Walker's Wood

Wood, Forest in Durham

England

Walker's Wood

Inadequately maintained stile The public footpath is clearly not a popular and well-used one, as it is barely discernible on the ground. Perhaps that is at least in part related to this appalling piece of failure to maintain the right of way. Having a public footpath on your land is a privilege and an honour, not to be abused by such flagrant obstruction. Had I happened to have my fencing tool with me, I would undoubtedly have removed the top strand of barbed wire, and if the dog had not managed to squeeze underneath (it took considerable persuasion) one could be forgiven for taking out the whole piece of fence. People who are so lazy, cheapskate and inconsiderate as to not maintain a stile in good condition deserve to lose their livestock, if only into another field. — Inadequately maintained stile Credit: Andy Waddington

Walker's Wood is a picturesque forest located in the county of Durham, in the northeast of England. Spanning over 100 acres, this enchanting woodland is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The forest is named after the Walker family, who have owned and managed the wood for generations.

Upon entering Walker's Wood, visitors are greeted by a diverse range of flora and fauna. Towering oak, beech, and pine trees dominate the landscape, creating a dense canopy that provides shade and shelter for a plethora of wildlife. The forest floor is adorned with a carpet of vibrant wildflowers, ferns, and mosses, adding to the area's natural beauty.

The wood boasts a network of well-maintained trails, allowing visitors to explore its many hidden gems. Meandering through the forest, these paths provide opportunities for hiking, jogging, and cycling. The tranquil atmosphere and serene surroundings make Walker's Wood a popular destination for those seeking solace in nature.

A variety of wildlife calls Walker's Wood home, including deer, foxes, rabbits, and a myriad of bird species. The forest is teeming with life, and nature enthusiasts can spot a wide range of animals and birds throughout the year. Birdwatchers, in particular, will be delighted by the chance to observe species such as woodpeckers, owls, and various migratory birds.

Walker's Wood is not just a natural sanctuary; it also serves as an educational and recreational resource for the local community. The forest hosts guided nature walks, workshops, and educational programs for both children and adults, allowing visitors to learn more about the area's ecosystem and conservation efforts.

In conclusion, Walker's Wood is a captivating forest in Durham that offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its scenic trails, diverse wildlife, and educational programs, it is a treasure trove for nature enthusiasts and a cherished asset to the local community.

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Walker's Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.600525/-1.8807341 or Grid Reference NZ0722. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Inadequately maintained stile

The public footpath is clearly not a popular and well-used one, as it is barely discernible on the ground. Perhaps that is at least in part related to this appalling piece of failure to maintain the right of way. Having a public footpath on your land is a privilege and an honour, not to be abused by such flagrant obstruction. Had I happened to have my fencing tool with me, I would undoubtedly have removed the top strand of barbed wire, and if the dog had not managed to squeeze underneath (it took considerable persuasion) one could be forgiven for taking out the whole piece of fence. People who are so lazy, cheapskate and inconsiderate as to not maintain a stile in good condition deserve to lose their livestock, if only into another field.

Andy Waddington

Track To Friar Cote

David Robinson

Pearson House Farm

Anthony Parkes

Entrance to Gawen House Farm

Anthony Parkes

Wall near Langley Beck

Moss is a small green plant, rarely more than a few inches high, which grows anywhere not overshadowed by taller vegetation or perpetually dry. There are more than 600 species in the British Isles, growing on rocks and walls, in woodlands and on tree trunks and branches. They are important pioneers of rock surfaces, holding moisture in their leaves and building up humus in which the seeds of flowering plants can germinate. There are two alternating generations in the life cycle of moss. The plant itself carries male and female organs. After fertilisation, these produce a capsule. Stalk and capsule together form an asexual, spore-bearing generation. The spores produced are capable of germinating into a new plant. Mosses also reproduce vegetatively, by small pieces breaking off and growing into a new plant. As they are rootless and tend to get their nutrients from water running over or through them they are nearly always short.

Maigheach-gheal

Langley Beck near Kinninvie

Looking downstream. Sheep graze in the adjacent field and a tractor appears to drive down the stream to fill the hay rack.

Maigheach-gheal

Langley Beck near Kinninvie

Looking upstream.

Maigheach-gheal

Sheep by Langley Beck

It must be the time of year because as soon as you appear at a gate sheep rush over in the hope of being fed.

Maigheach-gheal

Drystone walls near Copley

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.

Maigheach-gheal

Raby Moor House

Derelict farm buildings.

Peter McDermott

Gawen House

Gawen House Farm seen from Moor Lane.

Peter McDermott

Marwood Lodge

Trackbed of the dismantled Darlington to Kirkby Stephen Railway at Marwood Lodge on the B6279.

Peter McDermott

Hillingdon

Fields on Hillingdon Farm.

Peter McDermott

Sadler Lane

Fields alongside Sadler Lane seen from Moor Lane.

Peter McDermott

Langley Viaduct

Langley Viaduct seen from Billy Lane near Moory Lea. See also NZ0622 : Langley Viaduct.

Peter McDermott

Burfoot Leazes

The farm at Burfoot Leazes from the south at a forest road on the north side of Arn Gill.

Trevor Littlewood

Estate/farm road with elongated bank of mine spoil

The road runs at the edge of woodland lining the north side of the trough Arn Gill. The elongated mound is probably just mine spoil - there was small scale coal mining in the area. Recently the bank has been cut through in a number of places, including immediately in front of the camera position. That apparently is an attempt by the estate to allow water to drain more readily from the road.

Trevor Littlewood