The Oaks

Wood, Forest in Northumberland

England

The Oaks

Storm Arwen damage at Combs Wood Everywhere one goes in mid and north Northumberland one sees the consequences of Storm Arwen's ferocity in swathes of fallen trees.
Storm Arwen damage at Combs Wood Credit: Leanmeanmo

The Oaks, located in Northumberland, is a picturesque wood known for its enchanting beauty and diverse range of flora and fauna. Nestled within the heart of a vast forest, this natural haven offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The Oaks boasts an extensive network of walking trails that wind through the forest, providing visitors with opportunities to explore and immerse themselves in the tranquil surroundings. The dense canopy of trees provides a cool shade during the summer months, making it an ideal spot for leisurely strolls or picnics. The forest is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including red squirrels, deer, and a plethora of bird species, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.

The wood is also renowned for its ancient oaks, some of which are estimated to be over 500 years old. These majestic trees create a surreal ambiance, with their gnarled branches and moss-covered trunks. The Oaks is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, highlighting its ecological significance and the importance of preserving its natural beauty.

In addition to its scenic charm, The Oaks offers visitors the chance to engage in outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, and horseback riding. The wood is well-equipped with camping facilities, including designated pitches and amenities, allowing visitors to enjoy an authentic outdoor experience.

Overall, The Oaks in Northumberland is a haven of tranquility and natural beauty, offering visitors the opportunity to escape into the wilderness and immerse themselves in the wonders of nature.

