Boltshope Park

Wood, Forest in Durham

England

Boltshope Park

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

Boltshope Park is a serene and picturesque woodland area located in Durham, England. Nestled within the heart of the stunning Durham Dales, this enchanting forest is a haven for nature enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility.

Covering an area of approximately 100 acres, Boltshope Park boasts an abundance of diverse flora and fauna. The park is primarily composed of mixed woodland, featuring towering oak, beech, and birch trees, providing a lush and verdant canopy. The forest floor is carpeted with a variety of wildflowers, offering a vibrant display of colors during the spring and summer months.

Wandering through the park, visitors can explore a network of well-maintained trails that wind through the forest. These trails offer breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and provide opportunities for leisurely walks, hiking, and birdwatching. Bird species such as woodpeckers, owls, and various songbirds can be spotted within the park, making it a popular destination for bird enthusiasts.

Boltshope Park is also home to a small stream that meanders through the woodland, adding to the park's natural beauty. The babbling brook creates a soothing ambiance and provides a habitat for aquatic wildlife, including small fish and amphibians.

Due to its remote location, Boltshope Park remains relatively untouched by urban development and offers a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The park is a popular spot for picnics and family outings, with several picnic areas scattered throughout the woodland.

Overall, Boltshope Park in Durham is a hidden gem, offering visitors a chance to connect with nature and experience the tranquility of a beautiful woodland setting.

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Boltshope Park Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.821496/-2.0864067 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