Ayton's Wood

Wood, Forest in Durham

England

Ayton's Wood

The Penshaw Monument viewed from the Cleadon Hills near South Shields The Penshaw Monument or Earl of Durham&#039;s Monument is explained in this Wikipedia <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penshaw_Monument" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penshaw_Monument">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> — The Penshaw Monument viewed from the Cleadon Hills near South Shields Credit: Jeremy Bolwell

Ayton's Wood is a picturesque forest located in Durham, England. Covering an area of approximately 100 acres, this woodland is known for its natural beauty and diverse range of flora and fauna. The wood is situated near the village of Ayton, making it easily accessible for visitors.

The woodland is predominantly composed of mature deciduous trees such as oak, beech, and ash, creating a dense canopy that provides shade and shelter for a variety of wildlife. The forest floor is adorned with a rich carpet of bluebells in the spring, creating a stunning display of color.

Ayton's Wood is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, as it is home to a wide range of animals and birds. Visitors may spot roe deer grazing amongst the trees or catch a glimpse of a red squirrel scurrying along the branches. The forest is also a paradise for birdwatchers, with species such as woodpeckers, owls, and various songbirds frequenting the area.

Walking trails crisscross the wood, allowing visitors to explore its hidden beauty. Well-maintained paths wind through the trees, offering peaceful and tranquil surroundings for a leisurely stroll or a more vigorous hike. Information boards along the trails provide educational insights into the woodland's history, wildlife, and conservation efforts.

Ayton's Wood is not only a natural gem but also an important ecological site. It is managed by local conservation organizations, who work tirelessly to preserve the woodland's biodiversity and protect it for future generations to enjoy. Whether you are seeking a peaceful escape into nature or a chance to observe wildlife in its natural habitat, Ayton's Wood is a must-visit destination in Durham.

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Ayton's Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.891045/-1.4833452 or Grid Reference NZ3355. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Penshaw Monument viewed from the Cleadon Hills near South Shields

The Penshaw Monument or Earl of Durham's Monument is explained in this Wikipedia Link

Jeremy Bolwell

Penshaw Monument

The monument to the Earl of Durham and freemasonry

Kevin Waterhouse

View from Penshaw Hill

Looking south east from the path around the hill a short way down from the summit.

Des Blenkinsopp

Flinton Hill Farm

An agricultural landscape south east of Penshaw Hill

Des Blenkinsopp

An Empty Monument

On a sunny Sunday afternoon in August there were people all over the monument most of the time and I didn't think I'd get a clear picture, but just for a few seconds there was nothing but a small dog in there

Des Blenkinsopp

Sunken boat in the River Wear

David Robinson

Direction and warning signs at path junction beside the River Wear

David Robinson

River Wear beside Washington Waterfowl Park

David Robinson

Footbridge across River Wear at Cox Green

David Robinson

Adit in riverbank near Cox Green

One of several adits in the vicinity of Cox Green. The tunnels were used to extract sandstone from beneath Penshaw Hill for loading onto boats moored on the adjacent River Wear,

David Robinson

Victoria Viaduct crossing the River Wear

Victoria Viaduct. Built by the Durham Junction Railway and opened in 1838 to take coal from the Houghton-le-Spring area to the Tyne. As the railways expanded the viaduct became part of the main line from Darlington to Newcastle, before being relegated to a secondary route when the main line took the new route via Durham and Team Valley in 1872. By the 1980s the route was little used except when work on the main line required diversions, finally closing in 1991. Though the track is lifted the line retains a ‘mothballed’ status so has not been severed or built on, and is frequently proposed for reopening either as a heavy rail route or part of the Tyne and Wear Metro.

David Robinson

Factories on Mandarin Way

Part of Pattinson Industrial Estate, on the east side of Washington. Built on former farmland in the late 20th century.

Robert Graham

Waterview Park offices

This large office block is occupied by HM Revenue and Customs with over 2000 staff based here. It is on Mandarin Way on the eastern edge of Washington.

Robert Graham

Old farm buildings at Middle Barmston

Middle Barmston farm is an old Victorian farmstead which is now used by Washington Wetland Centre. No longer a working farm, these outbuildings would originally have been stables and cattle byres.

Robert Graham

Top of Barmston Lane

At the junction with Madarin Way. The lane leads past Middle Barmston Farm here and down to the Washington Wetland Centre.

Robert Graham

Former farmhouse

The mid 19th century farmhouse at Middle Barmston. No longer used as such.

Robert Graham

Weardale Way approaching Victoria Viaduct

A slightly misty scene looking down the River Wear towards the Victoria Viaduct. Completed in 1836 on a design based on the Alcantara Bridge in Spain, as part of the Durham Junction Railway. The Beeching axe fell in 1964, when passenger services ceased. 1991 saw the last freight crossing the viaduct, and it has been mothballed ever since. Grade II Listed.

Chris Heaton