Headshope Wood

Wood, Forest in Northumberland

England

Headshope Wood

Storm Arwen damage at Combs Wood Everywhere one goes in mid and north Northumberland one sees the consequences of Storm Arwen&#039;s ferocity in swathes of fallen trees. — Storm Arwen damage at Combs Wood Credit: Leanmeanmo

Headshope Wood is a picturesque woodland located in the county of Northumberland, England. Situated near the village of Bellingham, it covers an area of approximately 150 acres. The wood is part of the larger Northumberland National Park, which is renowned for its natural beauty and diverse wildlife.

Headshope Wood is predominantly composed of mixed broadleaf trees, including oak, birch, and ash. These trees create a dense canopy that provides shade and shelter for a wide variety of flora and fauna. The forest floor is covered in a rich carpet of mosses, ferns, and wildflowers, adding to the woodland's enchanting atmosphere.

The wood is intersected by several walking trails, which allow visitors to explore its natural wonders at their own pace. These trails offer a chance to observe woodland birds such as woodpeckers, owls, and warblers, as well as mammals like red squirrels and deer. The peaceful ambiance of the wood makes it a popular destination for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility and relaxation.

In addition to its natural beauty, Headshope Wood holds historical significance. It is believed that the area was once used for charcoal production, evidenced by the presence of old charcoal kilns scattered throughout the wood. These remnants provide a glimpse into the region's industrial past and add an interesting element to the woodland's character.

Overall, Headshope Wood is a captivating destination for those seeking solace in nature. With its lush vegetation, diverse wildlife, and rich history, it offers an immersive experience that showcases the beauty and heritage of Northumberland's woodlands.

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Headshope Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.287678/-2.1064396 or Grid Reference NY9399. 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.

Leanmeanmo

The silvery road to High Shaw

The Sun must have been at the optimum angle to reflect the wet road surface.

Leanmeanmo

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.

Leanmeanmo

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

Leanmeanmo

Crags above South Yardhope

On the edge of the Otterburn Ranges training area.

Leanmeanmo

Storm Arwen at Rowantree Cleugh

Even the hard-as-nails Rowan tree was no match for the fury of Storm Arwen.

Leanmeanmo

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.

Leanmeanmo

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

Leanmeanmo

Firing loops

One of a number of groups of gun loops set into the wall enclosing a small copse of Scots Pine. See NT9400 : Another Storm Arwen ravaged copse of trees

Leanmeanmo

Craig Farm

There are apparently the remains of a Bastle here but they are not obvious.

No Body

No red flag today

One of the flag poles from which red flags are flown. There is also a red light on the top so that it can be seen at night. The usual warning sign is on the right. Foreground is MOD road.

No Body

High Shaw Farm

There are quite a few farms within the MOD ranges. How do they get in and out when the red flags are flying?

No Body

Bend in the Road. The Boundary of Otterburn Range Danger Area

Dunns Hide Woods to the right.

Siobhan Brennan-Raymond

High Shaw Bastle

High Shaw is a well-preserved bastle of C16 or C17 date. It stands on gently sloping ground above the steep slopes of Watty's Sike. It is built from massive stone blocks and stands one-storey high. The upper storey may have been dismantled. The basement has a stone vault and has a hole for a ladder in the ceiling. Above the ground floor a chamfered string course - the only bastle to possess this feature. Triangular opening, probably a gun loop, in east end. Interior: walls c.64 inches thick. Segmental tunnel vault with ladder hole only c.12 inches square. Doorway is rebated and has drawbar holes. In west wall a roughly-made recess with a vertical shaft in the thickness of the wall and a well-dressed triangular opening through the wall, possibly a gun loop (cf exterior).

John Watson

Black Hill

View looking from the MOD range road across Loaning Burn towards Black Hill.

Peter McDermott

Hogger's Cleugh

View from MOD range road looking across Loaning Burn towards Hogger's Cleugh.

Peter McDermott

Craig Farm with ruined Bastle.

Keys to the Past Web Site: This is a well-preserved defended farmhouse or bastle surrounded by other farm buildings. It is built from roughly squared stones and is two storeys high. The basement has a stone vault and the original entrance was in the west wall.

Les Hull