Long Plantation

Wood, Forest in Durham

England

Long Plantation

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

Long Plantation is a picturesque woodland located in Durham, England. Covering a vast area, it is renowned for its lush greenery, diverse wildlife, and tranquil atmosphere. Situated near the village of Long Newton, this beautiful plantation is a popular destination for nature lovers, hikers, and birdwatchers.

The plantation is primarily composed of a dense forest that features a variety of tree species, including oak, beech, ash, and birch. These majestic trees form a dense canopy, providing shade and shelter for the abundant flora and fauna that inhabit the area. The forest floor is carpeted with a rich undergrowth of ferns, wildflowers, and mosses, creating a vibrant and colorful landscape.

Long Plantation is home to a wide range of wildlife, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. Visitors have the opportunity to spot various bird species, such as woodpeckers, owls, and songbirds. Additionally, the plantation is inhabited by small mammals like squirrels, rabbits, and foxes, as well as occasional sightings of deer.

The plantation offers a network of well-maintained walking trails that wind through the woodland, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore its beauty at their own pace. These trails offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside and are suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Long Plantation is not only a haven for wildlife and nature enthusiasts but also provides a peaceful retreat for those seeking solace and tranquility. Its idyllic setting and serene ambiance make it a perfect destination for individuals looking to escape the bustle of city life and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.

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Long Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.734881/-2.0636722 or Grid Reference NY9537. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

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

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

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

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

Ludwell

Haymaking in fields on Ludwell Farm.

Peter McDermott

Stanhope, cattle grazing

In a field next to the Wear, with the preserved railway line North of the river.

Mike Faherty

Entrance to Eastgate

Alex McGregor

Eastgate: approaching former station, 1995

View NW across a temporarily closed bridge over the River Wear, to the ex-NER Bishop Auckland (to left) - Wearhead (to right) line. Eastgate station and the service to Wearhead closed to passengers from 29/6/53, but goods continued until 1961, to Westgate until 1/7/68 and (for cement) from Eastgate until 17/3/93. The line was mothballed until 2004, then acquired as a heritage operation by the Weardale Railway for progressive restoration.

Ben Brooksbank