Ashes Plantation

Wood, Forest in Durham

England

Ashes Plantation

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. <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://arthuride.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/sigillaria-tree1.jpg" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://arthuride.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/sigillaria-tree1.jpg">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>

Preserved at a sand quarry it was brought here and erected in front of the church. The bark and root impressions are very good. — Stanhope Tree Credit: Ashley Dace

Ashes Plantation, located in Durham, is a picturesque woodland area known for its rich history and natural beauty. Situated in the heart of the county, this plantation covers a vast expanse of land and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.

The woodland in Ashes Plantation is predominantly composed of oak and beech trees, creating a dense forest canopy that provides a habitat for numerous species. The forest floor is adorned with carpets of bluebells during the springtime, adding a vibrant burst of color to the landscape.

The plantation has a long and storied past, dating back several centuries. It was originally established as a hunting ground for the aristocracy, with remnants of their hunting lodges still visible today. Over the years, the land was also used for timber production, with evidence of old sawmills and charcoal pits scattered throughout the area.

Today, Ashes Plantation is managed by a conservation organization, which aims to preserve its natural heritage and promote sustainable land management practices. The plantation is open to the public, offering a range of walking trails that allow visitors to explore the woodland and appreciate its beauty.

The tranquility and serenity of Ashes Plantation make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers. Its well-maintained paths and signposts ensure that visitors can navigate the area easily, while interpretive boards provide information on the plantation's history and ecology.

In conclusion, Ashes Plantation in Durham is a captivating woodland area that offers a glimpse into the region's past and provides a sanctuary for a variety of plant and animal life. Its accessibility and preservation efforts make it an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful and educational nature experience.

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Ashes Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.753166/-2.0135787 or Grid Reference NY9939. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

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

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

Weardale around Allerton bridge west of Stanhope

Looking south across the valley towards NY9838 : Newlandside Quarry photographed by Peter McDermott.

Mike Quinn

Trackbed of the former mineral railway between Ashes Quarry and Crawleyside

See NY9939 : Ashes Quarry (2).

Mike Quinn

Wooden sleepers in the trackbed of the former mineral railway between Ashes Quarry and Crawleyside

See NY9939 : Trackbed of the former mineral railway between Ashes Quarry and Crawleyside.

Mike Quinn

Stanhope Bridge

Stanhope Bridge is a grade II* listed building: 'Medieval and early C19 with C20 restoration' as the website British Listed Buildings tells - Link

. The bridge provides a crossing of the River Wear just west of the town of Stanhope.

Trevor Littlewood

Minor road passing Snowsfield

Two roads travel the stretch of Weardale west of Stanhope; most traffic of course uses the main road, the A689, on the north side of the river. This road is on the south side of the River Wear and was photographed here passing the house at Snowsfield.

Trevor Littlewood

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Ashes Plantation is located at Grid Ref: NY9939 (Lat: 54.753166, Lng: -2.0135787)

Unitary Authority: County Durham

Police Authority: Durham