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The Oaks Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.306564/-2.1090107 or Grid Reference NT9301. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Storm Arwen damage at Combs Wood Everywhere one goes in mid and north Northumberland one sees the consequences of Storm Arwen's ferocity in swathes of fallen trees.
Storm Arwen damage at Combs Wood
Everywhere one goes in mid and north Northumberland one sees the consequences of Storm Arwen's ferocity in swathes of fallen trees.
Snapped like a twig This small copse of trees is in an exposed location but Scots Pine are noted for their ability to survive in the north British climate, although they often lose limbs.  To snap a mature specimen like this clean in two tells the tale of the ferocity of Arwen's gusts.
Snapped like a twig
This small copse of trees is in an exposed location but Scots Pine are noted for their ability to survive in the north British climate, although they often lose limbs. To snap a mature specimen like this clean in two tells the tale of the ferocity of Arwen's gusts.
Storm Arwen devastation near North Yardhope This small copse of trees is in an exposed location surrounded by a dry stone wall that has a curious four pointed star shape, possibly built originally for military training purposes.  It's still used for such activities, situated on the very fringe of the Otterburn Ranges.  Storm Arwen must have hit it hard, having a clear run at it from the north.  For comparison see an earlier view from much the same location.
<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3685047">NT9300 : Small plantation south of Pedlar's Stone</a>
Storm Arwen devastation near North Yardhope
This small copse of trees is in an exposed location surrounded by a dry stone wall that has a curious four pointed star shape, possibly built originally for military training purposes. It's still used for such activities, situated on the very fringe of the Otterburn Ranges. Storm Arwen must have hit it hard, having a clear run at it from the north. For comparison see an earlier view from much the same location. NT9300 : Small plantation south of Pedlar's Stone
Storm Arwen destruction at Harbottle Wood Just a sample of the devastation wrought by Storm Arwen.  Localised examples like this can be seen in many parts of this forest.
Storm Arwen destruction at Harbottle Wood
Just a sample of the devastation wrought by Storm Arwen. Localised examples like this can be seen in many parts of this forest.
Dove Crag waterfall Certainly a contender for prettiest waterfall in Northumberland in its Fairy Glen setting.  The waterfall itself, visible in the centre of the picture, is often only a thin trickle of water.  Strangely, the sandstone pillar to the left of the fall has lost about half its height since Andrew Curtis' photo <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1484414">NT9202 : Dove Crag</a> was taken some 13 years earlier.
Dove Crag waterfall
Certainly a contender for prettiest waterfall in Northumberland in its Fairy Glen setting. The waterfall itself, visible in the centre of the picture, is often only a thin trickle of water. Strangely, the sandstone pillar to the left of the fall has lost about half its height since Andrew Curtis' photo NT9202 : Dove Crag was taken some 13 years earlier.
Dove Crag waterfall Certainly a contender for prettiest waterfall in Northumberland, in its Fairy Glen setting, we were lucky to see it with a reasonable steam of water. Strangely, the sandstone pillar to the left of the fall has lost about half its height since Andrew Curtis' photo <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1484414">NT9202 : Dove Crag</a> was taken some 13 years earlier.
Dove Crag waterfall
Certainly a contender for prettiest waterfall in Northumberland, in its Fairy Glen setting, we were lucky to see it with a reasonable steam of water. Strangely, the sandstone pillar to the left of the fall has lost about half its height since Andrew Curtis' photo NT9202 : Dove Crag was taken some 13 years earlier.
Dove Crag waterfall Certainly a contender for prettiest waterfall in Northumberland, in its Fairy Glen setting, we were lucky to see it with a reasonable steam of water. Strangely, the sandstone pillar to the left of the fall has lost about half its height since Andrew Curtis' photo <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1484414">NT9202 : Dove Crag</a> was taken some 13 years earlier.
Dove Crag waterfall
Certainly a contender for prettiest waterfall in Northumberland, in its Fairy Glen setting, we were lucky to see it with a reasonable steam of water. Strangely, the sandstone pillar to the left of the fall has lost about half its height since Andrew Curtis' photo NT9202 : Dove Crag was taken some 13 years earlier.
Dove Crag waterfall We were lucky to see it with an unusually large stream of water.
Dove Crag waterfall
We were lucky to see it with an unusually large stream of water.
Dove Crag waterfall Looking at the Fairy Glen from behind the waterfall.
Dove Crag waterfall
Looking at the Fairy Glen from behind the waterfall.
Upper waterfall at Dove Crag The OS map indicates 'falls' at this location and, sure enough, about 50m up the gorge from the main one, there is another waterfall.  It's not quite so tall and very inaccessible.
Upper waterfall at Dove Crag
The OS map indicates 'falls' at this location and, sure enough, about 50m up the gorge from the main one, there is another waterfall. It's not quite so tall and very inaccessible.
Waterfall at Rob Roy's Cave The cave is immediately to the left of this photo. The Dovecrag Burn boasts a number of small waterfalls though, as here, it rarely carries much water. The deep, narrow gorge is littered with fallen and decayed tree limbs which have become permanently trapped, rendering access difficult.
Waterfall at Rob Roy's Cave
The cave is immediately to the left of this photo. The Dovecrag Burn boasts a number of small waterfalls though, as here, it rarely carries much water. The deep, narrow gorge is littered with fallen and decayed tree limbs which have become permanently trapped, rendering access difficult.
Cascade on the Dovecrag Burn The Dovecrag Burn boasts a number of small waterfalls though, as here, it rarely carries much water. The deep, narrow gorge is littered with fallen and decayed tree limbs which have become permanently trapped, rendering access difficult.
Cascade on the Dovecrag Burn
The Dovecrag Burn boasts a number of small waterfalls though, as here, it rarely carries much water. The deep, narrow gorge is littered with fallen and decayed tree limbs which have become permanently trapped, rendering access difficult.
Waterfalls on the Dovecrag Burn Just upstream of Rob Roy's Cave. The Dovecrag Burn boasts a number of small waterfalls though, as here, it rarely carries much water.
Waterfalls on the Dovecrag Burn
Just upstream of Rob Roy's Cave. The Dovecrag Burn boasts a number of small waterfalls though, as here, it rarely carries much water.
Crags above South Yardhope On the edge of the Otterburn Ranges training area.
Crags above South Yardhope
On the edge of the Otterburn Ranges training area.
Storm Arwen at Rowantree Cleugh Even the hard-as-nails Rowan tree was no match for the fury of Storm Arwen.
Storm Arwen at Rowantree Cleugh
Even the hard-as-nails Rowan tree was no match for the fury of Storm Arwen.
Storm Arwen brought down many trees  Some of the trees are being 'recycled' as firewood!
Storm Arwen brought down many trees
Some of the trees are being 'recycled' as firewood!
Small copse of Scots Pine in walled enclosure The enclosure is a curious shape (see 1:25000 OS map)  and  is probably of military origin as it contains firing loops.   Although it's  outside the boundary of the Otterburn Ranges it is still used by troops in training exercises.
Small copse of Scots Pine in walled enclosure
The enclosure is a curious shape (see 1:25000 OS map) and is probably of military origin as it contains firing loops. Although it's outside the boundary of the Otterburn Ranges it is still used by troops in training exercises.
Another Storm Arwen ravaged copse of trees Like its near neighbour this small walled enclosure is probably of military origin since it boasts gun loops.  Although it's well outside the boundary of the Otterburn Ranges, it too is still used by troops in training, evidenced by the odd cartridge case lying around.  See

<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7441540">NT9300 : Small copse of Scots Pine in walled enclosure</a>
Another Storm Arwen ravaged copse of trees
Like its near neighbour this small walled enclosure is probably of military origin since it boasts gun loops. Although it's well outside the boundary of the Otterburn Ranges, it too is still used by troops in training, evidenced by the odd cartridge case lying around. See NT9300 : Small copse of Scots Pine in walled enclosure
Show me another place!

The Oaks is located at Grid Ref: NT9301 (Lat: 55.306564, Lng: -2.1090107)

Unitary Authority: Northumberland

Police Authority: Northumbria

What 3 Words

///tramps.hero.sprinkler. Near Otterburn, Northumberland

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The Oaks Cat Law

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