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Higher Castle Copse

Wood, Forest in Somerset Somerset West and Taunton

England

Higher Castle 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

Higher Castle Copse is a picturesque woodland located in Somerset, England. Situated in the heart of the county, it covers an area of approximately 10 hectares. The copse is part of the larger Castle Neroche Forest, which spans over 300 hectares of diverse natural beauty.

The woodland is characterized by its dense canopy of towering trees, consisting primarily of native species such as oak, beech, and birch. These majestic trees create a serene and tranquil atmosphere, offering a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike.

Higher Castle Copse is home to a variety of wildlife, including several rare and protected species. Visitors can spot an array of birds, such as woodpeckers, nuthatches, and owls, as well as small mammals like hedgehogs and foxes. The copse also provides a habitat for a diverse range of insects, adding to the biodiversity of the area.

The forest is crisscrossed by a network of well-maintained trails, making it accessible for walkers and nature lovers of all abilities. These paths lead visitors through the enchanting woodland, offering stunning views and opportunities to observe the flora and fauna up close.

Higher Castle Copse is not only a haven for wildlife but also holds historical significance. It is believed to have been part of a medieval hunting forest and has remnants of ancient earthworks and fortifications. These historical features add an extra layer of intrigue to the copse, captivating visitors with its rich past.

Overall, Higher Castle Copse is a captivating woodland that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and historical significance. Whether exploring its trails, observing its diverse ecosystem, or simply enjoying its tranquility, this Somerset woodland provides a delightful experience for all who visit.

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Higher Castle Copse Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.950068/-3.22768 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.
Wellington Without : Woodside A property on Wellington Hill.
Wellington Without : Woodside
A property on Wellington Hill.
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Higher Castle Copse is located at Grid Ref: ST1317 (Lat: 50.950068, Lng: -3.22768)

Administrative County: Somerset

District: Somerset West and Taunton

Police Authority: Avon and Somerset

What 3 Words

///shepherds.stamp.jaundice. Near Hemyock, Devon

Nearby Locations

Flat Wood Higher Ash Wood Ouelscoombe Bottom Wood Wellington Hill Blackdown Hills and Wellington Firs Plantation

Related Wikis

Wellington Monument, Somerset
Wellington Monument, Somerset

The Wellington Monument is a 175-foot-high (53 m) triangular obelisk located on a point of the Blackdown Hills, 3 km (1.9 miles) south of Wellington in...

Blackdown Hills National Landscape
Blackdown Hills National Landscape

The Blackdown Hills National Landscape is a National Landscape along the Somerset-Devon border in south-western England, which were designated in 1991...

Wellington Rural District, Somerset
Wellington Rural District, Somerset

Wellington was a rural district in Somerset, England, from 1894 to 1974. It was created in 1894 under the Local Government Act 1894. In 1974 it was abolished...

Wellington Without
Wellington Without

Wellington Without is a civil parish in Somerset, England. It lies south of Wellington and has a population of 727. The parish includes the hamlet of Ford...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 50.950068,-3.22768
Wellington Monument
Historic: monument
Wikidata: Q7981443
Wikipedia: en:Wellington Monument, Somerset
Lat/Long: 50.9480728/-3.2293443
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Barrier: stile
Lat/Long: 50.9504675/-3.2255657
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Bench
Backrest: no
Lat/Long: 50.9460221/-3.2252071
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Bench
Backrest: no
Lat/Long: 50.9470113/-3.2285386
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Bench
Backrest: no
Lat/Long: 50.9472034/-3.2281554
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Board Type: toposcope
Information: board
Tourism: information
Lat/Long: 50.9481741/-3.2293561
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Wellington Hill
Place: locality
Source: OS_OpenData_StreetView; local_knowledge
Lat/Long: 50.9464455/-3.2295647
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Historic: cannon
Lat/Long: 50.9479689/-3.2293766
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
Dowland's Copse Somerset
Firs Plantation Somerset

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