West Softley Plantation

Wood, Forest in Durham

England

West Softley Plantation

Moor House beside B6278 Moor House is a small, deserted property beside the B6278 south of Stanhope. Scurfield House is partly hidden by the right hand tree. — Moor House beside B6278 Credit: Trevor Littlewood

West Softley Plantation is a sprawling woodland located in Durham, England. Covering an impressive area of over 500 acres, it is renowned for its dense forests and diverse range of plant and animal species. The plantation is situated in the heart of the Durham countryside, providing a tranquil and picturesque setting for nature enthusiasts and visitors alike.

The woodland is predominantly composed of deciduous and coniferous trees, including oak, beech, and pine. These trees not only provide a stunning visual display throughout the seasons but also offer a vital habitat for various wildlife species. It is common to spot deer, rabbits, foxes, and a variety of bird species within the plantation.

West Softley Plantation is carefully managed to preserve its natural beauty and biodiversity. The management practices include selective logging and controlled burns to encourage new growth and maintain a healthy ecosystem. Additionally, the plantation features well-maintained walking trails that allow visitors to explore the woodland and appreciate its natural splendor.

The plantation also serves as an educational resource for students and researchers, providing opportunities for ecological studies and environmental research. Many organizations and educational institutions collaborate with the plantation to conduct surveys and gather data on the local flora and fauna.

Overall, West Softley Plantation is a remarkable woodland in Durham that showcases the beauty of nature and serves as a valuable habitat for wildlife. Its careful management and educational initiatives contribute to the preservation of the local ecosystem and make it a cherished destination for nature lovers and researchers alike.

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West Softley Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.743989/-2.0266392 or Grid Reference NY9838. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Moor House beside B6278

Moor House is a small, deserted property beside the B6278 south of Stanhope. Scurfield House is partly hidden by the right hand tree.

Trevor Littlewood

Stanhope Tree

A preserved Sigillaria tree from the mid Carboniferous coal swamps. Instead of joining its coal friends it rotted away but was covered in sand which left a cast. Link

Preserved at a sand quarry it was brought here and erected in front of the church. The bark and root impressions are very good.

Ashley Dace

St Thomas the Apostle Church, Stanhope

The Church is an ancient structure, standing on the north side of the town. It is mainly of the Norman period, with its oldest portion being the lower stages of the tower. It consists of nave, aisles, chancel, south porch, and western tower. The chantry chapel at the east end of the south aisle, and dedicated to St. Mary, was probably added about 1225. (Carol Bleasdale)

Ashley Dace

Stanhope Tree

A preserved Sigillaria tree from the mid Carboniferous coal swamps. Instead of joining its coal friends it rotted away but was covered in sand which left a cast. Link

Preserved at a sand quarry it was brought here and erected in front of the church. The bark and root impressions are very good.

Ashley Dace

Stanhope Railway Station

Steam was due to be running but problems meant no service today. The station was restored in 2004 with reconstruction of the canopy. The Edwardian traveller would notice little difference apart from the footbridge, signal box and signage.

Ashley Dace

Stanhope Railway Station

A view of the footbridge which hasn't changed in many years.

Ashley Dace

Stanhope Railway Station

The preserved railway station on the Weardale railway, a line offering a service to Bishops Auckland. Steam runs to Wolsingham and return. Since 2004 the canopy has been restored and facilities improved. Link

Ashley Dace

Former Weardale Railway

The line to Eastgate is now disused but ready for restoration.

Ashley Dace

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

Old railway goods van near Greenhead Farm

The location of this old railway goods van is shown in NY9739 : The valley of Allerton Burn near Greenhead Farm.

Mike Quinn

The valley of Allerton Burn near Greenhead Farm

Shows the location of NY9739 : Old railway goods van near Greenhead Farm.

Mike Quinn

Weardale near Greenfoot

Mike Quinn

The Church of St. Thomas, Stanhope

Viewed from Church Lane.

Mike Quinn

Ashes Quarry (2)

The quarry was a mile long and was worked for over 70 years. The North Pennines AONB has produced a leaflet about the quarry that includes a 2 mile walk around the area Link

Mike Quinn

Ashes Quarry

The quarry was a mile long and was worked for over 70 years. The North Pennines AONB has produced a leaflet about the quarry that includes a 2 mile walk around the area Link

. See also NY9939 : Ashes Quarry (2).

Mike Quinn