Black Wood

Wood, Forest in Yorkshire Hambleton

England

Black Wood

North Cowton church and hall The church itself <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4741036">NZ2804 : St Luke's Church, North Cowton</a> is now closed, but the hall may well remain in use by the parish. — North Cowton church and hall Credit: Diocese of Leeds

Black Wood is a picturesque forest located in the county of Yorkshire, England. Covering an area of approximately 100 acres, it is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility amidst the beauty of the outdoors.

Nestled within the rolling hills and valleys, Black Wood boasts an abundance of diverse flora and fauna. The forest is primarily composed of tall, majestic oak and beech trees, which create a dense canopy that filters sunlight, casting enchanting shadows on the forest floor. The forest is also home to a variety of other tree species, including birch, ash, and sycamore.

Numerous trails wind their way through Black Wood, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the forest's natural wonders. These paths cater to all abilities, from leisurely strolls to more challenging hikes. Along the way, one can spot an array of wildlife, such as deer, squirrels, and an assortment of bird species.

Black Wood has a rich history, dating back centuries. It has been carefully managed and preserved, ensuring the protection of its ecological value and significance. The forest has served as a valuable resource for timber, providing materials for construction and fuel.

In recent years, Black Wood has become a popular spot for outdoor activities such as picnicking, birdwatching, and photography. Its serene ambiance and untouched beauty make it an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Overall, Black Wood offers visitors a magical experience, immersing them in the wonders of nature and providing a glimpse into the rich history and biodiversity of Yorkshire.

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Black Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.424313/-1.5427732 or Grid Reference NZ2903. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

North Cowton church and hall

The church itself NZ2804 : St Luke's Church, North Cowton is now closed, but the hall may well remain in use by the parish.

Diocese of Leeds

Former church of St Luke, North Cowton

Originally constructed as a pastoral centre for the parish of East Cowton in 1968, St Luke’s was consecrated as a parish church on 21 October 1990 following the closure of St Mary's. it was closed on 1 July 2018 due to dwindling numbers and lack of step-free access. Since this photo it has been sold to a private buyer for secular use.

Diocese of Leeds

Former church of St Luke, North Cowton - interior

Originally constructed as a pastoral centre for the parish of East Cowton in 1968, St Luke’s was consecrated as a parish church on 21 October 1990 following the closure of St Mary's. The stone arch seen in the east wall came from St Mary's when it was demolished. St Luke's was closed on 1 July 2018 and since this photo it has been sold to a private buyer for secular use and there is no public access. See NZ2804 : Former church of St Luke, North Cowton for the outside.

Diocese of Leeds

Former church of St Luke, North Cowton - consecration plaque

See NZ2804 : Former church of St Luke, North Cowton for the outside of this church, which was built in 1968.

Diocese of Leeds

Straw bales by a farm track

The barn doesn't appear on another photo which I took looking in the opposite direction in January 2009, so obviously of recent construction.

Gordon Hatton

Where's the path?

Trying to follow the line marked on the map across this field of old ridge and furrow as well as remains of a medieval village site. The path is shown crossing the farm track midway between a corner and the farm buildings, but the track is lined by barbed wire fencing with no visible means of crossing. Way down to the left is a flimsy stile [left of photo] from where there is a usable route along a hedge line.

Gordon Hatton

A stile on a terrible path

'Stile' is hardly an appropriate description for this fence crossing as there are no footboards and the upright posts have barbed wire attached. However this is probably the easiest crossing on a dreadful footpath that involves rotted timber stiles, fighting with vegetation, avoiding electric fencing, and crossing two water filled ditches, one of which has a footbridge, according to the NYCC official map, but which in fact doesn't exist. Other walkers should avoid path 20.52/4 and walk along the roadside instead.

Gordon Hatton

Houses on Holywell Lane

A road leading out of the village with what look like ex local authority houses on the left.

Gordon Hatton

Village hall, North Cowton

Other contributors have placed the hall in the adjacent square, but the map would suggest that it is just inside this grid square. There have also been changes in recent years as the small church that stood to the left of the hall has gone, and a new house has been erected in its place on what is a very restricted site.

Gordon Hatton

St Mary's churchyard, East Cowton - headstones

St Mary's was a medieval church, half a mile west of the village, which fell into ruin after being replaced by the present All Saints in the village in 1910. The ruins were demolished c.1968. The churchyard remains open for burials as can be seen by the recent headstone in the foreground to Ursula and James Kinsella.

Diocese of Leeds

St Mary's churchyard, East Cowton - chest tomb

St Mary's was a medieval church, half a mile west of the village, which fell into ruin after being replaced by the present All Saints in the village in 1910. The ruins were just beyond the end of the path in this view but were demolished c.1968.

Diocese of Leeds

St Mary's churchyard, East Cowton - trees

A pair of Irish yew trees.

Diocese of Leeds

All Saints, East Cowton - north side

The church was built in 1909, architects Woolfall & Eccles of Liverpool, and is grade II listed (list entry 1376534).

Diocese of Leeds

All Saints, East Cowton - south side

The church was built in 1909, architects Woolfall & Eccles of Liverpool, and is grade II listed (list entry 1376534). The southern extension is more recent.

Diocese of Leeds

All Saints, East Cowton - east end

The church was built in 1909, architects Woolfall & Eccles of Liverpool, and is grade II listed (list entry 1376534). The east window looks to have been designed for a single stained glass scene, but has been partly infilled with stone with a few smaller glazed panels.

Diocese of Leeds

All Saints, East Cowton - interior with organ

An unusual arrangement with the organ forming a barrier between the nave and chancel. This suggests it is a later addition but the National Pipe Organ Register says the organ came from St Mary, Staindrop in 1909 (i.e. when All Saints was built) and was restored in 1991. See NZ3003 : All Saints, East Cowton - north side for the outside.

Diocese of Leeds