Parson's Coppice

Wood, Forest in Dorset

England

Parson's Coppice

Maiden Newton station buildings and footbridge Credit: Roy Hughes

Parson's Coppice is a charming woodland area located in the county of Dorset, England. Stretching over a vast expanse of approximately 50 acres, this serene forest is a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

The coppice is primarily composed of a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees, including oak, beech, birch, and pine, which create a diverse and picturesque landscape. The forest floor is adorned with a vibrant carpet of bluebells during the spring, adding a touch of color to the already picturesque setting.

The woodland is crisscrossed by a network of well-maintained walking trails, making it an ideal destination for hikers and nature lovers. The trails wind their way through the forest, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore the beauty of Parson's Coppice at their own pace. Along the way, there are several tranquil spots to rest and take in the tranquil surroundings.

Wildlife is abundant in Parson's Coppice, with a variety of birds, small mammals, and insects calling the forest home. Nature enthusiasts may spot species such as woodpeckers, foxes, and deer during their visit.

In addition to its natural beauty, Parson's Coppice also holds historical significance. The woods are believed to have been used for timber production in the past, with evidence of old sawpits and charcoal platforms still visible today.

Overall, Parson's Coppice is a haven of tranquility and natural beauty, offering visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the peacefulness of the Dorset countryside.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Parson's Coppice Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.776472/-2.5502965 or Grid Reference SY6197. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Maiden Newton station buildings and footbridge

Roy Hughes

Footbridge at Maiden Newton station

Roy Hughes

Newsagent/coffee shop, 64 Dorchester Road

Vieve Forward

Market cross, Maiden Newton

Only the base of the cross remains. It marks the centre of the village, although it has recently been moved a few yards taking it out of the middle of the road

John Lamper

Maiden Newton fire station

Maiden Newton fire station, Bull Lane, Maiden Newton, is station number 05 of the Dorset Fire & Rescue Service.

Kevin Hale

Lane from Cruxton to Frome Vauchurch

To get out of Cruxton (a cul-de-sac except to walkers and cyclists) you have to go along this road which cuts through the extreme north-eastern corner of the square. High hedges prevent anything being seen other than this small section of road within the square.

Graham Horn

River Frome under the railway

Where the former Maiden Newton to Bridport railway crosses the River Frome. This is more than a simple railway bridge over a river; substantial brickwork contains sluice gates to regulate water flow the mechanism being seen just above and to the left of the tunnel parapet. The railway line closed in 1975.

Graham Horn

Private Bridge over the River Frome

The owners of some of the houses of Maiden Newton, whose gardens back on to the River Frome, have built unofficial bridges across the river to access the footpath and the fields to the west. This one looks more substantial and permanent than others.

Graham Horn

Official Bridge over the River Frome

Just downstream from a number of private bridges across the River Frome, is the official one. This carries a number of named footpaths, including the Macmillan Way (290 miles coast to coast from Lincolnshire to Dorset) the Wessex Ridgeway (137 miles from Lyme Regis to Marlborough) and the Frome Valley Way (a local route along the River Frome in Dorset). This area gets very wet in winter; indeed the Macmillan Way guidebook suggests an alternative road-based dry-weather alternative. Therefore a very welcome boardwalk has been constructed on the east bank along the worst affected area.

Graham Horn

New Buildings in Maiden Newton

A good attempt has been made to make these fit in with existing building styles.

Graham Horn

Georgian Building in Maiden Newton?

Georgian and just been refurbished, or very very recent and just being completed? Difficult to tell.

Graham Horn

Maiden Newton old school

This school closed in the late 1970s when a new Primary School was erected in Chilfrome Lane in Frome Vauchurch. When completed, the old school building was sold and is now a private house. (Thanks to Brian Tompkins for this information). The clock has either stopped or is two hours fast. The village is characterised by buildings like this; solid red stone for lintels and door or window frames, infilled by a poor quality grey stone with lots of pointing.

Graham Horn

All fake?

It appears that all of these apparent battlements are fake. There is lots of modern concrete behind and on top. Was there even a fortified building here? It's right next to the River Frome in the centre of Maiden Newton so that may be feasible.

Graham Horn

The Bakery, Maiden Newton

Not all buildings in Maiden Newton are stone. The blue adds some uniformity - including the blue bread box.

Graham Horn

Bridge Across River Frome

This utilitarian bridge carries a minor road from Frome Vauchurch to Maiden Newton across the River Frome.

Graham Horn

Frome Vauchurch: parish church of St. Francis of Assisi

Another well-hidden, tiny Dorset church – it is basically Norman, with a Victorian chancel added. For its diminutive size, it has a rather large churchyard. The roof was replaced in 1879. See also SY5997 : Frome Vauchurch church: interior

Chris Downer

Frome Vauchurch church: bellcote detail

Chris Downer

Frome Vauchurch church: interior

This lovely little church is not the easiest to find but is well worth the effort. It has an unusual pulpit in that it is accessed through an arch in the chancel wall.

Chris Downer

Show me another place!

Parson's Coppice is located at Grid Ref: SY6197 (Lat: 50.776472, Lng: -2.5502965)

Unitary Authority: Dorset

Police Authority: Dorset