Emergency Forest Phone - or was it? - Couchill Woods, Seaton, Devon

I found this several years ago, on the edge of Couchill Woods, and wasn't able to ascertain what it actually is at the time. I thought it was some sort of utilities box as there is evidence of wiring. The woods are managed by the Forestry Commission, and because it needs a specific key to open it may have been for the use of forestry workers only. Electrical point maybe? However, on doing some research and having forum discussions with like-minded souls, we thought it might be an old emergency phone in case of accidents.

I recently did some more research but still couldn't find any concrete evidence of what it was, or any pictures which show anything the same or similar. I sent an email to the Forestry Commission asking if anyone knows, along with a photo. After kindly asking around, they were unfortunately just as stumped as me.

Of course, with the widespread use of mobile phones there wouldn't be much need for a standing phone, which would make sense as to why it was abandoned. So, until I was told otherwise, I just kept calling it an Emergency Forest Phone...until now! See at the end.

Whatever it is, or was, it's a really fab little scene. Lovely woods, green peely paint and rusty goodness. What more could a girl want?

And forward on to today, March 19th 2026, when I received a comment from someone who grew up on the farm at the end of the lane. It was a postbox where they had all their letters and parcels delivered. Apparently, the postman was afraid of the dog and wouldn't venture to the farm itself. You can see the comment yourselves and my response below.

Mystery solved, at last! :)