Long Plantation

Wood, Forest in Northumberland

England

Long Plantation

Newbiggin Hall and Birkside Farm from Bale Hill The Reverend Daniel Capper sold up Newbiggin and Hunstanworth estate by auction in London on 1st August 1865. The sales brochure describes the mansion house of Newbiggin as the jewel in the estate crown. Rev Capper had recently spent £30,000 on new farm buildings, the latest water power machinery and rebuilding the estate cottages &quot;with four rooms each&quot;. Kelly&#039;s Directory 1894 tells us it is owned by Edward Joicey esq. J.P. Pevsner documents that the house was rebuilt in Neo-classical style in 1906 after a fire of 1904 from a Latin inscription on the west wall. Reports indicate it has been a First World War sanatorium, a turkey farm and hotel and was more recently owned by a member of the Arabian royal family who stays a couple of times a year for the grouse shooting. — Newbiggin Hall and Birkside Farm from Bale Hill Credit: Jo and Steve Turner

Long Plantation is a picturesque woodland area located in Northumberland, England. It spans over 500 acres and is renowned for its diverse range of plant and animal species. The plantation is situated near the small village of Long, nestled within the enchanting Northumberland countryside.

The woodland itself is predominantly composed of native tree species such as oak, birch, and beech, creating a stunning natural landscape throughout the seasons. The forest floor is adorned with an array of wildflowers including bluebells, primroses, and wood anemones, providing a colorful spectacle during springtime.

Long Plantation is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, attracting a wide variety of birds, mammals, and insects. Birdwatchers can spot species such as tawny owls, woodpeckers, and buzzards soaring above the treetops. The woodland also supports a thriving population of red squirrels, badgers, and deer, making it a popular destination for nature lovers.

The plantation offers several well-maintained walking trails that wind through the woodland, allowing visitors to explore its beauty at their own pace. These trails provide opportunities for peaceful walks, jogging, or simply immersing oneself in nature. Along the way, informative signposts highlight the different tree species and wildlife that can be found in the area, enhancing the educational aspect of the experience.

Long Plantation is not only a haven for wildlife but also a place of tranquility and relaxation. Its natural beauty, combined with the soothing sounds of nature, makes it an ideal destination for those seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

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Long Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.841904/-2.0871667 or Grid Reference NY9449. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Newbiggin Hall and Birkside Farm from Bale Hill

The Reverend Daniel Capper sold up Newbiggin and Hunstanworth estate by auction in London on 1st August 1865. The sales brochure describes the mansion house of Newbiggin as the jewel in the estate crown. Rev Capper had recently spent £30,000 on new farm buildings, the latest water power machinery and rebuilding the estate cottages "with four rooms each". Kelly's Directory 1894 tells us it is owned by Edward Joicey esq. J.P. Pevsner documents that the house was rebuilt in Neo-classical style in 1906 after a fire of 1904 from a Latin inscription on the west wall. Reports indicate it has been a First World War sanatorium, a turkey farm and hotel and was more recently owned by a member of the Arabian royal family who stays a couple of times a year for the grouse shooting.

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