Blackthorn Wood

Wood, Forest in Durham

England

Blackthorn Wood

Path at woodland edge near to Copley Chimney The trees are at least partly those of Gibbsneese Plantation. The preserved industrial monument, Copley Chimney, part of the Gaunless Smelt Mill, is within the woods behind the camera location. — Path at woodland edge near to Copley Chimney Credit: Trevor Littlewood

Blackthorn Wood is a charming forest located in Durham, England. With an area of approximately 100 acres, it is a haven for nature enthusiasts and a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

The woodland is primarily composed of blackthorn trees, which give it its name. These trees are known for their beautiful white blossoms in spring, followed by the formation of small, dark fruits in autumn. The forest floor is covered in a lush carpet of moss, ferns, and wildflowers, creating a picturesque scene throughout the year.

Visitors to Blackthorn Wood can explore its many winding trails, which lead to hidden clearings and serene meadows. The diversity of flora and fauna in this woodland is impressive, with a wide range of bird species, including woodpeckers and songbirds, making it a birdwatcher's paradise. Small mammals like rabbits, squirrels, and hedgehogs also call this forest home.

The wood is managed by the local council, ensuring its preservation and maintenance. Facilities such as picnic areas and benches are available for visitors to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. There are also educational programs and guided walks organized from time to time to inform visitors about the forest's biodiversity and ecological importance.

Blackthorn Wood is a tranquil retreat from the bustling city, offering a sanctuary to reconnect with nature. Its natural beauty and varied wildlife make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a peaceful escape or an opportunity to immerse themselves in the wonders of the British countryside.

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Blackthorn Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.600931/-1.8735661 or Grid Reference NZ0822. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Path at woodland edge near to Copley Chimney

The trees are at least partly those of Gibbsneese Plantation. The preserved industrial monument, Copley Chimney, part of the Gaunless Smelt Mill, is within the woods behind the camera location.

Trevor Littlewood

Track To Friar Cote

David Robinson

Pearson House Farm

Anthony Parkes

Entrance to Gawen House Farm

Anthony Parkes

Farmland on Staindrop Moor

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

Langley Viaduct

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

Peter McDermott

Track to Gibbsneese

Track and prow on the approach to Gibbsneese Farm.

Gordon Hatton

Track and footpath near Gibbsneese

Heading north west towards a white painted barn on Gibbsneese Farm.

Gordon Hatton

Approaching Gibbsneese Plantation

Following the public footpath from Gibbsneese towards Gaunless Mill with Gibbsneese Plantation ahead. The keen eyed might just spot the top of the Gaunless lead mill chimney above the trees to the right of the gate.

Gordon Hatton

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Blackthorn Wood is located at Grid Ref: NZ0822 (Lat: 54.600931, Lng: -1.8735661)

Unitary Authority: County Durham

Police Authority: Durham