Common Strip

Wood, Forest in Northumberland

England

Common Strip

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. — Hope the picnic tables are alright Credit: Leanmeanmo

Common Strip is a picturesque woodland located in Northumberland, a county in the northeast of England. Nestled within the Northumberland National Park, this beautiful forest is a haven for nature enthusiasts and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Covering an area of approximately 500 acres, Common Strip is mainly comprised of dense, mature woodlands, with a variety of tree species including oak, beech, and birch. The forest is known for its vibrant and diverse ecosystem, providing a habitat for a wide range of wildlife, including deer, foxes, badgers, and a myriad of bird species.

The woodland is crisscrossed by a network of well-maintained walking trails, allowing visitors to explore the natural beauty of the area while immersing themselves in the tranquil atmosphere. The trails vary in difficulty, catering to both casual walkers and more experienced hikers. Along the way, visitors can expect to encounter enchanting streams, moss-covered rocks, and breathtaking viewpoints that offer panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside.

Common Strip also boasts a rich history, with evidence of human activity dating back to prehistoric times. Archaeological remains, such as ancient burial mounds and stone circles, can be found within the forest, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the area.

In summary, Common Strip, Northumberland, is a captivating woodland that offers a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. With its diverse flora and fauna, well-maintained trails, and a touch of ancient mystique, this woodland gem is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking solace in the embrace of nature.

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Common Strip Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.308825/-2.0779668 or Grid Reference NT9501. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

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

Another Storm Arwen ravaged copse of trees

Like its near neighbour this small walled enclosure is probably of military origin since it boasts gun loops. Although it's well outside the boundary of the Otterburn Ranges, it too is still used by troops in training, evidenced by the odd cartridge case lying around. See NT9300 : Small copse of Scots Pine in walled enclosure

Leanmeanmo

Firing loops

One of a number of groups of gun loops set into the wall enclosing a small copse of Scots Pine. See NT9400 : Another Storm Arwen ravaged copse of trees

Leanmeanmo

Dues Hill round cairn

Archaeological site. Scheduled Monument, see Link

Leanmeanmo

Woodhouses Bastle

This bastle, located south-west of Holystone Grange, was built in the early 17th century. It is built of coarse stonework and measures 11.5m long by 7.5m wide. Inside is a vaulted basement, the entrance to which is carved with the date 1602. The basement was used to keep animals, but upstairs is the first floor living area. Here, there are a few small windows and two stone wall cupboards, a stone sink, and traces of an original fireplace. The bastle was increased in height in the 18th century when an attic was added and was restored and reroofed in 1904. This is a Scheduled Monument and Grade II* Listed Building protected by law. Link

Les Hull

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

Les Hull