Combe Hill Wood
is owned by The Ninesquare Trust and is managed by fountains plc U.K. forestry services. Tel: 01295 750000.NOW FULLY OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Combe Hill Wood is situated about 3 miles south-east of Street, Somerset, above and between the nearby villages of Gompton Dundon & Butteigh. It is easily accessible via the ridge road known as Reynold's Way which links the B3151 and the B3153, and it has a spacious car park. Its map grid reference is ST 503 331.
The woodland extends to 25 hectares (62 acres) with a diverse range of habitats. Research has indicated that Combe Hill has been a mixed site of woodland, wood pasture, grazed calcareous grassland and scrub for several hundred years. It has trees of all ages and very many species. One area of semi-natural oak woodland has been there since 1822 and has developed a rich variety of lichen, ferns and invertebrates in the deadwood. Extensive planting of conifers and broadleaves took place in the 1960s with Pine, Spruce, Western Red Cedar and Larch being inter-planted with Elm, Beech and Alder, among which there is much Ash regeneration of all ages. The remaining veteran Oak, Beech, Sycamore and Field Maple are often found with an under-storey of Hazel and Hawthorn. The woodland is silviculturaily managed to retain and favour veteran trees, coppicing Hazel in a regular rotation. Remaining areas are thinned to encourage the development of native broadleaves of all ages, and to allow the good quality conifers to mature. The paths and newly created open spaces are managed to encourage a diversity of flora and fauna: wild flowers and invertebrates in particular should increase in these areas.
There is an extensive path system throughout the wood for all abilities, including disabled and wheelchair users, leading to viewpoints with stunning scenery below: views over this lovely part of Somerset and the levels or "moors" as they are known locally. These viewpoints are pleasant places for gazing in quiet contemplation, or for a picnic, or scanning around with binoculars, maybe watching the wildlife. Many interesting song-birds, woodland birds and birds of prey may be seen: among them goldcrests, bullfinches, jays, pheasants, woodcock, buzzards, kestrels and sparrow hawks. Roe deer, foxes, badgers, hares or rabbits may be seen if it is fairly quiet, especially early in the morning or towards evening.
The wood also contains a section of the "New Ditch" which is an enigmatic 3000-year-old Iron Age earthwork.
The Ninesquare Trust was established in 1995. Its aims are to benefit the people of Street, in Somerset, and the surrounding area, with a commitment to supporting projects with a particular focus on. education and the environment. The Trustees have welcomed this rare opportunity to combine managing this wood to a high standard whilst retaining its diversity and encouraging the fullest possible public access. Following wide consultation and substantial financial support and advice from the Forestry Commission in support of these objectives, Fountain Forestry have been responsible for the major programme of work undertaken at Combe Hill Wood. This has involved thinning and clearing as well as the construction of paths, fencing, signage and other improvements for good public access.
* Please enjoy and respect the wood *
