Harbottle Wood

Wood, Forest in Northumberland

England

Harbottle Wood

The approach to Harbottle Castle From the neat drystone walled car park. — The approach to Harbottle Castle Credit: Russel Wills

Harbottle Wood is a picturesque woodland located in the county of Northumberland in northern England. Spread over an area of approximately 400 hectares, it is nestled within the stunning Northumberland National Park. The woodland is situated near the village of Harbottle, which lends its name to the forest.

Harbottle Wood is renowned for its natural beauty and diverse flora and fauna. The forest is predominantly composed of native trees, including oak, birch, and beech, which create a dense and enchanting canopy. The woodland floor is carpeted with a variety of wildflowers, such as bluebells and primroses, adding bursts of vibrant colors to the landscape.

The forest is home to a rich array of wildlife, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. Visitors may catch glimpses of red squirrels, roe deer, and a variety of bird species, including buzzards, owls, and woodpeckers. The tranquil and secluded nature of Harbottle Wood also provides an ideal habitat for many rare and endangered species, making the woodland an important conservation area.

In addition to its natural beauty, Harbottle Wood holds historical significance. The ruins of Harbottle Castle, a 12th-century fortress, can be found within the woodland. These evocative ruins provide a glimpse into the region's medieval past and offer a captivating backdrop for visitors exploring the forest.

Overall, Harbottle Wood is a captivating and diverse woodland, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of Northumberland's natural and historical heritage.

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Harbottle Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.330971/-2.1063667 or Grid Reference NT9304. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The approach to Harbottle Castle

From the neat drystone walled car park.

Russel Wills

Harbottle Castle

Ramparts around the outer bailey.

Russel Wills

Harbottle Castle - the ruined gateway

Looking down on some dressed masonry at the gateway. The castle has been quarried for much of its stone.

Russel Wills

Looking down on the former Presbyterian Church

From Harbottle Castle.

Russel Wills

The Sad Castle Stone

In the neat drystone walled carpark for Harbottle Castle is a 'new' standing stone. On it is carved a poem by local schoolgirl Felicity Lane: The Sad Castle Who Made me/Into a ruin/like an old city? Was it the soldiers who rode out on horseback? Was it my old enemy the Scots? Or was it those Border Reivers? Perhaps it was just the centuries passing. Felicity Lance It was carved into the stone by local stonemason David Edwick.

Russel Wills

Windfall due to the Storm Arwen

The timber falling across the road cut the village off for days. It brought the villagers out with their chainsaws.

Russel Wills

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.

Leanmeanmo

Same storm, different car park

Forestry England's car parks seem to have been particularly badly hit by Storm Arwen. Three months on, this one at Harbottle has been partially cleared although the evidence of the impact is still clearly visible. NU0809 : Stating the obvious NT9502 : Hope the picnic tables are alright

Leanmeanmo

Storm Arwen destruction at West Wood, Harbottle

Interestingly, this wood, like several others, sustained much more damage nearer the valley floor than at its higher sections. Presumably this must be due to the Venturi Effect, where the wind from the north, having had a long 'fetch' across open land over Alwinton, funnelled down at lower levels, increasing its speed.

Leanmeanmo

Storm Arwen demolition of woods boundary

Storm Arwen damage at the point where the West Wood car park path leads on to the open moor.

Leanmeanmo

Destruction of Ramshaugh Woods

On November 26th/27th 2021 Storm Arwen slammed across the UK, with 100 mile an hour winds. One of the areas worst hit was Northumberland, including Rothbury and Coquetdale, where fallen trees across the valley left many without power and water for nearly a week. The Ramshaugh Woods - a diverse range of woodland including the Devil’s Elbow, the Fairy Wood, the Birch Wood and the Top End - was flattened, with almost 70% of mature trees torn down, broken or uprooted. We are raising £50,000 to make this diverse stretch of woodland safe for community access again and to save as much of the viable timber as possible. The sign links to Link

Russel Wills

Sheep on Ashy Bank

The pasture slopes down to the River Coquet. Harbottle Wood in the distance.

Russel Wills

Fine lime kiln beside the track to Park House

Overlooking the River Coquet.

Russel Wills

Low Alwinton kilns

Well maintained or beautifully restored they were built about 1827 by the Selby family and had ceased to work by 1866.

Russel Wills

Alwinton Bridge over the River Coquet

'A good-looking steel-arch bridge about half a mile south of the village, it replaced an earlier bridge when the road was widened. Painted in attractive colours the bridge blends well with the surrounding countryside.' Link

Constructed in 1937 with steel arch and stone abutments.

Russel Wills