Parker's Plantation

Wood, Forest in Northumberland

England

Parker's 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

Parker's Plantation, located in Northumberland, is a unique woodland area known for its diverse array of plant species. Situated amidst the serene surroundings of Northumberland's countryside, this plantation is a haven for nature enthusiasts and researchers alike.

Covering an expansive area, Parker's Plantation is characterized by its dense forest, which is home to a rich variety of trees such as oak, beech, and maple. These towering giants provide a lush canopy that filters sunlight, creating a cool and tranquil atmosphere on the forest floor. The woodland is also adorned with an assortment of shrubs and undergrowth, including ferns, mosses, and wildflowers, adding splashes of vibrant colors to the landscape.

The plantation is renowned for its biodiversity, housing a wide range of animal species. Birdwatchers will be delighted to spot various avian species, including woodpeckers, owls, and songbirds, while small mammals, such as squirrels and rabbits, can be seen darting among the underbrush. Additionally, the plantation is known for its thriving population of deer, which graze peacefully in the open spaces.

Visitors to Parker's Plantation can explore numerous walking trails, allowing for a closer encounter with nature's wonders. These trails meander through the forest, offering opportunities to observe the flora and fauna up-close. The plantation also provides guided tours, led by knowledgeable experts who share fascinating insights into the various species and their ecological significance.

Parker's Plantation is not only a natural sanctuary but also serves as an important research site. Scientists and botanists conduct studies here, contributing to our understanding of woodland ecosystems and aiding in conservation efforts.

Overall, Parker's Plantation in Northumberland is a captivating woodland area that captivates visitors with its breathtaking beauty and abundant wildlife.

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Parker's Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.84718/-2.0726173 or Grid Reference NY9550. 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