Deborah Plantation

Wood, Forest in Durham

England

Deborah Plantation

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

Deborah Plantation, located in Durham, is a charming and picturesque area known for its beautiful woodlands and serene forest environment. Spanning across acres of lush greenery, this plantation is a haven for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat.

The plantation is home to a variety of tree species, including oak, pine, and maple, creating a diverse and vibrant ecosystem. The dense forest provides a haven for numerous wildlife species, such as deer, squirrels, and various bird species, making it a popular spot for birdwatching and wildlife enthusiasts.

Deborah Plantation offers a range of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. There are well-maintained hiking and walking trails that wind through the forest, allowing visitors to explore the natural beauty of the area at their own pace. The trails are suitable for all fitness levels and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Additionally, the plantation offers educational programs and guided tours for those interested in learning more about the local flora and fauna. These programs provide valuable insights into the rich biodiversity of the plantation and its importance in preserving the natural environment.

Visitors can also enjoy picnicking areas and designated spots for camping, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the tranquility of the plantation. Whether it's a leisurely stroll through the forest or a camping adventure under the starlit sky, Deborah Plantation offers a serene and rejuvenating experience for all nature enthusiasts.

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Deborah Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.834969/-2.0687499 or Grid Reference NY9548. 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

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