Shobdon Hill Wood

Wood, Forest in Herefordshire

England

Shobdon Hill Wood

Trig pillar above Byton Common. Situated not at the summit, but where there is  a view.
Trig pillar above Byton Common. Credit: Richard Webb

Shobdon Hill Wood is a picturesque woodland located in Herefordshire, England. Covering an area of approximately 30 acres, it is situated on the western slopes of Shobdon Hill, near the village of Shobdon. The wood is part of a larger area known as Shobdon Hill Common, which also includes grassland and heath habitats.

The woodland consists primarily of broadleaf trees, including oak, ash, and beech, which create a dense canopy that provides shelter and habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna. The forest floor is carpeted with a variety of plants, such as bluebells, wood anemones, and wild garlic, which bloom in vibrant colors during the spring months.

Shobdon Hill Wood is a haven for wildlife, attracting a multitude of bird species, including woodpeckers, nuthatches, and thrushes, which can be heard singing their melodious tunes throughout the year. The wood is also home to a population of elusive mammals, including badgers, foxes, and deer, which can occasionally be spotted by fortunate visitors.

The woodland offers several walking trails, allowing visitors to explore its natural beauty and enjoy the tranquility it offers. The paths wind through the trees, offering glimpses of charming clearings and enchanting vistas. Shobdon Hill Wood is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and families looking to reconnect with nature.

Managed by the local authorities, the wood is well-maintained, with occasional tree thinning and maintenance work carried out to preserve its health and biodiversity. Shobdon Hill Wood is a true gem of Herefordshire, offering a peaceful retreat and a chance to immerse oneself in the wonders of nature.

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Shobdon Hill Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.27395/-2.8961328 or Grid Reference SO3864. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Trig pillar above Byton Common. Situated not at the summit, but where there is  a view.
Trig pillar above Byton Common.
Situated not at the summit, but where there is a view.
Byton Common Some years ago, grazing ceased on Byton Common, although there were ponies on the common when this picture was taken. The common has now changed from downland to dense woodland complete with the dreaded bracken. The first trees to appear were hawthorn followed by oak ash and hazel.
Byton Common
Some years ago, grazing ceased on Byton Common, although there were ponies on the common when this picture was taken. The common has now changed from downland to dense woodland complete with the dreaded bracken. The first trees to appear were hawthorn followed by oak ash and hazel.
Shobdon Hill A long straight forest road near the top of Shobdon Hill. A lot of the forest has been recently felled, the trees being just over 30 years old. (I can remember the last time the felled the woods in Shobdon)
Shobdon Hill
A long straight forest road near the top of Shobdon Hill. A lot of the forest has been recently felled, the trees being just over 30 years old. (I can remember the last time the felled the woods in Shobdon)
Fields, Limebrook Wood and the hill beyond looking north-east from the road between Kinsham and Lingen
Fields, Limebrook Wood and the hill beyond
looking north-east from the road between Kinsham and Lingen
Field near Upper Lye Looking west towards Wales
Field near Upper Lye
Looking west towards Wales
Ford at Lower Yeld There is an old footbridge just to the right
Ford at Lower Yeld
There is an old footbridge just to the right
Byton Common Ponies on the Mortimer Trail
Byton Common
Ponies on the Mortimer Trail
Shobdon Hill Wood The Mortimer Trail runs along the forestry road which runs along the top of the long ridge which extends across two full squares. Large areas of conifers cleared but broadleaves left.
Shobdon Hill Wood
The Mortimer Trail runs along the forestry road which runs along the top of the long ridge which extends across two full squares. Large areas of conifers cleared but broadleaves left.
Yeld Wood
Yeld Wood
View from bench seat above Byton The bench is located on the Mortimer Trail, the view is quite obscured by trees, as many views are in the Marches.
View from bench seat above Byton
The bench is located on the Mortimer Trail, the view is quite obscured by trees, as many views are in the Marches.
The Mortimer Trail coming down from Shobdon Hill Wood The Mortimer Trail is a 30 mile trail from Kington to Ludlow.
The Mortimer Trail coming down from Shobdon Hill Wood
The Mortimer Trail is a 30 mile trail from Kington to Ludlow.
Belgate Farm and Shobdon Hill Wood Mixed farm on slopes of Shobdon Hill.
Belgate Farm and Shobdon Hill Wood
Mixed farm on slopes of Shobdon Hill.
Uphampton Farm House This impressive Victorian house was built by Lord Bateham on his estate at Shobdon in 1858 as part of the development of a model farm. It was occupied by his farm steward.
Uphampton Farm House
This impressive Victorian house was built by Lord Bateham on his estate at Shobdon in 1858 as part of the development of a model farm. It was occupied by his farm steward.
Motte at Shobdon Court This Scheduled Monument is presumed to be an early Norman castle site. The flat topped mound was landscaped with trees in the 18th century. Photograph shows the south-facing bank.
Motte at Shobdon Court
This Scheduled Monument is presumed to be an early Norman castle site. The flat topped mound was landscaped with trees in the 18th century. Photograph shows the south-facing bank.
Canal Pool at Shobdon Park This small lake is probably a natural feature but it was landscaped in the 18th Century within the deer park of Shobdon Court.
Canal Pool at Shobdon Park
This small lake is probably a natural feature but it was landscaped in the 18th Century within the deer park of Shobdon Court.
Gathering pens, Deerfold A typical dry valley in the soft chalk like Silurian Limestone. Beyond the pens, a farmer is inspecting his flock.
Gathering pens, Deerfold
A typical dry valley in the soft chalk like Silurian Limestone. Beyond the pens, a farmer is inspecting his flock.
Shobdon - The Woodhouse
Shobdon - The Woodhouse
Shobdon - Woodhouse junction from The Woodhouse 2008 Welsh Water busy digging holes.
Shobdon - Woodhouse junction from The Woodhouse 2008
Welsh Water busy digging holes.
Show me another place!

Shobdon Hill Wood is located at Grid Ref: SO3864 (Lat: 52.27395, Lng: -2.8961328)

Unitary Authority: County of Herefordshire

Police Authority: West Mercia

What 3 Words

///consoled.priced.unleashed. Near Kinsham, Herefordshire

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