Birkbeck Wood

Wood, Forest in Yorkshire Richmondshire

England

Birkbeck Wood

Old limekiln at Middle Bank Credit: Chris Holifield

Birkbeck Wood is a picturesque woodland located in the county of Yorkshire, England. Situated near the village of Birkbeck, this forested area covers an approximate area of 100 acres, offering a tranquil escape for nature enthusiasts and visitors alike.

The wood is predominantly composed of native tree species, including oak, beech, and birch, which create a diverse and vibrant ecosystem. The abundance of wildlife within Birkbeck Wood makes it a popular spot for birdwatching, as well as a habitat for various mammals, such as deer, foxes, and rabbits.

The woodland features several well-maintained walking trails, allowing visitors to explore its natural beauty at their own pace. These paths wind through the trees, providing glimpses of scenic vistas and opportunities for peaceful contemplation. The dappled sunlight filtering through the dense canopy adds to the enchanting atmosphere of the wood.

Birkbeck Wood is also known for its rich history. It has played a significant role in the local community for centuries, with evidence of human activity dating back to the prehistoric era. The wood was once used for timber production and as a hunting ground for the aristocracy. Today, remnants of old walls and structures can still be seen, serving as a reminder of its past.

In addition to its natural and historical significance, Birkbeck Wood offers various recreational activities. It is a popular spot for picnics, with designated areas providing a perfect setting for families and friends to enjoy a meal amidst nature. The wood also allows for camping, creating opportunities for overnight stays and a chance to experience the magic of the forest after dark.

Overall, Birkbeck Wood is a captivating destination that seamlessly combines natural beauty, historical charm, and recreational opportunities, making it a must-visit location in Yorkshire.

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Birkbeck Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.385722/-2.0836845 or Grid Reference SD9498. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Old limekiln at Middle Bank

Chris Holifield

Botcher Gill

Chris Holifield

Drystone wall at Middle Bank

Chris Holifield

Formerly enclosed pasture at Middle Bank

David Robinson

Gunnerside Gill

Downstream of the major buildings, evidence of lead mining is less obvious, though there are still waste tips and the number of footpaths and bridleways is very much down to the widespread industrial activity in this area up until the end of the nineteenth century. Nowadays it's more the haunt of walkers and mountain bikers using the area for leisure pursuits as many of the scars on the landscape become hidden by vegetation.

Andy Waddington

Gunnerside Gill track below Winterings Scar

This bridleway from Blades into Gunnerside Gill is excellent going for a mountain bike, as well as on foot, but if one is doing a round trip over Melbecks Moor by bike, the track that ascends behind the lime kiln (technically only a public footpath) is a far safer option than the bridleway in the steep and rocky Bunton Hush that would be the legal way of doing it.

Andy Waddington

Wall, footpath and bracken

Above Gunnerside Beck

John H Darch

Ruined mine building

Adjacent to Gunnerside Beck.

John H Darch

Path on Winterings Pasture

David Brown

Groove of Ash Pot Gutter

Ash Pot Gutter is a minor stream feeding water into Mill Gill, itself a tributary of the River Swale. The pale twigs are stems of dead heather, probably burnt by the owning estate as part of their management of the grouse moor; new growth is coming through.

Trevor Littlewood

Path erosion at Middle Bank

At this point a minor landslip has taken out the wall and part of the path above it. Over the last five years this has developed from a minor gap of no more than a couple of metres to one that is now nearer 15m in length. The farmer has plugged the gap with mesh fencing, whilst the walked path is gradually moving uphill. Just one of several path problems in and around Gunnerside Gill.

Gordon Hatton

Ash Pot Gutter draining east from the Melbecks Moor track

This track is obviously still of importance to someone long after the demise of lead mining on the moor which was the original raison d'être for most of the rights of way up here, since Ash Pot Gutter crosses it by a recent-looking and substantial concrete ford. There's maybe a quarter square kilometre of catchment at this point where a number of small sikes have coalesced to form a single stream which has only one tributary, on its right bank, all the way down to its confluence with Old Gang Beck a little over a kilometre from this point.

Andy Waddington

Gunnerside Beck

David Martin

Restoration at the Sir Francis Mine

The masonry at the air tank near the Sir Francis Mine remains seems to have been recently consolidated. This appears to be an ongoing project at Gunnerside Gill.

Karl and Ali

Wall on Black Brae

David Brown

Gunnerside Gill

View from the east side of the gill, just south of the Barbara Level. Across the gill, Botcher Gill is on the left and the spoil from Dolly Lead Level can be seen on the right.

Ian Taylor