Birkeybank Plantation

Wood, Forest in Durham

England

Birkeybank Plantation

Slope descending from Long Hill The view is from a cairn, west from the high point of the moorland summit, Long Hill. Beyond, the sunlit ground is on the far side of Rook Hope and most distant are Fendrith Hill and Chapel Fell, seen across both Rook Hope and Weardale. — Slope descending from Long Hill Credit: Trevor Littlewood

Birkeybank Plantation is a historic woodland located in Durham, England. Situated in the county's woodlands and forest region, the plantation covers several acres of land. It is known for its diverse and well-preserved ecosystem, comprising a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees, including oak, beech, pine, and cedar.

The plantation has a rich history, dating back several centuries. Originally, it served as a hunting ground for local nobility, who utilized the area for recreational purposes. Over time, it transitioned into a working forest, with the timber being harvested for various purposes, including construction and fuel.

Today, Birkeybank Plantation is managed by a conservation organization, which aims to protect and preserve the natural habitat. The woodland serves as an important habitat for various species of wildlife, including deer, rabbits, foxes, and a wide range of bird species.

Visitors to Birkeybank Plantation can explore the well-maintained walking trails that crisscross through the woodland. These trails offer scenic views of the surrounding landscape, with opportunities for birdwatching and nature photography. The plantation also provides educational programs and guided tours for schools and nature enthusiasts, promoting awareness and understanding of the local ecosystem.

Overall, Birkeybank Plantation is a cherished natural resource in Durham, offering a tranquil retreat from the bustling city life. Its historical significance, combined with its diverse wildlife and picturesque landscapes, make it a popular destination for nature lovers and conservationists alike.

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Birkeybank Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.770899/-2.0905576 or Grid Reference NY9441. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Slope descending from Long Hill

The view is from a cairn, west from the high point of the moorland summit, Long Hill. Beyond, the sunlit ground is on the far side of Rook Hope and most distant are Fendrith Hill and Chapel Fell, seen across both Rook Hope and Weardale.

Trevor Littlewood

High Brandon

High Brandon has the appearance of being a terrace of several homes but according to an offer for sale in 2011 (at £450 000), it's a single house with an attached cottage. It sits high on the eastern slope of the valley of Rook Hope and is described as a "Traditional dales long house".

Trevor Littlewood

The now closed and derelict Church of St John at Rookhope

Viewed from the south-west. A notice within the porch of the church indicates how the contents were dispersed upon closure in 2014. One can hope that it will find a new use as a dwelling.

Peter Wood

Road between Rookhope and Eastgate

Clive Nicholson

Horses grazing in a buttercup meadow south of Rookhope

Mike Quinn

Hill road and Boltslaw Incline

The incline descends from the notch on the skyline heading down to Rookhope. The road leaves the incline and makes its way across a ridge, (to the right, out of the image), descending into the valley of the Stanhope Burn.

Trevor Littlewood

Eastern slope of Long Law

The slope is descending into the drainage regime of the Stanhope Burn. The flat-topped moorland on the central skyline is Horseshoe Hill.

Trevor Littlewood

Multiple tracks on East Slate Quarry Hill

The tracks have been formed by years of passage by vehicles, mainly quad bikes but also perhaps, occasional tractors.

Trevor Littlewood

Snow on slope north of Long Hill

Fresh snow lying on the north side of Long Hill with Long Law in the distance.

Trevor Littlewood

Bolt's Burn Ford

This ford is found at Bolt's Burn near Rook Hope. A video of the ford can be seen at: Link

John Walton

Church House Farm Ford

This irish bridge ford is found on the driveway to Church House Farm.

John Walton

Sheepfold, Stanhope Common

brian clark

Reahope Moor

brian clark

A consequence of freezing rain

Freezing rain had been forecast to fall during 15 December 2018; it did and this is the result. Ordinary liquid rain falls landing on surfaces below freezing point; the rain then freezes. On fairly level surfaces such as paths and roads the result can then be a sheet of ice, and that's the situation here, the ice persisting even two days later. To make progress on foot over the paths and roads was extremely awkward and an alternative walking route had to be used than that planned.

Trevor Littlewood

Alpacas above Rookhope village

A small group of alpacas in a field to the east of Rookhope in the valley, Rook Hope. They are on the line of a public footpath recently used by a walking party.

Trevor Littlewood