Horfield Wood

An extinct woodland which was about 40 acres (16.1874 Ha) in size.

It was likely at the site that was the Bristol Steam Laundry Western Power Electricity Historical Society vaguely between what is now Kendon Way, Doncaster Rd, Southmead Way and Southmead Rd. Know Your Place 1840s Tithe.

To the North-West of Horfield, on the border with Filton, there used to exist Horfield Wood, which dated back to medieval times. Evidence from tithe maps indicates that Horfield Wood could have been as large as 40 acres prior to an ‘improvement’ programme, which saw much of England’s woodland cut down in the late 18th century. Recent research has shown that the total area of woodland in Horfield amounted to 19 ½ acres (7.89137 Ha) in 1841 – as woodland had lost its importance Horfield Wood continued to be cleared so that it no longer exists today. It has been said that travelers in the late 18th century were afraid to cross Horfield by night because the wood could have been a hiding place of hiding for local pickpockets and footpads. However, the extent of the wood at this time casts doubts upon these tales.

According to the Concise English Dictionary of Place Names, Horfield means a muddy stretch of land surrounded by woodland. From Old English 'Horu' meaning filth or dirt, and 'Feld' meaning open country. There was certainly woodland all around and it is thought there may have been a Roman tumulus there. It’s a very high area with views all around from Horfield Common.

I'm guessing it was situated around Monk's Park and Orchard School.

Greater Butterfly Orchid ; Formerly plentiful on the Southmead side of Filton, in a small wood which has been destroyed. White.

Carex pallescens L. (Pale Sedge) - "Copse between Horfield and Filton; Dr. H. O. Stephens."