Helliwell Wood

Wood, Forest in Yorkshire

England

Helliwell Wood

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

Helliwell Wood is a picturesque woodland located in the county of Yorkshire, England. Known for its natural beauty and tranquility, it is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike. The wood is situated in the village of Helliwell, near the town of Keighley, and covers an area of approximately 50 acres.

The woodland is characterized by its diverse range of trees, including oak, beech, and birch, which create a stunning canopy of foliage throughout the year. These trees provide a habitat for various wildlife species such as deer, foxes, and numerous bird species, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers.

Helliwell Wood offers several well-marked trails that wind through the forest, allowing visitors to explore its natural wonders at their own pace. The paths are surrounded by an abundance of wildflowers, adding a burst of color and fragrance to the woodland. Along the way, visitors may come across charming features such as a babbling brook, ancient stone walls, and even a small waterfall.

The wood offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, providing a serene environment for relaxation and contemplation. Many visitors also enjoy picnicking in the designated areas or simply sitting on one of the many benches scattered throughout the wood to soak in the natural surroundings.

Helliwell Wood truly showcases the beauty of Yorkshire's countryside and is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a tranquil escape in the heart of nature.

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Helliwell Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.76969/-2.016773 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

Outbuildings at Walshaw

These appear to be dog kennels with four railed yards in front of small rooms. Walshaw is a centre for grouse shooting and perhaps these outbuildings were in connection with that sport rather than hunting.

Kevin Waterhouse

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Helliwell Wood is located at Grid Ref: SD9830 (Lat: 53.76969, Lng: -2.016773)

Division: West Riding

Unitary Authority: Calderdale

Police Authority: West Yorkshire