Bettiscombe Coppice

Wood, Forest in Dorset

England

Bettiscombe Coppice

View towards Pilsdon Barn from Pilsdon Pen This view is looking south from the SE end of Pilsdon Pen, just above Lob Gate where the car-parking layby for the hillfort is. The valley beyond is lost in drizzle, a typical Dorset autumn afternoon. The ubiquitous sheep are grazing the downland to the left of Pilsdon Barn. — View towards Pilsdon Barn from Pilsdon Pen Credit: Jim Champion

Bettiscombe Coppice is a picturesque woodland area located in the county of Dorset, England. Covering an area of approximately 50 acres, it is situated near the village of Bettiscombe, nestled within the rolling hills of the Marshwood Vale.

This ancient coppice woodland is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. The woodland primarily consists of oak and hazel trees, along with occasional beech and ash trees. The dense canopy of the trees creates a shaded and tranquil environment, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a peaceful retreat.

The forest floor is covered with a rich carpet of wildflowers, including bluebells, wood anemones, and primroses, which burst into a riot of colors during the springtime. The woodland is also home to a variety of animal species, including deer, foxes, badgers, and numerous bird species. Visitors may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of these creatures as they go about their daily activities.

Bettiscombe Coppice is not only a natural sanctuary but also holds historical significance. It has been managed as a coppice woodland for hundreds of years, providing a sustainable source of wood for local communities. The traditional practice of coppicing involves cutting trees at the base, promoting new growth and a continuous supply of timber.

Overall, Bettiscombe Coppice offers a serene and enchanting experience for those seeking a connection with nature and a glimpse into the region's history.

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Bettiscombe Coppice Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.794746/-2.8535487 or Grid Reference SY3999. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

View towards Pilsdon Barn from Pilsdon Pen

This view is looking south from the SE end of Pilsdon Pen, just above Lob Gate where the car-parking layby for the hillfort is. The valley beyond is lost in drizzle, a typical Dorset autumn afternoon. The ubiquitous sheep are grazing the downland to the left of Pilsdon Barn.

Jim Champion

Trig point at the summit of Pilsdon Pen

This trig point marks the summit of Pilsdon Pen, which at 277m above sea level is traditionally the highest point in the county of Dorset. The crested bank behind the trig point is the inner rampart of the iron-age hillfort on top of the hill. The rampart ditches have a thick growth of gorse.

Jim Champion

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

Trees near Templeman's Ash

The trees catching the morning sunlight are alongside a small tributary of the River Char which drops down from Pilsdon Pen. Taken from the gateway in ST4000 : Bridleway to Templeman's Ash on the Wessex Ridgeway Trail a little south of Templeman's Ash.

Derek Harper

First light above Pilsdon

Early morning sunlight catching segments of the landscape. The ridge running down the foreground carries the Wessex Ridgeway past the grazing cattle. The farms visible to the right are across a myriad boundary at Pilsdon, in SY4199. Beyond is the Marshwood Vale, and past the hills on the far side is the sea.

Derek Harper

Country northeast of Bettiscombe

The northern edge of the Marshwood Vale meets the hills - Sliding Hill is to the right. Taken from a similar spot to ST4000 : Revelshay Farm, and a few minutes earlier (7:19 am). On the left is Lower House Farm, in SY4099. The hill in the distance is Coney's Castle - see SY3797 : Northeast from Coney's Castle for a corresponding view in this direction.

Derek Harper

Looking towards Lob Gate

Taken from the Wessex Ridgeway as it follows a path from Templeman's Ash to Pilsdon, looking across the southern slopes of Pilsdon Pen. Lob Gate is on the B3164, which runs behind the uppermost hedge where the trees are above the horizon. The intervening valley is of a small tributary of the River Char that flows through Pilsdon.

Derek Harper

Ash tree by the Wessex Ridgeway

This is the tree that appears on the left of ST4100 : First light above Pilsdon. The footpath heads out across the field towards Pilsdon.

Derek Harper

Farm at Pilsdon

A less blurred view of the group of buildings seen in the background of ST4100 : Signpost above Pilsdon. This is shown on the 1:25000 map as "Pilsdon Cottages", but larger scale maps identify it as "Gables". The view is across a maize field from the junction of Yard Lane and Pilsdon Lane. Forming the backdrop beyond Marshwood Vale are Stonebarrow Hill and the sea at Charmouth.

Derek Harper

Tree above Pilsdon

A large tree - an ash, I think - catching the first of the sunlight on the slopes below Templeman's Ash. The buildings on the left are at Pilsdon. The sea can be seen either side of the hills north of Chideock. Taken from roughly the same spot as ST4100 : First light above Pilsdon.

Derek Harper

Revelshay Farm

Looking down on the farm from a field close to Farthings Brake Coppice. The field forms a conservation walk adjacent to bridleway W32W22W38/7, which carries the Wessex Ridgeway down from Templeman's Ash into the Marshwood Vale. This forms the backdrop to the picture, with Conegar Hill rising beyond, and the sea visible on either side of it.

Derek Harper

Bridleway to Templeman's Ash

The bridleway which is seen crossing fields in ST4100 : First light above Pilsdon is seen here climbing the ridge between hedges. ST4100 : Trees near Templeman's Ash was taken from the gateway.

Derek Harper