Grindon Wood

Wood, Forest in Northumberland

England

Grindon Wood

Milecastle 35 on Hadrian's Wall at Sewingshields Hadrian&#039;s wall or &#039;Vallum Aelium&#039; is the remains of a large Roman fortification. The wall extended west from Segedunum at Wallsend on the River Tyne to the shore of the Solway Firth, ending a short but unknown distance west of the village of Bowness-on-Solway. Construction probably started sometime in AD 122 and was largely completed within six years.

The remains were made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. — Milecastle 35 on Hadrian's Wall at Sewingshields Credit: Sandy Gerrard

Grindon Wood is a picturesque woodland located in the county of Northumberland, England. Covering an area of approximately 200 acres, it is nestled within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The wood is situated near the small village of Blanchland, adding to its charm and accessibility.

This ancient woodland is predominantly made up of native broadleaf trees, including oak, ash, and birch, which create a diverse and rich habitat for wildlife. The woodland floor is adorned with a carpet of bluebells during the springtime, adding a burst of vibrant color to the surroundings. Grindon Wood also boasts a variety of ferns, mosses, and fungi, further enhancing its natural beauty.

The wood is crisscrossed by a network of well-maintained footpaths, making it a popular destination for walkers and nature enthusiasts. These paths lead visitors through a variety of different habitats, including open glades, dense woodland, and babbling streams. Along the way, visitors may catch glimpses of the local wildlife, such as red squirrels, roe deer, and a variety of bird species.

Grindon Wood offers a peaceful and tranquil setting, inviting visitors to explore its hidden wonders and immerse themselves in nature. It is a fantastic location for photography, wildlife spotting, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll. Whether visiting in the vibrant colors of spring or the rich hues of autumn, Grindon Wood is a delightful destination for all nature lovers.

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Grindon Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.019714/-2.2865243 or Grid Reference NY8169. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Milecastle 35 on Hadrian's Wall at Sewingshields

Hadrian's wall or 'Vallum Aelium' is the remains of a large Roman fortification. The wall extended west from Segedunum at Wallsend on the River Tyne to the shore of the Solway Firth, ending a short but unknown distance west of the village of Bowness-on-Solway. Construction probably started sometime in AD 122 and was largely completed within six years. The remains were made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

Sandy Gerrard

Turret 35a on Hadrian's Wall at Sewingshields

Sandy Gerrard

Turret 34a at Grindon on Hadrian's Wall

Sandy Gerrard

Turret 33b on Hadrian's Wall

Sandy Gerrard

Milecastle 33 on Hadrian's Wall

Sandy Gerrard

Excavation of stack stand below Sewingshields Crags

Stack stands are common on these upland pastures and often located on aerial photographs. Although they are not too old (post-Medieval), their agricultural function is often unknown. Here, north of the Sewingshields Crags whin-sill, they were probably created for the stacking of peats left out to dry before removal to nearby farm houses as a fuel. Two nearby stands were excavated in June 2022 and there are another nine nearby.

Andrew Curtis

Cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos), Sewingshields

A very low-growing plant growing in boggy areas alongside sphagnum and other mosses and bog plants. There are 1 to 5 flowers on a plant each atop their own reddish stem. Flowers have 4 pink petals swept backwards and 8 stamens bundled together around a central style like those of Bittersweet and other Solanum species. The leaves are hard to spot among the surrounding vegetation but are pointed-oval with a noticeable fold down the centre-line. Link

Some of its small red and edible berries are shown here NU0918 : Cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos), Beanley Moor.

Andrew Curtis

Peat bog below Sewingshields Crags

Andrew Curtis

B6318 heading west

Steven Brown

Ruined farm building, Shield on The Wall

Steven Brown

Remains of farmstead, Howden Hill

Although no longer shown on modern maps, the first edition OS (1866) shows 'Remains of farmstead' here. The remains of a 5-celled long-house with adjoining yards and enclosures have been reduced over time to just low turf walls. The farmstead occupies a site with extensive views and is surrounded by old plough-land on the now lonely and draughty ridge of Howden Hill.

Andrew Curtis