Long Coppice

Wood, Forest in Dorset

England

Long Coppice

The Kingston Russell stone circle The Kingston Russell stone circle (also known as the Gorwell circle, from a nearby farm) is about 2.5 km due north of Abbotsbury in Dorset. There are 18 sarsen stones arranged in an almost-circular oval shape about 25m in diameter. It is the largest circle, by diameter, in Dorset although others have larger stones. Several paths meet close to the circle, so it is easily visited: this is best done when the grass is short, as otherwise the stones can be hidden. — The Kingston Russell stone circle Credit: David Purchase

Long Coppice is a picturesque wood located in the county of Dorset, England. Stretching over an area of approximately 120 hectares, it is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife. The wood is situated near the village of Sixpenny Handley, providing a peaceful and tranquil escape for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike.

The woodland at Long Coppice is predominantly comprised of oak trees, interspersed with various other native species such as beech, ash, and hazel. The dense canopy created by these trees offers shade and shelter to a plethora of flora and fauna, making it an ideal habitat for a wide range of animal species.

The wood is crisscrossed by a network of well-maintained footpaths, allowing visitors to explore and appreciate the natural wonders it has to offer. These paths lead through a mix of open glades, where wildflowers bloom in abundance during the spring and summer months, offering a colorful and vibrant display.

Long Coppice is also home to a rich variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, badgers, and a wide array of bird species. Birdwatchers will be delighted to find species such as blue tits, great tits, and woodpeckers amongst others. The wood's tranquil atmosphere and diverse ecosystem make it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.

Overall, Long Coppice in Dorset is a haven of natural beauty, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the wonders of the British countryside. Whether it's a leisurely stroll, a nature walk, or a peaceful picnic, this wood provides an idyllic setting for all to enjoy.

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Long Coppice Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.693618/-2.6243062 or Grid Reference SY5688. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Kingston Russell stone circle

The Kingston Russell stone circle (also known as the Gorwell circle, from a nearby farm) is about 2.5 km due north of Abbotsbury in Dorset. There are 18 sarsen stones arranged in an almost-circular oval shape about 25m in diameter. It is the largest circle, by diameter, in Dorset although others have larger stones. Several paths meet close to the circle, so it is easily visited: this is best done when the grass is short, as otherwise the stones can be hidden.

David Purchase

Late January Green Valley

Taken from the northern slope of the Bride Valley looking south towards Ashley Chase. Late afternoon sunshine created dramatic shadows and impressive highlights.

BrideValley

Kingston Russell stone circle

Kingston Russell stone circle lies on the uplands to the south east of the Bride Valley above Ashley Chase. This shot was taken looking west towards Golden Cap which is just visible in the centre, just below the horizon. The far coastline is that of East Devon, some 17 miles away.

BrideValley

View southwest from the Kingston Russell stone circle towards Abbotsbury Castle

Everything in the lower half of the photo is in the grid square. Beyond that are the many coppices in grid squares SY5686 and SY5687. In the middle on the horizon are the ramparts of the Abbotsbury iron age hillfort - the large bowl barrow in its interior and the defences at its SE end (on the left) are quite obvious against the sky even from this distance.

Jim Champion

View of the Fleet, Chesil Beach and the Isle of Portland from Abbotsbury Castle

The trig point at Abbotsbury castle (215m above sea level but only 1.5km inland!) provides a great view southeast towards the Isle of Portland.

Jim Champion

Wears Hill above Abbotsbury

Taken from the viewpoint on Wears Hill, looking down the slope towards St Catherine's Chapel. On the right can be seen the start of Chesil Beach and The Fleet. In the distance can be seen the distinctive outline of Portland.

Ron Strutt

Abbotsbury Castle Trig Point

Looking NW. Number on flush bracket is S5769

Janine Forbes

Pond northwest of Lower Kingston Russell Farm

This pond is alongside the Macmillan Way footpath, a few hundred metres northwest of Lower Kingston Russell Farm. One of the west Dorset chalk ridgeways dominates the background - with Long Barrow Hill on the far left and Whatcombe Down on the right.

Jim Champion

View north from Tenants Hill

Descending from Tenants Hill on the Macmillan Way footpath, this is the view northwest towards Pitcombe Down. In the middle distance is a dairy herd from Lower Kingston Russell Farm, and on the right is what looks like a freshly dug chalk pit (it's bright white and it's not marked on the most recent OS map).

Jim Champion

Spreading sycamore on the slopes of Tenants Hill

Descending Tenants Hill on the Macmillan Way footpath, this huge spreading sycamore grows on the chalky slope with few other trees for company.

Jim Champion

Lower Kingston Russell farm

Labelled on the 1940s OS map as "Kingston Russell Dairy" this farm still maintains a large dairy herd depastured on the chalky northern slopes of Tenants Hill.

Jim Champion

Hazel coppice near Lower Kingston Russell Farm

The Macmillan Way footpath passes through this hazel coppice east of Lower Kingston Russell farm. A few bluebell flowers persist in the undergrowth, although now its June they are past their best.

Jim Champion

Recumbent stones at Kingston Russell stone circle

The stones at this stone circle are all recumbent (lying down) which is unusual in the south of England, so it is assumed that they have fallen since the site's construction in the late neolithic/early bronze age. The site is run by English Heritage and the lush grass in this hilltop pasture has been strimmed away from around the stones.

Jim Champion

Approaching Gorwell Farm from the north

On the right are the buildings of Gorwell Farm, on the left cottages in this remote location (over a mile away from the nearest public road). A bridleway runs up the coombe through the farm and the coppices beyond.

Jim Champion

Pink Lake Coppice, Ashley Chase

Looking south at Pink Lake Coppice from the bridleway to Gorwell Farm. The hill in the distance is Abbotsbury Castle and the wooded area running down the coombe to the right is Limekiln Coppice.

Jim Champion

Open with care

Field gate on the bridleway to Gorwell Farm - the bolt came off in my hand when I tried to open the gate, the retaining spring and pin were missing.

Jim Champion

Bridleway northwest of Ashley Chase Dairy

This private road and public bridleway leads to a lane that eventually leads to Rowden Bridge over the River Bride. The steep chalk hills are not well suited to arable farming, and so there are plenty of dairies in this area.

Jim Champion