Holystone Wood

Wood, Forest in Northumberland

England

Holystone Wood

Alpacas grazing at Wood Hall farm They seem happy here! — Alpacas grazing at Wood Hall farm Credit: Russel Wills

Holystone Wood is a picturesque woodland located in Northumberland, England. Covering an area of approximately 100 hectares, it is nestled within the Northumberland National Park, offering visitors a tranquil and natural escape from the bustle of everyday life.

The wood is predominantly made up of native broadleaf trees, such as oak, birch, and rowan, which create a rich and diverse habitat for a variety of wildlife. The forest floor is carpeted with an array of wildflowers, including bluebells and primroses, adding to the enchanting atmosphere of the wood.

There are several well-marked trails that wind their way through the wood, allowing visitors to explore its beauty at their own pace. These trails offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside, with glimpses of the Cheviot Hills in the distance.

Holystone Wood is also home to a number of ancient sites, including the remains of an iron age hillfort and a medieval pele tower. These historical landmarks add an extra layer of intrigue to the wood, providing an insight into the area's rich past.

The wood is a haven for birdwatchers, with a wide range of species calling it home. Visitors may spot woodpeckers, owls, and various songbirds as they navigate the woodland trails.

Overall, Holystone Wood is a captivating destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Its idyllic setting, diverse flora and fauna, and historical significance make it a must-visit location in Northumberland.

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Holystone Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.318411/-2.0800657 or Grid Reference NT9502. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Alpacas grazing at Wood Hall farm

They seem happy here!

Russel Wills

A hembra and a cria (Mum and baby alpaca)

In a paddock near Sharperton on the River Coquet.

Russel Wills

Road sign casualty of Storm Arwen

But the post looks pretty rusty too! Alpacas over the fence.

Russel Wills

Hope the picnic tables are alright

The car park and picnic area at the entrance to Holystone Woods forest trails are unrecognisable. This area contained some massive pines. Storm Arwen flattened it despite its location down in the valley.

Leanmeanmo

Storm Arwen near Holystone

Everywhere one goes in mid and north Northumberland one sees the consequences of Storm Arwen's ferocity in swathes of fallen trees. On November 26th 2021 the storm is estimated to have damaged 16 million trees: the Great Storm of 1987 destroyed 15 million trees.

Leanmeanmo

Storm Arwen damage at the Lady's Well

Fortunately this huge tree fell out of the enclosure rather than into it.

Leanmeanmo

Storm Arwen damage at the Lady's Well

Fortunately this huge tree fell out of the enclosure rather than into it.

Leanmeanmo

Storm Arwen damage near the Lady's Well

Leanmeanmo

Waterfall at Rob Roy's Cave

The cave is immediately to the left of this photo. The Dovecrag Burn boasts a number of small waterfalls though, as here, it rarely carries much water. The deep, narrow gorge is littered with fallen and decayed tree limbs which have become permanently trapped, rendering access difficult.

Leanmeanmo

Cascade on the Dovecrag Burn

The Dovecrag Burn boasts a number of small waterfalls though, as here, it rarely carries much water. The deep, narrow gorge is littered with fallen and decayed tree limbs which have become permanently trapped, rendering access difficult.

Leanmeanmo

Waterfalls on the Dovecrag Burn

Just upstream of Rob Roy's Cave. The Dovecrag Burn boasts a number of small waterfalls though, as here, it rarely carries much water.

Leanmeanmo

Storm Arwen brought down many trees

Some of the trees are being 'recycled' as firewood!

Russel Wills

Salmon House once The Salmon Inn

Sadly like many country pubs and the disease is spreading urban areas with so many watering holes closing.

Les Hull

Ford through Unnamed Burn

I think this might be a drainage ditch rather than a burn.

Les Hull

Lady's Well, Holystone

Lady's Well is a stone water tank of possible Roman date, fed by a natural spring. The well is alongside the Roman road between High Rochester and the River Aln. The stone tank has been completely rebuilt at least once since the Roman period. The well has been a Christian holy site since the medieval period, and may have been the site of early Christian rituals. An alternative name for the well is 'Ninian's Well'. Ninian was the Bishop of Whithorn, in south-west Scotland, from AD500-550. It is possible that Ninian visited Holystone, although we have no evidence for such a visit. There is a legend that Paulinus, an early Christian missionary from Italy, converted 3000 people at the well during Easter AD627. In the medieval period, there was an Augustinian convent at Holystone, which may be where the name 'Lady's Well' comes from. In addition to the tank, a 15th century statue, said to be of Paulinus, was brought to the site from Alnwick in 1780. The statue was moved from the centre of the tank in the 19th century and replaced with a wheel cross. Local tradition says an altar-shaped stone near the well is the 'holy' stone, which gives the local village its name. The Lady's Well is a Scheduled Monument and Grade I Listed Building protected by law. Link