was finally completed in 1854 (although to a cheaper design). It is now owned by the National Trust. The monument was closed to the public in 2007 for safety reasons as the stonework was weather worn in places and a risk to visitors below and inside the monument. After a three year repair project the monument reopened in August 2021. Visitors can now pre-book (£5.00) to climb the 232 steps of the spiral staircase inside the monument to the top for spectacular views.
A reburbished Wellington Monument Credit: Marika Reinholds

Dowland's Copse is a picturesque woodland located in Somerset, England. Stretching over an area of approximately 50 acres, it is known for its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. The copse is situated in the heart of the Somerset Levels, a region renowned for its lush greenery and diverse wildlife.

The woodland is predominantly composed of native broadleaf trees, including oak, beech, and ash, which provide a dense canopy and create a serene ambiance in the area. The copse is crisscrossed with well-maintained footpaths, allowing visitors to explore its hidden corners and enjoy peaceful walks amidst nature.

Dowland's Copse is also home to a variety of wildlife species. Bird enthusiasts can spot numerous species such as woodpeckers, owls, and various songbirds, while small mammals like squirrels and rabbits can be observed scurrying through the undergrowth. The copse also supports a rich diversity of plant life, with carpets of bluebells and wild garlic adorning the forest floor during the spring season.

The copse has been thoughtfully managed to ensure its conservation and enhance its natural beauty. Regular tree maintenance and selective thinning are carried out to promote the growth of younger trees and maintain a healthy ecosystem.

Dowland's Copse is a popular destination for nature lovers, photographers, and those seeking a peaceful retreat. Its serene environment, abundant wildlife, and well-maintained trails offer visitors a unique opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy the tranquility of this beautiful Somerset woodland.

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Dowland's Copse Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.953141/-3.2279318 or Grid Reference ST1317. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

