School Plantation

Wood, Forest in Northumberland

England

School Plantation

Carriers' Way south of Dodd Reservoir A hill walker on the Carriers&#039; Way heading towards Killhope Law, the hill to the right side of the image. Dodd Reservoir is above the camera position, also to the right, but out of view. — Carriers' Way south of Dodd Reservoir Credit: Trevor Littlewood

School Plantation is a picturesque woodland area located in the county of Northumberland, England. Situated in close proximity to the small village of Wood, this forested region covers an approximate area of 200 acres. The plantation is known for its lush greenery, diverse species of trees, and tranquil atmosphere, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers.

The woodland is predominantly composed of native tree species such as oak, birch, and beech, providing a rich habitat for a variety of wildlife. It is home to a wide range of bird species, including woodpeckers, owls, and thrushes, making it a birdwatcher's paradise. The forest floor is adorned with carpets of bluebells and wildflowers during the spring months, adding a burst of vibrant colors to the surroundings.

The plantation also encompasses several well-maintained walking trails and paths, allowing visitors to explore the area at their own pace. These trails wind through the forest, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and providing an opportunity to observe the local flora and fauna up close.

In addition to its natural beauty, School Plantation holds historical significance. It is believed to have been used as a timber source during the medieval period, supplying wood to nearby villages for construction and fuel purposes.

Overall, School Plantation in Northumberland is a captivating woodland retreat, offering a peaceful and enchanting experience for anyone seeking solace in nature's embrace.

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School Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.804221/-2.2278103 or Grid Reference NY8545. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Carriers' Way south of Dodd Reservoir

A hill walker on the Carriers' Way heading towards Killhope Law, the hill to the right side of the image. Dodd Reservoir is above the camera position, also to the right, but out of view.

Trevor Littlewood

Parked vehicles and trailers at Allenheads

The area beyond the low wall is part of the site of the Beaumont Mine which was originally a lead mine but more recently it was worked for fluorspar. The bays in the distance separated by stepped walls date from the lead mining phase.

Trevor Littlewood

Moorland beyond ruined wall at Pike Dike Nook

Pike Dike Nook is a location on moorland south of Allenheads at or close to the southern point of a coniferous plantation. Killhope Law is the more pointed skyline hill to the left in the image; right from it is Carrshield Moor.

Trevor Littlewood

Moorland beyond ruined wall

The wall is on the north-western slope of Burtree Fell. The wooden boxes beside it are used by gamekeepers for supplying, out on the moorland, grit for the use of grouse. The broad ridge extending into the distance goes over Westend Moor to Killhope Law.

Trevor Littlewood

Ruined buildings on slope of Byerhope

The valley cutting through the image is Byerhope, hope being a term meaning valley. The line of trees at the left side of the image conceal Byerhope Reservoir, a relic of the local lead mining industry. Several ruined buildings can be seen between the trees and the camera location; the one partly hidden by the nearest of them is Heather View.

Trevor Littlewood

Site of Allenheads Smelt Mill (Lead), Dirt Pot

On the right side of the photo is the road which leads over the moors to Coalcleugh. The terraced houses known as Slag Hill can be seen in the distance on the right. The remains of Mill Dam, (now filled with reeds) can be seen just left of the existing building (possibly the smeltmill peat store). The other masonry structure is in the centre just below the reservoir. The course of the horizontal flue can be seen extending to the left, directly below the lefthand end of the Mill Dam.

