Long Plantation

Wood, Forest in Yorkshire

England

Long Plantation

Footpath past Lees Hall Lees Hall <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/362092">SE2319 : Lees Hall, Thornhill Lees, Dewsbury</a> is out of sight to the left; to the right is a steep embankment on top of which is a playing field, but this must be artificial as old maps show a marsh here. — Footpath past Lees Hall Credit: Stephen Craven

Long Plantation is a vast woodland located in the picturesque region of Yorkshire, England. Covering an expansive area, it is a prominent feature of the local landscape and attracts nature enthusiasts and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The plantation is nestled within a hilly terrain, providing stunning views and a rich biodiversity.

The woodland is characterized by its diverse range of trees, including oak, beech, birch, and pine. These towering giants create a dense canopy that filters sunlight, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere. The forest floor is adorned with a carpet of ferns, mosses, and wildflowers, adding to the enchanting ambiance of the plantation.

Long Plantation is renowned for its well-maintained network of walking trails, allowing visitors to explore the woodland at their own pace. These trails wind through the woodland, offering glimpses of wildlife such as deer, rabbits, and a variety of bird species. Nature enthusiasts can also spot squirrels scurrying among the trees or hear the rhythmic tapping of a woodpecker.

The woodland is not just a haven for wildlife but also a popular destination for outdoor activities. Visitors can partake in activities such as hiking, cycling, or horseback riding, making the most of the diverse terrain and stunning vistas that Long Plantation offers.

With its natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and range of activities, Long Plantation is a true gem of Yorkshire, attracting locals and tourists alike who seek solace and rejuvenation in the heart of nature.

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Long Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.665404/-1.6592178 or Grid Reference SE2218. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Footpath past Lees Hall

Lees Hall SE2319 : Lees Hall, Thornhill Lees, Dewsbury is out of sight to the left; to the right is a steep embankment on top of which is a playing field, but this must be artificial as old maps show a marsh here.

Stephen Craven

Horses in a field by Lees Hall

Stephen Craven

Terrace Houses, Lees Hall Road

Stephen Craven

Longley Concrete Group, Ravensthorpe Road

Looking at the stock yard behind the buildings, this works manufactures precast concrete products rather than making premix concrete for construction sites.

Stephen Craven

Factory Flooring Outlet, Ravensthorpe Road

A warehouse selling tiles and floor coverings 'to the trade'.

Stephen Craven

Veolia depot, Ravensthorpe Road

A plant depot for the waste collection firm.

Stephen Craven

Thornhill LNW Junction

In the 19th and early 20th centuries this is named on maps as Dewsbury Junction. In those days the Calder Valley main line was four tracks bearing right here towards Wakefield and Normanton, a very busy freight route, and the two tracks to the left to Dewsbury and Leeds were less important. Now the Leeds route is a main passenger artery, soon to be expanded to four tracks (with Ravensthorpe station seen here being relocated) while the Wakefield route sees far less traffic. Little has changed since my last view of the junction nearly five years earlier SE2219 : Ravensthorpe station from the road bridge except the addition of some control equipment (left foreground).

Stephen Craven

No Mooring sign by Greenwood Lock

The reason for the ban on mooring at this point is that there is a major storm sewer outfall just below this concrete headwall. See SE2219 : River Calder downstream of Greenwood Lock .

Stephen Craven

Riverbank path opposite Greenwood Lock

A public footpath on the south bank of the Calder.

Stephen Craven

Double bridge near Lady Wood Bottom (1)

The nearer bridge carried a vehicle track down to Greenwood Bridge on the river Calder (no longer extant). The further one carries the main Calder Valley railway line. There were old mineshafts in Lady Wood beyond the railway and I presume these bridges allowed coal to be brought down to the river for loading onto barges. See SE2219 : Fenced off arch , Ravensthorpe for the arch of this first bridge.

Stephen Craven

Double bridge near Lady Wood Bottom (2)

The right hand bridge carried a vehicle track, now totally overgrown, down to Greenwood Bridge on the river Calder (no longer extant). The left hand one carries the main Calder Valley railway line. There were old mineshafts in Lady Wood beyond the railway and I presume these bridges allowed coal to be brought down to the river for loading onto barges. See SE2219 : Fenced off arch , Ravensthorpe for the arch of the right hand bridge and SE2219 : Double bridge near Lady Wood Bottom (1) for a view through them.

Stephen Craven

Steps down to the river near Lady Wood Bottom

The steps connect a bridleway running along the top of the railway embankment with the public footpath along the river bank.

Stephen Craven

Bridleway alongside the railway

The bridleway crosses the railway a little further on by means of a bridge.

Stephen Craven

Calder Valley railway tracks at Lady Wood Bottom

There are currently three tracks here: there used to be four SE2219 : The Calder Valley main line (1) and plans to upgrade the Manchester-Leeds corridor will see a fourth track reinstated.

Stephen Craven

Retaining wall at Lady Wood Bottom

The wall retains the railway embankment; the 1907 map shows three (presumably narrow gauge) railway tracks between the wall and the river bank, related to a nearby mine.

Stephen Craven

Former mine entrance?

Local contributor Humphrey Bolton describes the small arch within a wall to the left of the photo as a drainage adit SE2219 : Railway drainage heading, Hopton, Mirfield and further to the right behind the tree is another one that may have been the actual mine entrance SE2219 : Partial bridge, Hopton, Mirfield shown on the 1907 1:2500 map at SE22111961 with a single narrow gauge mineral line splitting into three tracks to a riverside wharf.

Stephen Craven

River Calder below Greenwood Weir

The river is non-navigable at this point, being bypassed by Greenwood Cut.

Stephen Craven

Greenwood Weir from downstream

The river is non-navigable at this point, being bypassed by Greenwood Cut. See SE2119 : River Calder Barrage, Mirfield for a view of the full length of the weir from above.

Stephen Craven

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Long Plantation is located at Grid Ref: SE2218 (Lat: 53.665404, Lng: -1.6592178)

Division: West Riding

Unitary Authority: Kirklees

Police Authority: West Yorkshire