A reburbished Wellington Monument Wellington Monument is a 53 metre high triangular obelisk located on the Blackdown Hills, 3 km south of Wellington, Somerset. It is the tallest three-sided obelisk in the world. The monument was designed to commemorate the Duke of Wellington's victory at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Construction of the original design was started in 1817 and was finally completed in 1854 (although to a cheaper design). It is now owned by the National Trust. The monument was closed to the public in 2007 for safety reasons as the stonework was weather worn in places and a risk to visitors below and inside the monument. After a three year repair project the monument reopened in August 2021. Visitors can now pre-book (£5.00) to climb the 232 steps of the spiral staircase inside the monument to the top for spectacular views.
A reburbished Wellington Monument
Wellington Monument is a 53 metre high triangular obelisk located on the Blackdown Hills, 3 km south of Wellington, Somerset. It is the tallest three-sided obelisk in the world. The monument was designed to commemorate the Duke of Wellington's victory at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Construction of the original design was started in 1817 and was finally completed in 1854 (although to a cheaper design). It is now owned by the National Trust. The monument was closed to the public in 2007 for safety reasons as the stonework was weather worn in places and a risk to visitors below and inside the monument. After a three year repair project the monument reopened in August 2021. Visitors can now pre-book (£5.00) to climb the 232 steps of the spiral staircase inside the monument to the top for spectacular views.
Three arches near the Wellington Monument Some useful historical information is displayed as a set of wooden arches. The monument endured a long-running saga and had several ups and downs.
Three arches near the Wellington Monument
Some useful historical information is displayed as a set of wooden arches. The monument endured a long-running saga and had several ups and downs.
Drawn to the obelisk The Wellington Monument is a popular attraction at any time of the year. Being an open area on the edge of the Blackdown Hills helps.
Drawn to the obelisk
The Wellington Monument is a popular attraction at any time of the year. Being an open area on the edge of the Blackdown Hills helps.
World's tallest The Wellington Monument is the tallest obelisk in the world, at 53m (175 ft) in its present form. People are drawn to it and provide a useful scale.
World's tallest
The Wellington Monument is the tallest obelisk in the world, at 53m (175 ft) in its present form. People are drawn to it and provide a useful scale.
Toposcope on the Blackdown Hills Perched on the edge of the Blackdown Hills escarpment by the monument is a toposcope. It was actually donated by the Bristol branch of the Automobile Association and gives a commentary on the sweeping views available.
Toposcope on the Blackdown Hills
Perched on the edge of the Blackdown Hills escarpment by the monument is a toposcope. It was actually donated by the Bristol branch of the Automobile Association and gives a commentary on the sweeping views available.
Obelisk and cannon The monument in late Winter sunlight, with a suitable relic for adornment.
Obelisk and cannon
The monument in late Winter sunlight, with a suitable relic for adornment.
A doorway means a way up The Wellington Monumnent has had several versions over its history, seeing alterations of the final height, but it has always had a hollow core. Its first version was 37m (121 ft) in 1829, but is now a lofty 53m (175 ft) and has 232 steps inside.
A doorway means a way up
The Wellington Monumnent has had several versions over its history, seeing alterations of the final height, but it has always had a hollow core. Its first version was 37m (121 ft) in 1829, but is now a lofty 53m (175 ft) and has 232 steps inside.
A panel over a studded iron door The Wellington Monument has an internal staircase and is accessed through this sturdy door. Above it is a carved panel featuring Egyptian style wings - perhaps referring to the Duke's battles against Napoleon in Mysore. Grade II* listed.
A panel over a studded iron door
The Wellington Monument has an internal staircase and is accessed through this sturdy door. Above it is a carved panel featuring Egyptian style wings - perhaps referring to the Duke's battles against Napoleon in Mysore. Grade II* listed.
Sun on the west side Wellington Monument in late Winter sunlight. Some of the stonework was in a terrible state and has been restored after a £3.1 million project.
Sun on the west side
Wellington Monument in late Winter sunlight. Some of the stonework was in a terrible state and has been restored after a £3.1 million project.
History in the stones Poor materials and the naturally exposed location have been a problem for the Wellington Monument. It was built with ashlar blocks exterior, limestone rubble filled the middle of the structure and the internal staircase is lined by chert. Such a composition causes a reaction that can bind the materials together with a sort of mortar. However, the wind and rain have found their way in and collapsed pockets of the rubble - leading to obvious worries over the strength of the massive obelisk. Over the recent years, a £3.1 million restoration project has taken out bad stones and replaced them. Some of the removed stones are still around the monument and form basic seating. They also carry various carved names and dates - forming a history of their own. Some inscriptions are still in situ.
History in the stones
Poor materials and the naturally exposed location have been a problem for the Wellington Monument. It was built with ashlar blocks exterior, limestone rubble filled the middle of the structure and the internal staircase is lined by chert. Such a composition causes a reaction that can bind the materials together with a sort of mortar. However, the wind and rain have found their way in and collapsed pockets of the rubble - leading to obvious worries over the strength of the massive obelisk. Over the recent years, a £3.1 million restoration project has taken out bad stones and replaced them. Some of the removed stones are still around the monument and form basic seating. They also carry various carved names and dates - forming a history of their own. Some inscriptions are still in situ.
Wellington from Wellington's monument The Blackdown Hills run along the south of the town and, with good weather and low greenery levels, can give wonderful views.
Wellington from Wellington's monument
The Blackdown Hills run along the south of the town and, with good weather and low greenery levels, can give wonderful views.
A cannon for the Duke The Wellington Monument has a cannon for company. It used to have four, but they were melted down for the war effort in 1942. This example is a 32 pounder which was extracted from Exeter Docks in 1977; a local family donated timber from close by and authentic Royal Navy tar was used to preserve the carriage.
A cannon for the Duke
The Wellington Monument has a cannon for company. It used to have four, but they were melted down for the war effort in 1942. This example is a 32 pounder which was extracted from Exeter Docks in 1977; a local family donated timber from close by and authentic Royal Navy tar was used to preserve the carriage.
Memories by the Wellington Monument A seat and memory board stand as a place for several brass plaques - memorials to lost loved ones. It also includes a tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Memories by the Wellington Monument
A seat and memory board stand as a place for several brass plaques - memorials to lost loved ones. It also includes a tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Last light of a February afternoon The landmark obelisk will be the last to see the sunset. By now the crowds have made their way back along the wooded paths and off to home.
Last light of a February afternoon
The landmark obelisk will be the last to see the sunset. By now the crowds have made their way back along the wooded paths and off to home.
Warmed by day, cooled at night Wellington's monument has stood here for over a century in various forms, but faced the winds and weathers all along. Such is the nature that the massive obelisk has suffered deterioration and much skilled work was needed to restore it to strength and safety.
Warmed by day, cooled at night
Wellington's monument has stood here for over a century in various forms, but faced the winds and weathers all along. Such is the nature that the massive obelisk has suffered deterioration and much skilled work was needed to restore it to strength and safety.
Benchmark on the Duke's corner A cutmark, as listed in the Benchmark Database: <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.bench-marks.org.uk/bm72908" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.bench-marks.org.uk/bm72908">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> on the Wellington Monument. See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7438493">ST1317 : The north-east buttress</a> for a wider view.
Benchmark on the Duke's corner
A cutmark, as listed in the Benchmark Database: LinkExternal link on the Wellington Monument. See ST1317 : The north-east buttress for a wider view.
The north-east buttress One of three, this leg has some fresh stonework - some of the lighter ones - after a major restoration and repair project that has recently been completed. That fortunately has not included the benchmark on the lower left side as seen from this angle. See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7438489">ST1317 : Benchmark on the Duke's corner</a> for a closer look at it.
The north-east buttress
One of three, this leg has some fresh stonework - some of the lighter ones - after a major restoration and repair project that has recently been completed. That fortunately has not included the benchmark on the lower left side as seen from this angle. See ST1317 : Benchmark on the Duke's corner for a closer look at it.
Barn Meads Road, looking west
Barn Meads Road, looking west
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Dowland's Copse is located at Grid Ref: ST1317 (Lat: 50.953141, Lng: -3.2279318)

Administrative County: Somerset

District: Somerset West and Taunton

Police Authority: Avon and Somerset

What 3 Words

///chefs.calibrate.material. Near Hemyock, Devon

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 50.953141,-3.2279318
Barrier: stile
Lat/Long: 50.9504675/-3.2255657
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
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