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Black Plantation

Wood, Forest in Northumberland

England

Black 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

Black Plantation is a woodland area located in Northumberland, England. It is situated within the larger Black Plantation Forest, which covers a total area of approximately 500 hectares. The woodland is characterized by its dense vegetation, primarily consisting of a variety of tree species such as oak, beech, and birch. These trees create a lush and vibrant canopy that provides habitat for numerous animal species.

The area is known for its rich biodiversity, with a diverse range of flora and fauna. The forest floor is covered in a thick layer of leaf litter, providing a habitat for small mammals, insects, and fungi. Additionally, the woodland is home to several bird species, including woodpeckers, owls, and various songbirds.

Black Plantation is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. It offers a network of well-maintained footpaths and trails, allowing visitors to explore the woodland and admire its natural beauty. The forest is also equipped with picnic areas, making it an ideal spot for families and groups to enjoy a day out in nature.

The management of Black Plantation is carried out by the local forestry commission, which ensures the preservation and sustainable use of the woodland. This includes the implementation of various conservation measures and the promotion of responsible visitor activities.

Overall, Black Plantation in Northumberland is a stunning forested area that offers a tranquil retreat for nature enthusiasts. Its diverse flora and fauna, combined with its well-maintained facilities, make it a fantastic destination for outdoor exploration and appreciation of the natural world.

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Black Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.900727/-2.059163 or Grid Reference NY9656. 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.
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.
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).
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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).
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).
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).
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).
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).
Slaley, St Mary's church The present church of St Mary at Slaley was rebuilt in 1832, although there was a church mentioned here as early as 1239.
Slaley, St Mary's church
The present church of St Mary at Slaley was rebuilt in 1832, although there was a church mentioned here as early as 1239.
Slaley, St. Mary's church entrance
Slaley, St. Mary's church entrance
Crossroads near Slaley
Crossroads near Slaley
Road through Slaley Forest This road is a cul-de-sac and leads to a caravan site and quarry.
Road through Slaley Forest
This road is a cul-de-sac and leads to a caravan site and quarry.
Start of bridleway at Actoncleugh Head, Slaley Forest Leading onto Blanchland Moor.
Start of bridleway at Actoncleugh Head, Slaley Forest
Leading onto Blanchland Moor.
Fell Plantation
Fell Plantation
Forest track through Slaley Forest
Forest track through Slaley Forest
Sculpture Slaley Forest
Sculpture Slaley Forest
Forest Track Slaley Forest
Forest Track Slaley Forest
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.
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.
The view from Spring House towards Rye Hill.
The view from Spring House towards Rye Hill.
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Black Plantation is located at Grid Ref: NY9656 (Lat: 54.900727, Lng: -2.059163)

Unitary Authority: Northumberland

Police Authority: Northumbria

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///dose.political.race. Near Slaley, Northumberland

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