Andrew Curtis

Buildings at site of Allenheads Lead Smelt Mill

"Lead smelting mill built by the Blacketts in the early 18th century. By 1821 it had three ore hearths, one roasting furnace, and one slag hearth in operation. The mill closed in 1870. Surviving remains consist of a 3118m long flue, a row of deserted cottages and an overgrown reservoir. The mill was mainly for smelted ores for Allenheads and Coalcleugh mines, but was kept to working capacity by ores from Weardale mines. The mill closed in 1870. It had horizontal flues 3410 yards (3118m) long for carrying off the fumes." Northumberland HER (7251): Link

Ordnance Survey Durham Sheet XV (Surveyed: 1858, Published: 1861): Link

OS 25 inch published 1897: Link

The large stone building (which remains in use) is shown in the same location on the first edition 6" OS and may retain parts of an original building of the smeltmill. The ruined stonework to its south is also on in the location of an older building although this is shown as a sheepwash on the 2nd edition 25" OS (Published: 1897) and in a photo (c.1967) from the Allen Valleys Local History Group: Link

Archive Link

The smeltmill horizontal flue originally extended to the south-west to a location high up on Middlehope Moor.

Andrew Curtis

Remains of flue near Allenheads Lead Smelt Mill

Ordnance Survey Durham Sheet XV (Surveyed: 1858, Published: 1861): Link

OS 25 inch published 1897: Link

Archive Link

The smeltmill horizontal flue originally extended to the south-west to a location high up on Middlehope Moor.

Andrew Curtis

Site of Allenheads Lead Smelt Mill from west

Ordnance Survey Durham Sheet XV (Surveyed: 1858, Published: 1861): Link

OS 25 inch published 1897: Link

Archive Link

The smeltmill horizontal flue originally extended to the south-west to a location high up on Middlehope Moor.

Andrew Curtis

Remains of structure at site of Allenheads Lead Smelt Mill

Shown as a 'sheepwash' on early Ordnance Survey sheets but the old OS maps suggest that it was built on the remains of an earlier structure of the Lead Smelt Mill. "The sheep dip was situated on the site of the Smelt Mill. It was on the south side of Slag Hill, just below the dam, which held the water for the Mill. The sheep dip was filled from this dam by releasing a sluice gate allowing water to flow through a pipe into the dip. The sheep were first put in this area below the dip and then put into the large metal bath by a farmer. In the bath they were held in and had their heads put in by another farmer. They then climbed out, shook themselves and dripped there until they were released back onto the fell through a small gate to the right of the picture. As they went out one at a time they were counted. They were dipped in August during the war years but twice a year in the 1950’s. This sheep dip was used by all the farmers in Allenheads and Sparty Lea." Allen Valleys Local History Group: Link

Archive Link

Andrew Curtis

Burnfoot, Allenheads

Burnfoot Farmhouse and barn were built in the late 17th century. An inscription above a lintel reads: ANNO DOMINI 1678 with the initials 'W D'. The house was altered in the late 18th century and the barn added in the early 19th century. Burnfoot is a Grade II Listed Building (1154819): Link

The house on the hill behind is Hammershield NY8447 : Hammershield Farm

Andrew Curtis

River East Allen at Dirt Pot

In the foreground is part of the aqueduct for Allenheads Lead Smelt Mill NY8546 : Line of aqueduct from Allenheads Lead Smelt Mill

Andrew Curtis

Line of aqueduct from Allenheads Lead Smelt Mill

Part of an extensive system of control of water resources at the former Lead Smelt Mill.

Andrew Curtis

Probable remains of dam on Westend Burn

A dam is shown in this location on the first edition OS 6" sheet: Link

Andrew Curtis

Site of Allenheads Smelt Mill (Lead), Dirt Pot

Ordnance Survey Durham Sheet XV (Surveyed: 1858, Published: 1861): Link

OS 25 inch published 1897: Link

Archive Link

The smeltmill horizontal flue originally extended to the south-west to a location high up on Middlehope Moor.

Andrew Curtis

Westend Burn (upstream of former dam)

See photo here NY8546 : Probable remains of dam on Westend Burn

Andrew Curtis

Ropehaugh Cottages, Dirt Pot

Mill Cottages are on the right hand side (below and above the road). Mill Cottages were where the smelt mill workers lived. Smelters were paid more than miners and were often provided with better houses because smelting was such a highly skilled job. In the 19th and early 20th centuries several of the houses here and further along the road were shops.

Andrew Curtis