Harcombe Lane

Harcombe Lane, like Milltown Lane, is described as a 'lane’ lined with trees. Harcombe Lane is not woodland in the strict sense according to the Phase 1 analysis system used in the research. The presence of trees lining these lanes indicates that they were, many years ago, possibly footpaths though woodland that has since been cleared.

Dog’s mercury has been recorded at Harcombe Lane. It is interesting that Dog's mercury, which is an ancient woodland indicator species, has been recorded on thirteen surveyed sites, but only three appear in the list of sites considered woodland: Riverside Wood, Harcombe Lane, and Milltown Lane. Given that two of these are tree-lined lanes, the presence of Dog’s mercury in such locations is considered an indicator of where woodland once stood, rather than reflecting the nature of the tree-lined lane seen today. This reinforces the idea that Harcombe Lane is a remnant feature of a previously wooded landscape.

It is worth noting that while Harcombe Lane itself is described as a lane indicating past woodland, the Harcombe area more broadly is mentioned in other contexts. Harcombe is one of the scattered hamlets in the Sid Valley, and the area contains Ancient Woodland, alongside places like Roncombe and Sweetcombe. The broadleaved woodlands around Harcombe are suggested as good places to visit in autumn. Additionally, the rare plant Royal fern is still found above Harcombe and Sidbury. This suggests a distinction between the specific lane and the wider Harcombe combe/area, which does contain actual woodland and notable species.