Sowter's Plantation

Wood, Forest in Derbyshire Amber Valley

England

Sowter's Plantation

New houses, Cowhill Belper is expanding, some new houses on Cowhill, to the southeast of the town. — New houses, Cowhill Credit: Richard Webb

Sowter's Plantation is a picturesque woodland located in Derbyshire, England. Covering an area of approximately 50 acres, it is nestled within the scenic landscape of the Derbyshire Dales. The plantation is situated in close proximity to the small village of Sowter, from which it derives its name.

The woodland is predominantly made up of various species of trees, including oak, ash, beech, and birch. These ancient trees create a dense canopy that provides a habitat for a diverse range of wildlife. Sowter's Plantation is known for its rich biodiversity, attracting nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers from far and wide.

The forest floor is adorned with a carpet of wildflowers, including bluebells, primroses, and wood anemones, creating a stunning display of colors during the spring months. The plantation is also home to a small stream that meanders through the woodland, adding to its natural charm.

Sowter's Plantation offers numerous walking trails, allowing visitors to explore its natural beauty at their own pace. The paths wind through the woodland, providing glimpses of wildlife and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The plantation is particularly popular with hikers and families seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of nature.

Managed by the local authorities, Sowter's Plantation is well-maintained and offers amenities such as picnic areas and benches for visitors to relax and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. The woodland is easily accessible by car or public transport, making it a popular destination for day trips and nature lovers seeking respite from the bustling city life.

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Sowter's Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.00134/-1.4872635 or Grid Reference SK3445. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

New houses, Cowhill

Belper is expanding, some new houses on Cowhill, to the southeast of the town.

Richard Webb

Bargate Rd, Belper

This is looking North West along Bargate Rd with the edge of Parks Estate to the right (an ancient deer park). A few hundred metres down the hill you can see over the township of Belper. This was the home of the Strutt family dynasty and their cotton mills.

Ian Tilley

Holy Trinity Church & War Memorial, Milford

Holy Trinity Church was built in 1848 at a cost of £2,000. The War Memorial was erected in 1926.

Garth Newton

Duffieldbank House from Duffieldbank

The land rises steeply on the east of the Derwent near Duffield. Duffieldbank House overlooks the river and enjoys views over the village of Duffield.

Mike Bardill

Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Station

The railway between Duffield and Wirksworth was closed in the 1980s when the last freight trains ran from the quarries just north of Wirksworth. The line lay dormant for many years but has now been taken over by the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway group and has been reopened for preserved steam and diesel power. A new station has been provided as shown in the photo. The main line station lies just to the right of this photo - the preserved and main lines are no longer connected.

Mike Bardill

Duffield Castle

Duffield Castle is/was an 11th century stone motte and bailey fortress, founded by Henry de Ferrers, Earl of Derby. The castle was destroyed in the 13th century and not much survives other than a few areas of tarmac and concrete showing the outlines.

Mike Bardill

Chevinend

This track runs along a high ridge overlooking the Derwent valley just north of Duffield. Chevin golf course extends up onto the ridge and enjoys spectacular views over Duffield and down the valley to Derby.

Mike Bardill

Wall on Chevin Ridge

This wall is next to the track that leads over the Chevin ridge just north of Duffield. The wall is a very substantial construction but stands isolated and serves no obvious purpose. It has been suggested that it was once part of a firing range and the location at the end of a long narrow field seems to support this.

Mike Bardill

Quarry on Firestone Hill

This disused quarry is on the top of Firestone Hill - a high ridge overlooking the Derwent valley near Belper.

Mike Bardill

Larch Tree Farm

Footpath running through Larch Tree Farm near Hazelwood.

Mike Bardill

Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

The disused railway line between Duffield and Wirksworth has been taken over by the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway group and reopened as a preserved tourist line. This part of the line has yet to be fully opened for tourist traffic but the vegetation has been cleared and a new station provided in Duffield SK3443. The view from this footpath crossing is towards the site of the former Hazelwood station.

Mike Bardill

River Ecclesbourne

The River Ecclesbourne meanders its way down to Duffield where it joins the Derwent.

Mike Bardill

Site of Colour Works in Duffield

This is the site of the former colour works in Duffield. Now cleared and soon to be turned over the inevitable residential development by the look of the encroaching houses in the background.

Mike Bardill

Railway south of Belper

A train heads down the Derwent Valley towards Derby.

Stephen McKay

Holbrook Moor

Looking towards Bargate.

Stephen McKay

Stone terrace houses, Makeney

Terrace houses, overlooking the Derwent River valley, catching the late afternoon sun. The Derwent Valley Heritage Way follows the road through Makeney.

Nikki Mahadevan

St John the Evangelist church and graveyard, Hazelwood

Nikki Mahadevan

Milford Mill weir

Horseshoe weir on the River Derwent at Milford near Belper. Also visible the footings for a pipe or footbridge to the former mill site across the river.

Alan Murray-Rust

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Sowter's Plantation is located at Grid Ref: SK3445 (Lat: 53.00134, Lng: -1.4872635)

Administrative County: Derbyshire

District: Amber Valley

Police Authority: Derbyshire