Stone Hills Withy Bed

Wood, Forest in Dorset

England

Stone Hills Withy Bed

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

Stone Hills Withy Bed is a captivating woodland located in the county of Dorset, England. Covering an area of approximately 100 acres, it is nestled within the lush landscape of the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This enchanting woodland is renowned for its abundant withy beds, which are areas where willow trees are cultivated for their flexible branches, commonly used in basket weaving.

The woodland is characterized by its diverse array of tree species, including majestic oak, beech, and ash trees. These towering giants create a dense canopy, casting dappled sunlight onto the forest floor below. The woodland is also home to a variety of wildlife, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting species such as the great spotted woodpecker, tawny owl, and various songbirds.

Scenic footpaths wind their way through Stone Hills Withy Bed, allowing visitors to explore and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. The tranquil atmosphere and peaceful surroundings make it an ideal location for leisurely walks, picnics, and photography.

Stone Hills Withy Bed offers a glimpse into the traditional craft of basket weaving, as workshops and demonstrations are occasionally held in the area. Visitors have the opportunity to witness skilled artisans at work, creating intricate baskets and other woven products.

Overall, Stone Hills Withy Bed in Dorset is a captivating woodland that showcases the beauty of nature and the traditional craft of basket weaving. Whether it's for a leisurely stroll, wildlife spotting, or a chance to learn about the ancient art of basketry, this woodland is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and culture seekers alike.

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Stone Hills Withy Bed Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.699628/-2.5909833 or Grid Reference SY5889. 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

Bridehead Lake, Little Bredy

Gary Rogers

St. Michael and All Angels

Little Bredy

Gary Rogers

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

Junction of a minor road with the A35 at the Poor Lot barrow cemetery

Looking southeast at the junction, with the largest of the Poor Lot bronze-age barrows behind. Part of the barrow cemetery is an English Heritage site, but there is no safe or convenient place to park.

Jim Champion

Black Down and the Poor Lot barrows, Winterbourne Abbas

Looking northeast across Black Down: the A35 is hidden in the valley below and the concave remains of round barrows can be seen in the ploughed fields on the opposite hillslope.

Jim Champion

Verdant pasture south of the A35 between Martin's Down and Black Down

The feature just the other side of the fence on the far side of the valley is a badly mutilated round barrow with a capstone, which lies just within this grid square.

Jim Champion

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

Church of St Michael and All Angels, Little Bredy

Bob Ford

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

Fallow field south of New Close Coppice

This large field south of New Close Coppice (visible in the background) has been left fallow. Amongst the thistles and yellow flowers (?) there is the odd trace of previous crops e.g. barley, rape.

Jim Champion

Coombe between The Grey Mare and Her Colts and Kingston Russell stone circle

A footpath runs down this coombe to Gorwell Farm. The peaks of west Dorset can be seen in the hazy distance.

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

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Stone Hills Withy Bed is located at Grid Ref: SY5889 (Lat: 50.699628, Lng: -2.5909833)

Unitary Authority: Dorset

Police Authority: Dorset