Top 4 Natural Monuments around Harewood
Best natural monuments around Harewood include a variety of historical and natural features. The area offers opportunities to explore ancient woodlands, historical sites, and unique natural springs. These locations provide insights into local history and natural habitats. Visitors can experience diverse landscapes, from Iron Age hillforts to tranquil butterfly trails.
Best natural monuments around Harewood
- The most popular natural monuments is Haugh Woods Butterfly Trails, a natural_monument that provides a route through the north and south of the woods.…
Last updated: July 1, 2026
Haugh Woods Butterfly Trails
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Capler Camp Hillfort
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Higgins' Well
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Holy Rood Church, Mordiford
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Haugh Woods Butterfly Trails are two short trails that meander the ancient woodland of Haugh Woods. The trails have been set up by Forestry England to allow everyone to enjoy the numerous butterflies and moths that live here. This is an important site for UK butterflies (we are in short supply!) and this woodland gives nearly 350 hectares or 850 acres for them to breed. There are about over 600 of both species living here!
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Hidden a quiet part of Little Birch village, the brickwork of Higgins' Well dates from the early 19th century. Some improvements were added later, including a large pool as an animal trough for use during Victoria's diamond jubilee. Higgins Well has long been an important and unfailing supply of water for the village. A local legend about the well, as told on http://www.visitoruk.com/Hereford/little-birch-C592-V11335.html runs as follows: "The original outlet for the waters of the well was in a meadow at the top of the steep bank which rises above the present well. The owner of this meadow became so annoyed at the trespasses of the villagers across his land to the well that he had it filled up. However, shortly afterwards, while smoking his pipe in the great chimney corner of his house, he was startled by a sudden eruption of water under his feet." "To his untutored mind, the waters forcing this new outlet were a sign that the guardian spirit protecting the local people's rights was asserting itself. To appease this spirit, but determined not to reopen the well, he moved down to the present site and started to dig. In due course water began to bubble up through the underlying rock and, miraculously, the inrush in the chimney corner disappeared. The water spirit was obviously satisfied that water was once again made available to the people. This "act of contrition" resulted in local immortality for Mr Higgins."
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Haugh Woods has 2 butterfly trails (of short distance) that provide a great route through the north and south of the woods, respectively. Good paths underfoot, and great butterfly habitat.
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Holy Rood Church is a pretty parish church that is synonymous with the Mordiford Dragon; the legend of which has changed with the paintings of it in the church. Holy Rood has a 12th century core with a 13th century but was largely rebuilt in 1811 after flooding. It is Grade II-listed.
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Capler Camp is a large Iron Age hill fort on Capler Hill overlooking the Wye Valley. Many of the ramparts and ditches are still visible today and you are afforded a lovely view from the fort. Excavations have revealed stone foundations on the site. Roman Coins plus artefacts from the Bronze Age and Iron Age have also been found.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key natural monuments to explore around Harewood?
Harewood offers a variety of natural monuments, including the important butterfly habitat of Haugh Woods Butterfly Trails, the historic Capler Camp Hillfort with its panoramic views, and the unique Higgins' Well, known for its local legend and historical significance.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments in the Harewood area?
Yes, several natural monuments around Harewood are suitable for families. Haugh Woods Butterfly Trails offer easy paths through ancient woodland, perfect for spotting butterflies and moths. The historic Holy Rood Church, Mordiford, with its dragon legend, also provides an engaging visit for all ages.
What kind of historical natural monuments can I find near Harewood?
The Harewood area is rich in historical natural monuments. You can visit Capler Camp Hillfort, an Iron Age fortification overlooking the Wye Valley, where ramparts and ditches are still visible. Additionally, Holy Rood Church, Mordiford, a Grade II-listed parish church with a 12th-century core, is associated with the legend of the Mordiford Dragon.
What outdoor activities can I do near the natural monuments around Harewood?
The area around Harewood offers various outdoor activities. You can explore numerous hiking trails, including easy and moderate options, or enjoy road cycling. For detailed routes and guides, refer to the Hiking around Harewood and Road Cycling Routes around Harewood guides.
Where can I go for easy walks around Harewood's natural monuments?
For easy walks, consider the Haugh Woods Butterfly Trails, which feature good paths through ancient woodland. You can find more easy hiking options in the dedicated Easy hikes around Harewood guide.
What unique natural features can be observed in Harewood's natural monuments?
Harewood's natural monuments showcase unique features such as the diverse butterfly and moth populations within the nearly 350 hectares of Haugh Woods Butterfly Trails. The wider Harewood estate also features the expansive, designed landscapes of Capability Brown, including a significant Y-shaped lake and breathtaking views across the Wharfe Valley.
Are there any viewpoints among the natural monuments in Harewood?
Yes, Capler Camp Hillfort is a prominent natural monument that also serves as a viewpoint. From this Iron Age fort, you can enjoy lovely views overlooking the Wye Valley.
What is the best time to visit the natural monuments around Harewood?
The Himalayan Garden within the Harewood estate is particularly vibrant from May to July when many of its unique plants are at their peak. Generally, spring and summer offer pleasant weather for exploring the outdoor natural monuments and trails.
Can I learn about local legends or folklore at any of the natural monuments?
Yes, Holy Rood Church, Mordiford, is strongly associated with the legend of the Mordiford Dragon. Additionally, Higgins' Well has its own local legend about its origins and the unfailing supply of water it provided to the village.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see at Harewood's natural monuments?
At Haugh Woods Butterfly Trails, you can spot numerous species of butterflies and moths, as it's an important habitat for them. The wider Harewood estate, with its lakes, woodlands, and gardens, also supports diverse wildlife, offering opportunities for nature enthusiasts.
Are there any natural monuments with unique plant collections in Harewood?
The Himalayan Garden within the Harewood estate is a unique natural attraction, featuring a diverse collection of rare Sino-Himalayan plants, including primulas, blue poppies, and rhododendrons. It also includes trees, shrubs, bamboos, cobra lilies, and orchids.
What makes the landscape of Harewood particularly significant?
The wider Harewood landscape, spanning over 1,000 acres, is a masterpiece designed by the celebrated landscape architect Lancelot 'Capability' Brown. It features a significant Y-shaped lake and offers breathtaking views across the Wharfe Valley, making it one of his most famous vistas.
Most popular attractions around Harewood
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