Cocklake Plantations

Wood, Forest in Durham

England

Cocklake Plantations

Presser Pumping Station near the top of Bale Hill Consett Water Company established in 1859 merged and became the Weardale and Consett Water Company in 1902. Some time late in the 19th or early 20th century one of the two former companies had taken over the engine house of closed Derwent Lead Mines and developed this Grade II Listed pumping house to supply water to Consett. It is reported that they started paying rent to the estate in 1902 and the rent in 1911 was £360. — Presser Pumping Station near the top of Bale Hill Credit: Jo and Steve Turner

Cocklake Plantations, located in Durham, Wood, Forest, is a picturesque and expansive woodland area covering approximately 500 acres. Situated in the northeastern region of England, this plantation offers visitors a serene and natural environment to explore and enjoy.

The woodlands of Cocklake Plantations are known for their diverse range of tree species, including oak, beech, ash, and pine. This rich variety of flora creates a vibrant and evergreen landscape, providing a habitat for numerous bird species, small mammals, and insects.

The plantation is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers, offering a network of well-maintained trails that wind through the woods. These trails cater to all levels of fitness, allowing visitors to choose between leisurely strolls or more challenging hikes. Along the way, visitors can discover several picturesque viewpoints that offer breathtaking vistas of the surrounding countryside.

Furthermore, Cocklake Plantations is committed to sustainable forestry practices and conservation efforts. The plantation actively engages in responsible woodland management, ensuring the preservation and growth of its diverse ecosystem. This dedication to environmental stewardship has garnered recognition and awards from local conservation organizations.

For those seeking a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, Cocklake Plantations in Durham provides a haven of natural beauty and tranquility. Whether it's a leisurely walk, birdwatching, or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings, visitors are sure to find solace in the idyllic charm of this woodland paradise.

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Cocklake Plantations Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.825022/-2.0940409 or Grid Reference NY9447. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Presser Pumping Station near the top of Bale Hill

Consett Water Company established in 1859 merged and became the Weardale and Consett Water Company in 1902. Some time late in the 19th or early 20th century one of the two former companies had taken over the engine house of closed Derwent Lead Mines and developed this Grade II Listed pumping house to supply water to Consett. It is reported that they started paying rent to the estate in 1902 and the rent in 1911 was £360.

Jo and Steve Turner

View to East High House Farm from Bale Hill

Jo and Steve Turner

Hunstanworth from Bale Hill

Hunstanworth is one of the 'Thankful Villages' (a term popularised by the writer Arthur Mee in the 1930s) that suffered no fatalities during the Great War of 1914-1918. The unusual patterns in the roof tiles was a creation of architect Samuel Sanders Teulon who had been commissioned by Reverend Daniel Capper, landowner who would stay in Newbiggin Hall during the grouse shooting season, to build a new church, school, reading room, shop and workers' terraced cottages in 1863. The distinctive diamond-patterned, steep-pitched roofs and Victorian Gothic detail make Hunstanworth unique among the villages of the North Pennines. Closure of the local lead mines in the 1880s diminished the 800 strong population (778 in 1861) to just 200 by 1901. The population of the village in 2011 was 116. John Marius Wilson's Imperial Gazetteer of England and Wales of 1870-72 informs us that "the church was rebuilt in 1865, at a cost of £2,500".

Jo and Steve Turner