Square Plantation

Wood, Forest in Durham

England

Square Plantation

Sheep in fields east of farm at Rose Hill Expectant sheep occupy and graze these fields; at least one of them, nearest the camera, has already produced a lamb. — Sheep in fields east of farm at Rose Hill Credit: Trevor Littlewood

Square Plantation is a picturesque woodland area located in Durham, England. Covering an expansive area, this plantation is known for its dense forest and scenic beauty. The woodland is situated near the village of Wood and is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers.

The plantation is characterized by its square shape, which gives it its name. It boasts a diverse range of tree species, including oak, beech, and birch, which provide a rich and vibrant canopy. The forest floor is covered with a thick carpet of moss, ferns, and wildflowers, adding to its enchanting atmosphere.

The woodland is home to a variety of wildlife, making it a haven for nature lovers. Visitors may encounter squirrels, rabbits, and a variety of bird species, including woodpeckers and owls. The peaceful ambiance and abundance of wildlife make Square Plantation an ideal spot for birdwatching and wildlife photography.

The plantation offers several walking trails, allowing visitors to explore its natural beauty at their own pace. These trails wind through the woodland, offering stunning views and opportunities to immerse oneself in nature. The paths are well-maintained, making them suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Square Plantation is not only a natural oasis but also serves as an important habitat for local flora and fauna. It is a place where visitors can escape the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with nature. With its serene atmosphere and breathtaking scenery, Square Plantation is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking tranquility and natural beauty in Durham.

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Square Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.738213/-2.067172 or Grid Reference NY9538. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Sheep in fields east of farm at Rose Hill

Expectant sheep occupy and graze these fields; at least one of them, nearest the camera, has already produced a lamb.

Trevor Littlewood

South Eastgate Plantation

Plantations are normally large and densely packed with coniferous trees; South Eastgate Plantation is small and thinly populated with broadleaved trees.

Trevor Littlewood

Weardale around Eastgate

Mike Quinn

Bewdley Plain and Black Hill

Mike Quinn

Quarry of 'Weardale Works'

Weardale has seen massive amounts of rock quarried from its sides and no larger working exists in the valley than the old Blue Circle, later Lafarge operation on the south side which supplied limestone by conveyor to the cement works at Eastgate; OS mapping names the area as 'Weardale Works'. Soon after the Lafarge purchase quarrying and cement manufacture ceased and the cement works at Eastgate was erased. Similarly the quarrying operation ended and the quarry area has been landscaped. Once a public footpath cut across the north end of the quarry site; it was closed during the period of extraction but it seems that it might be reopened in the future; the image here was taken from the probable line of the path and shows distantly part of the quarry face beyond nearer workings.

Trevor Littlewood

South-west corner of Ludwell Wood

Ludwell Wood lies to the east of the valley of Western Hope; it's seen in this image from an estate road to the south on the same side of Western Hope.

Trevor Littlewood

Pastures and dry stone walls next to A689

David Gearing

White House Farm, on the A689

David Gearing

Field west of Howl John

The field with grazing sheep is in Weardale between the villages of Eastgate and Stanhope; it lies immediately west of the curiously named farm at Howl John. Other fields and clumps of trees lie beyond to the south before a slope rises to grassy moorland.

Trevor Littlewood

East Bewdley

Mike Quinn

Aller Gill House

Aller Gill House lies on the south side of the River Wear and north of the minor road there.

Trevor Littlewood

Birkshaw

Birkshaw is one of an number of old farmsteads in the vicinity which have been abandoned or at least are deserted. Another abandoned feature seen here is a public footpath: below the centre of the image the through stones of a stile can be seen in the wall, and above them a notice attached to a pole. The notice tells that a path heading east from Birkshaw is not useable due to quarrying; this is odd! This notice and others were erected just a few years ago and yet the quarrying operation ended many decades ago, possibly in the 1940s.

Trevor Littlewood

Snape Gate

Horsley Burn is a tributary stream to the River Wear flowing north-east to join it west of Stanhope. Enclosures rise on the south side of the burn eventually giving way to grassy moorland; among the enclosures on that slope there's a surprising number of old farmsteads no longer in use. Some of the buildings are now ruins others merely abandoned; Snape Gate is one of that last group.

Trevor Littlewood

Snapegate Plantation

The southern side of Snapegate Plantation is seen in this image where it abuts on to grassy moorland rising (leftwards) towards the ridge of Carrs Top.

Trevor Littlewood