Payne's Down Plantation

Wood, Forest in Dorset

England

Payne's Down Plantation

Jubilee Trail crossing Temple Brook near Temple Farm Credit: Vieve Forward

Payne's Down Plantation is a scenic woodland area located in Dorset, England. Covering a vast expanse, the plantation is situated in the heart of the region's beautiful countryside, offering visitors a tranquil and picturesque environment to explore.

The plantation is known for its dense forest of predominantly deciduous trees, including oak, beech, and birch. This diverse mix of tree species creates a vibrant and ever-changing landscape throughout the year, with striking displays of colorful foliage during the autumn months. The woodland floor is also adorned with an array of wildflowers and ferns, adding to the natural beauty of the area.

Numerous walking trails wind through the plantation, providing visitors with opportunities for leisurely strolls or more challenging hikes. These paths are well-maintained and clearly marked, ensuring that visitors can safely navigate through the woodland while enjoying the surrounding flora and fauna.

Payne's Down Plantation is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and various species of birds. Birdwatchers will delight in the chance to spot rare or migratory birds that frequently visit the area.

In addition to its natural attractions, the plantation offers several amenities for visitors. There are picnic areas scattered throughout the woodland, providing a perfect spot for families and friends to gather and enjoy a meal amidst the peaceful surroundings. Furthermore, the plantation has a visitor center where guests can learn more about the history and ecology of the area.

Overall, Payne's Down Plantation is a haven for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a serene escape in the heart of Dorset's countryside.

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Payne's Down Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.806608/-2.8703839 or Grid Reference ST3801. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Jubilee Trail crossing Temple Brook near Temple Farm

Vieve Forward

The Jubilee Trail near Cole's Cross

The sign advises that you take the road, as the trail from here to Specket Cottage crosses several springs or brooks and is indeed boggy in places.

Vieve Forward

Blackdown 'Hut'

Blackdown village hall, generally known as Blackdown hut.

RNE

Blackdown: The Triangle

On Blackdown Hill. The main road is the B3165 Crewkerne to Marshwood route.

Martin Bodman

Thorncombe: Racedown

By the entrance to the estate: Looking north west from the B3165 Crewkerne – Marshwood road

Martin Bodman

The B3165 at Marshalsea

Looking south west near Tanyard Farm. Here the B3165 provides the boundary between Thorncombe and Bettiscombe parishes

Martin Bodman

Bettiscombe: by Horse Mill Cross

Looking south. Near Birdsmoorgate

Martin Bodman

Exposed tree roots on field boundary.

Ray Beer

Wessex Ridgeway from Pilsdon Penn

Ray Beer

Wessex Ridgeway from Pilsdon Penn.

Ray Beer

Headwater valleys of the Blackwater

The view looks across the valleys of some half a dozen streams collecting to form the Blackwater River. Seen from a field crossed by Hawkchurch Footpath 5, here followed by the Liberty Trail and the Wessex Ridgeway path. In the background rises Payne's Down.

Derek Harper

Home Farm

The attractive flint and brick farmhouse at Home Farm, Sadborow, seen from the point at which Thorncombe footpath 93 leaves Sadborow Lane.

Derek Harper

Pond near Knacker's Hole

The upper of a pair of ponds on a sloping site beside Knacker's Hole Lane, followed by Thorncombe footpath 20. In the background, across into ST3901, is ST3901 : Thorncombe: Racedown, where Wordsworth started writing seriously.

Derek Harper

River Synderford

A tiny meander on the little tributary of the Axe, forming the western boundary of the very large parish of Broadwindsor. A herd of bullocks, obviously upset by my progress along Broadwindsor footpath 50, is rapidly relocating to the next field. Looking downstream.

Derek Harper

Synderford valley at Yew Tree Farm

Looking across the southern edge of the square from the Monarch's Way / Wessex Ridgeway, both of which share a stretch of Thorncombe bridleway 18. The small building on the right is a pump house, passed on its right side by Thorncombe footpath 17, and very wet it is too. The field beyond the river is bordered by two streams, within Causeway Coppice (left) and Lower Causeway Coppice (right). Causeway, the farm, beyond, is across into ST3903.

Derek Harper

Partridge by the hedge

A red-legged partridge, Alectoris rufa, skulks by a hedge near the junction of Gashay Lane and Sadborow Lane. The Blackwater River flows (from left to right) just beyond the fencing, where a footbridge connects the fields.

Derek Harper

Gateway on Sadborow Lane

A break in the treelined and partly sunken lane gives this glimpse across a narrow field, just 40 metres across here, which runs down the hill beside the lane for 250 metres. Stinging nettles catch the evening sun.

Derek Harper