Purprise Wood

Wood, Forest in Yorkshire

England

Purprise Wood

Willow pony A willow sculpture of what appears to be a Dales pony at Hardcastle Crags. — Willow pony Credit: Kathleen Illingworth

Purprise Wood is a captivating forest located in the scenic county of Yorkshire, England. Spanning over a vast area, it is renowned for its pristine beauty and rich biodiversity. The wood is situated on the edge of the picturesque village of Purprise, nestled amidst rolling hills and lush green meadows.

The forest boasts a diverse range of tree species, including oak, beech, ash, and birch, which provide a stunning tapestry of colors throughout the year. The foliage transforms into vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold during the autumn months, creating a breathtaking spectacle for visitors.

Nature enthusiasts flock to Purprise Wood for its abundant wildlife. The forest is home to a myriad of species, such as deer, badgers, foxes, and numerous bird species. Birdwatchers can spot woodpeckers, owls, and various songbirds, adding to the enchanting ambiance of the wood.

Tranquil walking trails wind their way through the forest, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural wonders of Purprise Wood. The paths meander alongside babbling brooks and picturesque ponds, providing a serene and calming atmosphere.

Visitors can also stumble upon ancient ruins and historical landmarks within the wood, adding a touch of mystery and intrigue to their exploration. These remnants from the past offer insight into the rich history and cultural heritage of the area.

Overall, Purprise Wood in Yorkshire is a haven for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Its stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and fascinating history make it a must-visit destination for those seeking solace in the beauty of nature.

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Purprise Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.767075/-2.0176973 or Grid Reference SD9830. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Willow pony

A willow sculpture of what appears to be a Dales pony at Hardcastle Crags.

Kathleen Illingworth

Abel Cross

A pair of wayside marker stones on the slopes above Crimsworth Dean

Kevin Waterhouse

Helliwell Wood Farmhouse

In Crimsworth Dean

Kevin Waterhouse

Barker Cote Farmhouse

Converted to residential

Kevin Waterhouse

Aqueduct in Crimsworth Dean

The aqueduct connects a dam on the west side of Bridge Clough with one on the east. These dams connect with ones lower down the valley and all appeared to service Midgehole Dye Works

Kevin Waterhouse

Nook Farmhouse

Named Nook on modern OS maps but originally Upper Sunny Bank Farmhouse with a lower Sunny Bank nearby

Kevin Waterhouse

Hebden Water Footbridge

Just south of the confluence with Rowshaw Clough

Kevin Waterhouse

Weir on Hebden Water, Hardcastle Crags

Humphrey Bolton

Rock outcrop, Hardcastle Crags

Humphrey Bolton

Path on a flat valley Floor, Hardcastle Crags

This is on the Green Route. In some places the valley is V-shaped with little space each side of the river, and in some places it is quite wide and flat.

Humphrey Bolton

Fallen tree across Hebden Water, Hardcastle Crags

This tree makes a 'leaky dam' to help to slow flood flows to reduce flooding in Hebden Bridge downstream. This looks to have occurred naturally, but some trees trunks and poles have been placed across the river that will form dams when floating debris has lodged on them.

Humphrey Bolton

Footbridge across Hebden Water, Hardcastle Crags

This is on the Green Route. The path formerly continued up the west side of the river and is still shown thus on maps. However it appears to have been eroded away and part of it has been re-routed to the east side, requiring two new footbridges.

Humphrey Bolton

New tree-planting amongst tall beeches, Hardcastle Crags

"There are areas of Hardcastle Crags that are densely populated by beech trees. These trees block the light from reaching the woodland floor and have stopped plants and flowers from growing underneath them. The lack of ground vegetation is a problem for wildlife and is also a worry during periods of heavy rain. With no ground plants to slow the flow, the rainwater flows quickly to the streams taking leaf litter and soil with it - this causes blockages which increases the risk of flooding in Hebden Bridge and the local area. We've started work to selectively fell trees across the woodland. As well as increasing the light level to help the vegetation and wildlife on the woodland floor, new homes for bats and birds will be created from the thinned beech trees, and their branches will be used to build leaky wooden dams – natural flood management techniques to help slow the flow of rainwater. The work will be completed by carefully chosen contractors who will inspect each tree for signs of bat habitation before work starts, and new trees, including oak, rowan, birch and holly, will be planted to replace the beech trees." From Link

Humphrey Bolton

Weir on Hebden Water, Hardcastle Crags

This looks like a flow measurement weir, and there is a small building nearby that might house the equipment. However an internet search suggests that it is no longer in use.

Humphrey Bolton

Footbridge at the northern end of the Green Route, Hardcastle Crags

Humphrey Bolton

Willow sculptures, Hardcastle Crags

A carthorse and a farmer.

Humphrey Bolton

Path to the crags, Hardcastle crags

Humphrey Bolton

Clam bridge in Rowshaw Clough

This appears to be on an old Victorian track that led to Horseshoe Cascade in Rowshaw Clough which was a popular attraction. The paths if they still exist are now in private woodland.

Kevin Waterhouse

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Purprise Wood is located at Grid Ref: SD9830 (Lat: 53.767075, Lng: -2.0176973)

Division: West Riding

Unitary Authority: Calderdale

Police Authority: West Yorkshire