Finchampstead Ridges
The Finchampstead Ridges comprise a ridge of land by Finchampstead in Berkshire, surrounded by that village's scattered townscape. In the south the Ridges approach the valley of the River Blackwater, across which is Hampshire.
Pressured as this area is towards development, the woodland of the Ridges forms a welcome green breathing space, though that land is much encroached upon by residential developments, roads and driven paths so there is little that is wild in the heart of the woods.
Much of the Finchampstead Ridges is owned by the National Trust.
About the common
The Finchampstead Ridges form a quite area of common land. In shape it was shaped during the Ice Age. It is characterised by its very acidic soils which were carried from further north, creating the ideal environment for heather and bracken and trees. The Ridges offer wide views over Berkshire, Hampshire and Surrey. It is a haven for wildlife and nature.
The Ridges contain woodlands and a heather ridge. The woods are open for walks; several paths cross the common and wild wood walking is available. There are opportunities to be lost in the woodland, with views opening up over the Blackwater valley.
This was one of the earliest of the National Trust's acquisitions, bought in 1913 after a public appeal.
Nearby is Simons Wood. The woods and the adjoining Heath Pond were given to the Trust in part by Mr C G H Simon and in part by the will of Mr Roy Brooks.