Blackhill Plantation

Wood, Forest in Northumberland

England

Blackhill Plantation

Harvesting a section of Slaley Forest Signs at the entrance to the eastern end of Slaley Forest warn of a number of closed tracks as a diamond-shaped section of the plantation was being actively clear-cut. The noise of chainsaws filled the air, which a tractor dragged cut logs on a trailer, using a crane to lift these into stacks. A big road-legal timber truck was the other side of the logpile using its own crane to take them off again and away to become glamourous new products like fenceposts or newsprint. — Harvesting a section of Slaley Forest Credit: Andy Waddington

Blackhill Plantation is a picturesque woodland located in the county of Northumberland, England. Covering an area of approximately 500 acres, it is a notable forested area in the region. The plantation is situated within the wider Kielder Forest, which is known for its vast expanse of trees and diverse wildlife.

The woodland is predominantly composed of coniferous trees, with spruce and pine species being the most prevalent. These tall, majestic trees create a dense canopy, casting dappled sunlight on the forest floor below. The plantation is meticulously managed by the Forestry Commission, ensuring the health and sustainability of the woodland ecosystem.

Blackhill Plantation offers visitors a tranquil escape into nature. There are numerous walking trails that weave through the forest, allowing visitors to explore the natural beauty of the area. The trails range in difficulty, catering to both casual strollers and avid hikers. Along the routes, visitors may encounter a variety of wildlife, including deer, squirrels, and a wide range of bird species.

In addition to its natural attractions, Blackhill Plantation also provides recreational facilities for visitors. There are picnic areas and designated spots for barbecues, allowing families and friends to enjoy a day out in the forest. The plantation is also home to a small visitor center, providing information on the local flora and fauna, as well as the history of the woodland.

Overall, Blackhill Plantation is a cherished natural asset in Northumberland. Its serene atmosphere and scenic beauty make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat amidst the vast woodlands of the region.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Blackhill Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.897626/-2.0615753 or Grid Reference NY9655. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Harvesting a section of Slaley Forest

Signs at the entrance to the eastern end of Slaley Forest warn of a number of closed tracks as a diamond-shaped section of the plantation was being actively clear-cut. The noise of chainsaws filled the air, which a tractor dragged cut logs on a trailer, using a crane to lift these into stacks. A big road-legal timber truck was the other side of the logpile using its own crane to take them off again and away to become glamourous new products like fenceposts or newsprint.

Andy Waddington

Regenerating Slaley Forest

Areas of the forest have been harvested on a cycle, and this patch seems to have been cut some years ago. Whilst much of the mature plantation is Sitka Spruce, this area has been repopulated with pine. Forestry does not feel obliged to stick with native species, and the trees aren't big enough yet that I could identify whether they are Scots Pine (which are native), Austrian/Corsican Pine (which have been widely used for shelter in the UK) or an American species like Lodgepole Pine (the coast range subspecies of which, Shore Pine, is used in forestry). They certainly aren't that widely planted and very fast-growing species much used for timber or woodpulp in somewhat warmer climes, Pinus radiata (Monterrey Pine).

Andy Waddington

Slaley Forest pond

A pool in a clearing surrounded by a greater diversity of tree species than found elsewhere in the forest, with a small island which no doubt provides a safer nesting spot for someone. However, this view is strictly time-limited as the diminutive conifer directly in front of the photographer is a volunteer seedling Sitka Spruce which, given considerably more light than the ones planted so densely in the plantation, will rapidly grow to occupy the foreground.

Andy Waddington

Forest track branches off byway, Slaley Forest

The forest track to the left is guarded by a closed barrier to deter those who use the byway from straying where they are not permitted. Whilst signage implies a significant overuse of the byways by motor traffic, some of them shown on the map seem to have been erased entirely on the ground. The ones that still exist seem sufficiently straight that there can be little scope for noisy rally driving, but no doubt provide sport for mindless boy racers who think it fun to go very fast in a straight line. Signs advise calling Northumbria Police if you see bad behaviour taking place, but don't bother to mention where one might find a phone box to do so.

Andy Waddington

Forest track in Slaley Forest

A byway is shown on maps running roughly east-west for a kilometre and a half in this area of Slaley Forest, but on the ground, the line it supposedly takes is just densely planted forest. Instead, one is obliged to take a longer route via a number of SW-NE and SE-NW forest tracks such as this one, which are not rights of way of any description (though the bulk of the forest is CROW Access Land).

Andy Waddington

Forest track in Slaley Forest

Andy Waddington

Forest track branches off byway, Slaley Forest

The route to the right is supposedly a byway, though the line of that right of way some way ahead seems to have been wholly effaced by the forest leaving only rather longer routes on the forest tracks (with signage making clear that these are not for vehicles). The route to the left is one of these tracks, and the one we have just taken to reach this point (in the absence of any trace of the byway we'd intended to use starting about two kilometres away).

Andy Waddington

Pit Sikes

Three small streams flowing into Acton Burn which derive their name from their proximity to some old coal workings. OS Namebook (c1860): Link

Archive Link

Andrew Curtis

Crossroads near Slaley

Les Hull

Road through Slaley Forest

This road is a cul-de-sac and leads to a caravan site and quarry.

Les Hull

Start of bridleway at Actoncleugh Head, Slaley Forest

Leading onto Blanchland Moor.

Les Hull

Fell Plantation

Les Hull

Forest track through Slaley Forest

Les Hull

Sculpture Slaley Forest

Les Hull

Forest Track Slaley Forest

Les Hull

Colpitts Grange

The mail arrives at Colpitts Grange! Whilst there are now no signs of the early 'Coal Pits' which gave the area its name, this hamlet is now almost surrounded by the golf courses of the nearby Slaley Hall Hotel.

Bill Cresswell