Wickfield Plantation

Wood, Forest in Derbyshire

England

Wickfield Plantation

Hackenthorpe tram stop Credit: Bob Harvey

Wickfield Plantation, located in Derbyshire, England, is a picturesque woodland area known for its lush greenery and serene atmosphere. Stretching across a vast expanse, the plantation is a haven for nature enthusiasts and those seeking solace in the midst of nature's beauty.

This woodland paradise offers a diverse range of trees, predominantly consisting of oak, beech, and pine, which create a stunning tapestry of colors throughout the seasons. The forest floor is adorned with a variety of wildflowers and ferns, enhancing the plantation's enchanting aura.

Wickfield Plantation is home to numerous species of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and a plethora of bird species, making it a prime spot for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. The peaceful ambiance is often punctuated by the melodious songs of the birds, creating a symphony of sounds that can be heard echoing through the trees.

The plantation offers a network of well-maintained footpaths, allowing visitors to explore its beauty at their own pace. These trails wind through the woodland, leading to hidden groves, tranquil ponds, and breathtaking viewpoints. The diverse topography of the area, with its gentle slopes and meandering streams, adds to the charm of Wickfield Plantation.

Furthermore, the plantation houses a small visitor center where visitors can learn more about the local flora and fauna, as well as the history and conservation efforts in place to protect this natural wonder. Guided tours are available for those who wish to delve deeper into the plantation's rich heritage.

Wickfield Plantation, with its idyllic setting and abundance of natural wonders, is truly a sanctuary for those seeking solace in nature's embrace.

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Wickfield Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.353565/-1.3933576 or Grid Reference SK4084. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Hackenthorpe tram stop

Bob Harvey

Entrance path to Woodhouse Health Centre

David Lally

Shirebrook Nature Reserve

taken at Shirebrook Nature Reserve, near the Visitor Centre

Tim Marchant

Shirebrook Nature Reserve

Photo taken on the path outside the Visitor Centre.

Tim Marchant

Shirebrook Nature Reserve

At Sally Clarke's Meadow looking east.

Tim Marchant

Transpennine Trail

By the Transppennine Trail at Sally Clarke's Meadow, Shirebrook Nature Reserve.

Tim Marchant

Shops, Beighton Road, Woodhouse

At the top of Beighton Road in Woodhouse stands a row of shops. The road down to the left goes past the railway station and on down to Woodhouse Mill.

David Morris

South Yorkshire Fire Training School

Formerly St John Fisher RC Secondary School back when I were a lad (1970's / 80s), this is now the training centre for South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue. The centre is on Beaver Hill Road between Handsworth and Woodhouse.

David Morris

Beaver Hill Road, Woodhouse

From outside the fire service training centre SK4185 : South Yorkshire Fire Training School, this image looks down Beaver Hill Road towards Woodhouse. In the bottom, just visible is the bridge crossing Shirtcliff Brook.

David Morris

Carr Forge Dam

In the Shirebrook Valley below Woodhouse were several waterwheels, possibly dating back to Tudor times, and part of Sheffield's early industrial heritage. This shows Carr Forge Dam with the water levels lower than usual because of the prolonged dry spell. The Shire Brook was in times past the border between the ancient kingdoms of Mercia and Northumbria and more lately between Yorkshire and Derbyshire, hence the name Shire Brook.

David Morris

Shire Brook

In the Shirebrook Valley, the brook itself fed several waterwheels in times past including SK4184 : Carr Forge Dam.

David Morris

Stone Lane, Woodhouse

This road once served the sewage works and Badger Tools. Both have now gone, but the sewage works buildings have been converted into buildings for the Shirebrook Valley Nature Reserve. The end of the road (behind me) seems to be a place where old cars go to die, or be burned out by the local yoofs. The speed ramps are probably there to stop the yoofs damaging themselves too much when the cars are crashed into the gates at the end.

David Morris

Ducks on Carr Forge Dam

Since a youngster nearly killed himself when his fishing pole touched overhead live wires a few years ago, fishing on the dam has been banned by order of Sheffield Council, so the ducks have free rein. Here, mummy-duck sits on the stone keeping an eye on youngster. As I cycled past, another five of this year's brood appeared out from under the shelter of the bank.

David Morris

Houses on Scowerdons estate

Can't really say much more. This is the bottom end of Hackenthorpe, the opposite side of the Shirebrook Valley to Woodhouse and Beighton.

David Morris

Remains of Nether Wheel, Woodhouse

Along with SK4184 : Carr Forge Dam, the Nether Wheel was yet another of the waterwheels along the Shirebrook Valley. This one still has visible remains of the buildings, buried in woodland although accessible by waymarked footpaths. This wheel probably drove grinding stones or similar for the manufacture of agricultural tools.

David Morris

Silkstone Road, Hackenthorpe

One of the many newer roads in the area, certainly not appearing on the 1940's map.

David Morris

Communications mast, Birley

It's a communications mast. It's accessed from a short lane called Dent Lane off Birley Lane. The latter is part of the tram route from Halfway into Sheffield.

David Morris

Tram crossing / road junction, Birley Lane

To the left is Birley Lane. To the right is Sheffield Road. Straight on up is Birley Moor Road and down behind me is Moor Valley. The tram route to the right heads towards Crystal Peaks and the ultimate terminus at Halfway. To the left (west) it heads up past Birley Golf Course, on to the Manor Top and down into Sheffield.

David Morris

Show me another place!

Wickfield Plantation is located at Grid Ref: SK4084 (Lat: 53.353565, Lng: -1.3933576)

Unitary Authority: Sheffield

Police Authority: South Yorkshire