Chewton Wood

Wood, Forest in Somerset Mendip

England

Chewton Wood

The Old Parsonage, Farrington Gurney Listed Grade II* and dating from the late C17. Parsons lived well in those days! It is now a hotel and restaurant. — The Old Parsonage, Farrington Gurney Credit: Eirian Evans

Chewton Wood, located in Somerset, is a picturesque woodland area that covers approximately 100 hectares. It is situated on the southern slopes of the Mendip Hills, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The wood is managed by the Forestry Commission and is open to the public year-round.

The woodland is predominantly composed of broadleaf trees, including oak, beech, and ash, which create a diverse and vibrant ecosystem. The forest floor is carpeted with bluebells in the spring, creating a breathtaking display of color. Wildlife thrives in Chewton Wood, with various species of birds, mammals, and insects calling it home.

Visitors to Chewton Wood can explore the network of well-maintained footpaths that wind through the forest, providing opportunities for leisurely walks and nature hikes. The wood is also popular among birdwatchers, as it attracts a wide variety of bird species, including woodpeckers, nuthatches, and tawny owls.

For those interested in history, Chewton Wood holds significance as an ancient woodland that has been documented since the Domesday Book in 1086. It has likely been continuously wooded for over a millennium, making it an important cultural and ecological landmark.

Chewton Wood offers a peaceful and tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It provides an opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of the Somerset countryside.

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Chewton Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.296208/-2.5578098 or Grid Reference ST6155. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Old Parsonage, Farrington Gurney

Listed Grade II* and dating from the late C17. Parsons lived well in those days! It is now a hotel and restaurant.

Eirian Evans

Meadow in the sun

This image in the Hollow Marsh Nature Reserve was taken 15 years after, but one month earlier than, the image in ST6156 : A summer meadow. The sun is shining, but the obvious flowers here are spotted orchids and buttercups.

Neville Goodman

The obstacle remains

The fallen tree that was across the path through Chewton Wood in 2007 ST6155 : An obstacle is still there.

Neville Goodman

Farrington Gurney : Church Lane

Church Lane off Bush Hill.

Lewis Clarke

Petrol Station

This Murco station is on the A37 Bristol Road in Farrington Gurney close to its junction with Ham lane and Church lane.

Nigel Mykura

Sheep Pasture near Ston Easton

These pasture fields with grazing sheep are just to the east of the A37 north of Ston Easton and just south west of Farrington Gurney

Nigel Mykura

Houses in Ston Easton

These houses are on the west side of High St in the middle of the village. The A37 goes right through the middle of the village.

Nigel Mykura

Track by Field Farm Cottage

The cottages sits close to the A37 on the southern edge of the square. The track next to it leads to Field Farm which is located on the unclassified ham Lane. The track also carries a footpath leading west to Ham Lane and the fields beyond.

Nigel Mykura

A37 northbound

Alex McGregor

Entrance to Farrington Gurney

Alex McGregor

Gate at west end of Pitway Lane

No public access for vehicles beyond here; public footpath only according to the Ordnance Survey, despite the presence of a bridleway gate.

James Ayres

Ston Easton Park, Ston Easton

An eleven-bay facade broken up in the rhythm 1-1-2-3-2-1-1 dating from c1755 and concealing an early-C17th house. The two bays at either end were added around ten or twenty years later. Decoration is sparing - urns above the attic, central festoon and Doric doorcase. The later contributions have been attributed on stylistic grounds to Thomas and William Paty, prolific masons and architects from Bristol. Grade I listed. The house is now a hotel.

Stephen Richards

The road in Chewton Wood

After the tarmac ends, the road continues for a few hundred metres northwards but is unsurfaced. This view is from the crossroads where the public bridleway, public footpath/permissive bridleway and road meet.

James Ayres

Bridleway in Chewton Wood

Looking uphill in a southerly direction - the public bridleway that descends from the A39, just north of Turnpike Corner, has a rocky surface.

James Ayres

Permissive Bridleway in Chewton Wood

The route beyond the gate is a public footpath and is signed as a permissive bridleway. The vehicle gate is locked and the sign confirms no motorised vehicles beyond this point.

James Ayres

The road enters Chewton Wood

The surface is old tarmac up to this point.

James Ayres

The end of the road

The road into Chewton Wood ends at this field gate. Although on the map the track continues to the right of the gate, there is a barrier preventing any further progress except on foot.

James Ayres