Birches Wood

Wood, Forest in Herefordshire

England

Birches Wood

Ewyas Harold church Dedicated to St Michael and All Angels church, Ewyas Harold is Grade II listed, see: <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1348832?section=official-list-entry" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1348832?section=official-list-entry">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>
Ewyas Harold church Credit: Philip Halling

Birches Wood is a picturesque woodland located in Herefordshire, a county in the west of England. Covering an area of approximately 50 acres, this enchanting forest is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife.

The wood is predominantly composed of birch trees, hence its name, which create a captivating landscape with their slender trunks and delicate foliage. Alongside the birch trees, the wood is also populated by a variety of other tree species, including oak, beech, and hazel, adding to its rich biodiversity.

Visitors to Birches Wood can enjoy a peaceful and tranquil environment, ideal for nature lovers and those seeking solace in the great outdoors. The forest offers a network of well-maintained walking trails, allowing visitors to explore its different sections and discover its hidden gems. The trails wind through the wood, taking visitors past babbling brooks, lush meadows, and vibrant wildflower displays.

The wood is home to a diverse range of wildlife, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. Birdwatchers can spot species such as woodpeckers, buzzards, and owls, while small mammals like squirrels, badgers, and foxes can also be seen amongst the trees. The forest floor is teeming with insects, providing ample food for the woodland's resident bats and amphibians.

Birches Wood is a true gem in Herefordshire's natural landscape, offering a serene and idyllic setting for both relaxation and exploration. Whether it's a leisurely stroll through the peaceful trails or a chance to immerse oneself in the wonders of nature, this woodland provides an unforgettable experience for all who venture within its boundaries.

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Birches Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.947642/-2.9014994 or Grid Reference SO3828. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Ewyas Harold church Dedicated to St Michael and All Angels church, Ewyas Harold is Grade II listed, see: <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1348832?section=official-list-entry" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1348832?section=official-list-entry">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>
Ewyas Harold church
Dedicated to St Michael and All Angels church, Ewyas Harold is Grade II listed, see: LinkExternal link
Pulpit in Ewyas Harold church The panels of the pulpit are Jacobean and were reset by G.C. Hadden during restoration work in the 1867s.
Pulpit in Ewyas Harold church
The panels of the pulpit are Jacobean and were reset by G.C. Hadden during restoration work in the 1867s.
Effigy of Clarice de Tregoz This early 14th century memorial effigy is thought to be of Clarice de Tregoz.  In 1865, the Rev W, Fowle investigated the effigy and discovered this may have been a heart burial, it's believed her body was interred in Shrewsbury.
Effigy of Clarice de Tregoz
This early 14th century memorial effigy is thought to be of Clarice de Tregoz. In 1865, the Rev W, Fowle investigated the effigy and discovered this may have been a heart burial, it's believed her body was interred in Shrewsbury.
Nave of Ewyas Harold church The nave of Ewyas Harold church view from the chancel.
Nave of Ewyas Harold church
The nave of Ewyas Harold church view from the chancel.
Site of Ewyas Harold Castle I previously photographed this historic castle motte in 2011 <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2291635">SO3828 : Ewyas Harold Castle</a> when the trees had been cut down making the site more visible.  The site is historic because it pre-dates the Norman Conquest and was built in 1048, probably the first of its kind.
Site of Ewyas Harold Castle
I previously photographed this historic castle motte in 2011 SO3828 : Ewyas Harold Castle when the trees had been cut down making the site more visible. The site is historic because it pre-dates the Norman Conquest and was built in 1048, probably the first of its kind.
The Temple Bar Inn, Ewyas Harold
The Temple Bar Inn, Ewyas Harold
Ponies on Ewyas Harold Common Six Exmoor Ponies, and some sheep, are being used to graze parts of the common. There used to be more grazing on the common but scrub and young woodland has increased in the last few decades.
Ponies on Ewyas Harold Common
Six Exmoor Ponies, and some sheep, are being used to graze parts of the common. There used to be more grazing on the common but scrub and young woodland has increased in the last few decades.
Ewyas Harold Common A group of trees near the top entrance to Ewyas Harold Common off Cwm Hill.  The trees were planted in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee.
Ewyas Harold Common
A group of trees near the top entrance to Ewyas Harold Common off Cwm Hill. The trees were planted in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee.
Ewyas Harold Common A track leading to the top entrance to Ewyas Harold Common off Cwm Hill.  The track originates from early in World War II when a former sandstone quarry on the common was used for the disposal of waste explosives from the nearby munitions depot built by the Ministry of Supply (in the area now used for the Pontrilas Army Training Area), with the concrete slabs laid to support the lorries.

The trees in the background were planted in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee.

