Cogden Wood

Wood, Forest in Yorkshire Richmondshire

England

Cogden Wood

River Swale from Grinton Bridge Credit: David Martin

Cogden Wood is a picturesque forest located in the county of Yorkshire, England. Situated near the market town of Whitby, the wood covers an area of approximately 200 acres and is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike.

The forest is characterized by its diverse range of tree species, including oak, ash, birch, and beech. The dense canopy of foliage provides a tranquil and serene atmosphere, making it an ideal place for visitors to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Cogden Wood is also home to a variety of wildlife, with many species of birds, mammals, and insects finding refuge within its boundaries. Birdwatchers will be delighted to spot woodpeckers, nuthatches, and tawny owls among the treetops, while keen-eyed visitors may also catch a glimpse of shy woodland creatures such as squirrels and deer.

The forest offers a network of well-maintained trails, allowing visitors to explore its beauty at their own pace. These trails cater to all levels of fitness and provide the opportunity to discover hidden gems within the wood, such as enchanting waterfalls and secluded picnic spots.

Cogden Wood is not only a haven for nature lovers but also serves as an important ecological site, contributing to the overall biodiversity and conservation efforts of the region. Whether one seeks solitude, adventure, or a chance to reconnect with nature, Cogden Wood offers an immersive experience that showcases the beauty and tranquility of Yorkshire's natural landscape.

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Cogden Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.373887/-1.9168723 or Grid Reference SE0597. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

River Swale from Grinton Bridge

David Martin

Grass field near Marrick

Small fields and drystone walls dominate this area of the grid square.

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Bench Mark, Reels Head

The Ordnance Survey bench mark is on the gate post of SE0698 : Grass field near Marrick and for further information on the bench mark and others in the area Link

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Sheep grazing land, Marrick

A few trees bring a bit of shelter to these two fields.

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Drystone walls, Reels Head

The footpath to follows the wall towards Marrick Barr.

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Mole gibbet, Reels Head

Molehills were very noticeable in many of the fields in this area of Yorkshire. This farmer is waging war against them and has exhibited the little black bodies on the gate. The moles are mainly killed using scissor traps or tunnel traps. Moles live in loose, easily diggable soil throughout Britain, from sea level to about 3000ft, but there are no moles in Ireland. They do not colonise poor mountain soil or acid, sandy soil because these contain few earthworms. Moles belong to the order of mammals called insectivores, and are related to hedgehogs. Molehills spoil lawns and sports grounds and reduce the value of pasture. They may also damage blades of cutting machines. In addition, moles rob the soil of earthworms. Farmers and gardeners are therefore their chief enemies. Other enemies include owls, foxes, dogs and cats.

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Molecatchers gibbet, Reels Head

Molecatchers of old must have had a good life even if they spent most of the time working away from home, they would travel from farm to farm or estate to estate. The customers would provide food and lodgings for the molecatcher. And he would be paid for every mole caught, he then sold the moleskins, which he had been paid to trap to fur dealers. Not a bad life. For a closer view of the gate and gibbet SE0698 : Mole gibbet, Reels Head

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Gate and drystone walls, Reels Head

Drystone walls are built without mortar, and their stability – they can stand for 200 years – is due to the skill of the craftsmen who place rough boulders and angular stones together. Many drystone walls were constructed as part of the enclosure of open grazing. They were especially useful in areas too exposed for hedgerows to survive and where stones were readily available. Most drystone walls are wider at the base than at the crown, and are often capped with coping stones. A typical wall has two outer layers of large, flattish stones enclosing an inner ‘heart’ of smaller, rounder stones. Often it is reinforced with ‘through bands’ of even larger, flat stones which can also be used as stiles. The very dryness of a wall makes it more likely to endure wind and frost and to act as shelter for livestock as well as a boundary. There is an Ordnance Survey bench mark on the gate post.

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Bench Mark, Reels Head

The bench mark is on the post of the gate shown in SE0698 : Gate and drystone walls, Reels Head For further information on the bench mark and others in the area Link

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Drystone walls, Reels Head

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Gate at the Hagg

There is an Ordnance Survey bench mark on the gate post.

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Bench Mark, The Hagg

The bench mark is to be found on the gate post in SE0598 : Gate at the Hagg and for more information on the cut mark and others in the area Link

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Molehills near the Hagg

Moles have been busy building molehills in the field and pheasants wander about happily. Moles live in loose, easily diggable soil throughout Britain, from sea level to about 3000ft, but there are no moles in Ireland. They do not colonise poor mountain soil or acid, sandy soil because these contain few earthworms. Moles belong to the order of mammals called insectivores, and are related to hedgehogs. Molehills spoil lawns and sports grounds and reduce the value of pasture. They may also damage blades of cutting machines. In addition, moles rob the soil of earthworms. Farmers and gardeners are therefore their chief enemies. Other enemies include owls, foxes, dogs and cats. The mole's name is possibly a shortened form of 'mouldiwarp', a names still used in northern England, which is derived from Old English 'molde', meaning earth and 'werpen', meaning to throw. But how can they make the hills when the earth is as hard as iron.

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Gate near The Hagg

The gate gives access to a farm track to the farm. There is an Ordnance Survey bench mark on the post visible.

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Bench Mark, Stony Bank Plantation

The bench mark is to be found on a stone past at the end of the field wall SE0598 : Gate near The Hagg For further information on the cut mark and others in the area Link

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Stile and drystone wall near Fremington

The stile gives walkers access to the footpath that takes them to High Fremington. Drystone walls are built without mortar, and their stability – they can stand for 200 years – is due to the skill of the craftsmen who place rough boulders and angular stones together. Many drystone walls were constructed as part of the enclosure of open grazing. They were especially useful in areas too exposed for hedgerows to survive and where stones were readily available. Most drystone walls are wider at the base than at the crown, and are often capped with coping stones. A typical wall has two outer layers of large, flattish stones enclosing an inner ‘heart’ of smaller, rounder stones. Often it is reinforced with ‘through bands’ of even larger, flat stones which can also be used as stiles. The very dryness of a wall makes it more likely to endure wind and frost and to act as shelter for livestock as well as a boundary.

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