Aldershort Copse

Wood, Forest in Somerset South Somerset

England

Aldershort Copse

Ford near Hewish Sometimes referred to as an &#039;Irish Ford&#039;, the stream is piped and only covers the road after heavy rain. — Ford near Hewish Credit: Adrian Taylor

Aldershort Copse is a picturesque woodland located in Somerset, England. Covering an area of approximately 50 acres, it is a haven for nature enthusiasts and a popular destination for local residents and visitors alike. The copse is situated on the outskirts of a small village, nestled between rolling hills and meandering streams.

The woodland is predominantly comprised of alder trees, which lend the copse its name. These trees create a dense canopy, casting dappled sunlight onto the forest floor. The thick undergrowth of ferns, bluebells, and wildflowers adds to the enchanting atmosphere of the copse, particularly in the spring when the forest comes alive with vibrant colors.

Aldershort Copse is home to a diverse range of wildlife. Birdwatchers can spot various species, including woodpeckers, robins, and thrushes, while the patient observer might even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a shy deer or a fox. The copse is also a habitat for numerous insects, such as butterflies and dragonflies.

The woodland is crisscrossed with footpaths, allowing visitors to explore its beauty at their own pace. These paths guide visitors through the copse, providing opportunities for peaceful walks, jogging, or simply enjoying the tranquility of nature. The copse is open to the public throughout the year, offering a different experience in each season, from the lush greenery of summer to the striking autumn colors.

Aldershort Copse is not only a place of natural beauty but also an important part of the local ecosystem. Its conservation is carefully managed to preserve its unique characteristics and ensure its continued role as a sanctuary for wildlife.

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Aldershort Copse Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.874169/-2.8398768 or Grid Reference ST4108. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Ford near Hewish

Sometimes referred to as an 'Irish Ford', the stream is piped and only covers the road after heavy rain.

Adrian Taylor

Railway

Formerly the main line of the London and South Western Railway, this route has declined in importance and now only supports an infrequent passenger service.

Adrian Taylor

Hewish Crossing

Adrian Taylor

Eighteen Acre Plantation

The plantation, at the head of the Cricket St Thomas valley on the Windwhistle ridge, is actually not as extensive as appears from the photo; the upper part at the back is an open field surrounded by a hedge of trees, as can be seen from the satellite views. Taken from a layby on the A30.

Derek Harper

Field near Hill Barn Farm

Taken from the lane between Winsham and the A30 on St Rayn Hill, looking along the line of a field boundary, with scattered hedgerow trees on chalk upland.

Derek Harper

Lane junction above Purtington

The main lane from Winsham is heading up to join the A30 at a high point on the Windwhistle Ridge. The lane to the right twists back southwards to descend towards the Axe valley.

Derek Harper

View from Staker's Cross Hill

The short valley on the right cuts deeply into the ridge above Woolminstone. In the main valley bottom, and out of square, is Clapton. Seen from the lane which drops increasingly steeply from Staker's Cross to Woolminstone.

Derek Harper

Field near Woolminstone

Footpath CH27/13 crosses this long narrow field, connecting the lane between Woolminstone and Hewish with Hewish Mill. A small stream, hard to detect in the image, runs down the centre a few yards to the left.

Derek Harper

Ford at Hewish Mill Farm

Geese beneath the footbridge beside this ford on Watery Lane, with the farm buildings beyond. The former millhouse and millpond are out of sight to the right, near the railway. The mill's chequered history is described at Link

. The stream is a tributary of the River Axe.

Derek Harper

Lower Hewish

Seen across a field from the B3165 (Clapton Road), these cottages are on Watery Lane. The right-hand cottage is built across the gridline.

Derek Harper

Church of the Good Shepherd, Hewish

With its Ham stone mullioned windows, this little late C19 chapel of ease (in the parish of West Crewkerne) on Watery Lane manages to convey a medieval air. Link

Derek Harper

Venley Lane

This pleasant hedged track, with oaks every few yards, carries footpath CH27/27 down from a ridge south of St Rayn Hill towards Crewkerne.

Derek Harper

Coombe

The right hand part of the large farm is in ST4109. The history is outlined at Link

, which describes it as a deserted medieval village. Certainly the slopes of St Rayn Hill, beyond, appear to show signs of human activity. Along the edge of the wood at the top runs the A30.

Derek Harper

Valley above Woolminstone

The combe containing Blackmoor Wood (in the foreground) and Blackmore Farm (hidden behind the wood - and spelt differently on the maps) as seen from footpath CH27/12.

Derek Harper

Road Junction at Roundham, Crewkerne, Somerset

The unclassified road known as Cathole Bridge Road running from Misterton round the southern edge of Crewkerne joins the A30 from Crewkerne to Chard at this junction just west of Crewkwerne.

Nigel Mykura