In the foreground is a patch of Meadow Saffron or Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale) in leaf - these will in due course die back, to be replaced by the flower stems (pink crocus-like) later in the year, hence a further alternative name, Naked Lady.  They occur widely across the Common and are thought to originate from plantings by the monks of Dore Abbey.
Ewyas Harold Common
A track leading to the top entrance to Ewyas Harold Common off Cwm Hill. The track originates from early in World War II when a former sandstone quarry on the common was used for the disposal of waste explosives from the nearby munitions depot built by the Ministry of Supply (in the area now used for the Pontrilas Army Training Area), with the concrete slabs laid to support the lorries. The trees in the background were planted in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee. In the foreground is a patch of Meadow Saffron or Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale) in leaf - these will in due course die back, to be replaced by the flower stems (pink crocus-like) later in the year, hence a further alternative name, Naked Lady. They occur widely across the Common and are thought to originate from plantings by the monks of Dore Abbey.
Seat on Ewyas Harold Common This seat near the highest point on Ewyas Harold Common provides a wonderful view over the south Herefordshire countryside. Garway Hill is on the horizon just to the left of centre with Graig Syfyrddin on the right, as the name suggests this hill is in Wales, the former being in England.
Seat on Ewyas Harold Common
This seat near the highest point on Ewyas Harold Common provides a wonderful view over the south Herefordshire countryside. Garway Hill is on the horizon just to the left of centre with Graig Syfyrddin on the right, as the name suggests this hill is in Wales, the former being in England.
Cott Farm Field on Cott Farm, a farm adjoining Ewyas Harold Common.
Cott Farm
Field on Cott Farm, a farm adjoining Ewyas Harold Common.
Ewyas Harold Common A track leading down from the top entrance to Ewyas Harold Common off Cwm Hill.  The main track originates from early in World War II when a former sandstone quarry on the common was used for the disposal of waste explosives from the nearby munitions depot built by the Ministry of Supply (in the area now used for the Pontrilas Army Training Area), with the concrete slabs laid to support the lorries.
Ewyas Harold Common
A track leading down from the top entrance to Ewyas Harold Common off Cwm Hill. The main track originates from early in World War II when a former sandstone quarry on the common was used for the disposal of waste explosives from the nearby munitions depot built by the Ministry of Supply (in the area now used for the Pontrilas Army Training Area), with the concrete slabs laid to support the lorries.
Ewyas Harold Common A track leading down from the top entrance to Ewyas Harold Common off Cwm Hill.  The track originates from early in World War II when a former sandstone quarry on the common was used for the disposal of waste explosives from the nearby munitions depot built by the Ministry of Supply (in the area now used for the Pontrilas Army Training Area), with the concrete slabs laid to support the lorries.

The trees in the background were planted in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee.
Ewyas Harold Common
A track leading down from the top entrance to Ewyas Harold Common off Cwm Hill. The track originates from early in World War II when a former sandstone quarry on the common was used for the disposal of waste explosives from the nearby munitions depot built by the Ministry of Supply (in the area now used for the Pontrilas Army Training Area), with the concrete slabs laid to support the lorries. The trees in the background were planted in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee.
Ewyas Harold Common An area of grass near the top entrance to Ewyas Harold Common off Cwm Hill.  The trees in the background were planted in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee.
Ewyas Harold Common
An area of grass near the top entrance to Ewyas Harold Common off Cwm Hill. The trees in the background were planted in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee.
Ewyas Harold Common A group of trees near the top entrance to Ewyas Harold Common off Cwm Hill.  They were planted in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee.
Ewyas Harold Common
A group of trees near the top entrance to Ewyas Harold Common off Cwm Hill. They were planted in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee.
Seat A seat framed by a group of trees near the top entrance to Ewyas Harold Common off Cwm Hill.  The trees were planted in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee.
Seat
A seat framed by a group of trees near the top entrance to Ewyas Harold Common off Cwm Hill. The trees were planted in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee.
Seat A seat alongside a group of trees near the top entrance to Ewyas Harold Common off Cwm Hill.  The trees were planted in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee.
Seat
A seat alongside a group of trees near the top entrance to Ewyas Harold Common off Cwm Hill. The trees were planted in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee.
Seat A seat alongside a group of trees near the top entrance to Ewyas Harold Common off Cwm Hill.  The trees were planted in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee.
Seat
A seat alongside a group of trees near the top entrance to Ewyas Harold Common off Cwm Hill. The trees were planted in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee.
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Birches Wood is located at Grid Ref: SO3828 (Lat: 51.947642, Lng: -2.9014994)

Unitary Authority: County of Herefordshire

Police Authority: West Mercia

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///storybook.enacts.will. Near Ewyas Harold, Herefordshire

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 51.947642,-2.9014994
Barrier: stile
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Lat/Long: 51.946835/-2.902359
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Lat/Long: 51.9451348/-2.9042316
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Lat/Long: 51.9469077/-2.9019622
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Lat/Long: 51.9494012/-2.8974443
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Lat/Long: 51.9488546/-2.8971842
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Lat/Long: 51.9496762/-2.8970536
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Foot: yes
Lat/Long: 51.9495547/-2.8971407
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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