Birchen Bank Wood

Wood, Forest in Derbyshire High Peak

England

Birchen Bank Wood

A628 descending near Ironbower Rocks Credit: Colin Pyle

Birchen Bank Wood is a picturesque woodland located in Derbyshire, England. Covering an area of approximately 50 acres, it is nestled in the heart of the Peak District National Park, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The wood is predominantly composed of birch trees, which give it its name, but it is also home to a diverse range of other tree species such as oak, ash, and beech. The dense foliage creates a serene and tranquil atmosphere, offering visitors a sense of escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The woodland is crisscrossed by a network of well-maintained footpaths, allowing visitors to explore its beauty at their leisure. The paths meander through the trees, leading to clearings and glades where sunlight filters through the leaves, creating a magical and ethereal ambiance.

Wildlife thrives within Birchen Bank Wood, with many species finding refuge among the trees. Birdwatchers can spot a variety of species, including woodpeckers, thrushes, and finches. In addition, small mammals such as squirrels, foxes, and rabbits can often be seen darting through the undergrowth.

The wood also boasts a rich history, with evidence of human activity dating back centuries. Remnants of old stone walls and agricultural features can be found, providing a glimpse into the area's past.

Overall, Birchen Bank Wood is a captivating natural haven that offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of Derbyshire's countryside. Its diverse flora and fauna, combined with its tranquil atmosphere, make it a must-visit destination for those seeking peace and solace in nature.

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Birchen Bank Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.490006/-1.8268342 or Grid Reference SK1199. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

A628 descending near Ironbower Rocks

Colin Pyle

-Woodhead Tunnels Western Portal

Woodhead Tunnels Western Portal former railway tunnels now the third is used to take electricity transmission under the Pennines

Shaun Ferguson

Woodhead Tunnel 1970's

Taken by my Father when he visited Dinting rail centre which has also closed. Also shown is the two single line tunnels.

Gordon Spicer

Woodhead Reservoir: eastern end

John H Darch

Path crossing the A628 near Salter's Brook

This is one of the Transpennine Trails.

Bill Boaden

Down coal train emerging from Woodhead Tunnel

View eastward, through the tunnels towards Penistone, Barnsley, Wath Yard, Sheffield etc.; ex-GC Manchester - Sheffield main line. Although over four years are to pass before it is opened, work is already well under way on the New Woodhead Tunnel (on the right); the pilot tunnel is being bored and a new bridge begun over the River Etherow in the foreground. The locomotive is a Thompson Class O1 rebuild (8/46) of ex-GC Class O4 2-8-0 No. 63886.

Ben Brooksbank

River Etherow

Mick Garratt

Remains of Old Station Platform

Formerly Woodhead Station on the LNER's Sheffield (Victoria) to Manchester railway.

Mick Garratt

Woodhead a long wait for a train

You would have an even longer wait nowadays to see a train up here. It was bad enough back then with the run-down of the Woodhead line the traffic was thin on the ground some days. However, despite waiting all morning we did get one train that day a return set of mgr coal wagons from Lancashire to Yorkshire seen about to enter the Woodhead tunnel. The line shut a couple of months after this picture was taken on the 17 July 1981. We never returned, this was our last visit and I wondered if the sun ever came out up here as it was cloudy and dull every time we came.

roger geach

Liverpool - Hull express approaching Woodhead

View westward, towards Manchester: ex-GC Sheffield Victoria etc. - Manchester etc. main line, soon to be electrified (6/54). (See other scenes nearby). The 09.30 Liverpool Central - Hull express has been reversed at Manchester Central and continued by the Fallowfield loop to Hyde Junction behind Thompson B1 4-6-0 No. 61228 (built 8/47, withdrawn 9/62). It has passed the Woodhead Reservoir on its left and is half a mile from Woodhead. In the background are the heights of Bareholme and Westend Mosses (c. 1,700 ft.)..

Ben Brooksbank

Layby A628 at Woodhead

Re-use of a defunct quarry probably worked for wallstone or roadstone when the Woodhead road was first developed.

Peter Turner

Upper Longdendale from above the Woodhead Tunnel entrance

Woodhead Reservoir is visible beyond the first pylon which carries the power lines now routed through the tunnel/s originally built for rail traffic. The trackbed now carries the Trans Pennine Trail down Longdendale.

Peter Turner

Etherow valley from above Woodhead Tunnel entrance

To the left is the rock face above the tunnel entrance. The Trans Pennine Trail drops down to river level here from peaty tops above and follows to the right the old rail trackbed down Longdendale.

Peter Turner

Ex-GC Robinson 0-6-0 runs light eastbound at Woodhead

View westward, towards Manchester: ex-GC Manchester - Sheffield/Wath main line: past Woodhead signalbox there are Up and Down relief lines for several miles, but here there are just two single lines through the twin Woodhead Tunnels. (See other scenes at Woodhead). The 0-6-0 is No. 64347 (built 4/1904 as GC No. 226, LNER No. 5226 until 1946, then No. 4347, withdrawn 2/55).

Ben Brooksbank