Haythorne's Plantation

Wood, Forest in Durham

England

Haythorne's Plantation

Hawthorn Dene Bare trees and a carpet of wild garlic on the northern edge of Hawthorn Dene in spring. — Hawthorn Dene Credit: David Robinson

Haythorne's Plantation is a historic woodland located in Durham, England. Covering an area of approximately 100 acres, it is a significant site for conservation and recreation purposes. The woodland is part of a larger forested area in the region, contributing to the preservation of natural habitats and biodiversity.

The plantation is characterized by a diverse range of tree species, including oak, birch, beech, and Scots pine. This variety of trees creates a rich and vibrant ecosystem, offering a home for numerous species of birds, mammals, and insects. The woodland is known for its tranquil ambiance, providing visitors with a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

Haythorne's Plantation offers a network of well-maintained walking trails, allowing visitors to explore the woodland and enjoy its natural beauty. These trails are suitable for all fitness levels and provide opportunities for leisurely strolls, jogging, or even bird-watching. The paths are clearly signposted, ensuring visitors can navigate the woodland easily.

The plantation has a long history, dating back several centuries. It was once part of a larger estate and played a significant role in the local economy, providing timber for construction and fuel. Today, it stands as a testament to the region's rich history and the importance of woodland conservation.

Haythorne's Plantation is a beloved retreat for locals and tourists alike, offering a peaceful and picturesque environment for recreational activities and nature appreciation. Its accessibility, diverse ecosystem, and historical significance make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and history buffs in Durham.

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Haythorne's Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.806702/-1.336311 or Grid Reference NZ4245. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Hawthorn Dene

Bare trees and a carpet of wild garlic on the northern edge of Hawthorn Dene in spring.

David Robinson

Hawthorn Burn

The burn seen deep in Hawthorn Dene.

David Robinson

Hawthorn Dene Viaduct

The viaduct carries the Durham Coast railway across Hawthorn Dene. Built in 1905 the viaduct is grade II listed. The railway was once very busy with freight traffic, allowing connection to Tyne Dock, Sunderland docks, Seaham harbour, Hartlepool docks, the Durham coalfield's coastal collieries, and Billingham with the associated petrochemical industries on the North side of the Tees. The line still sees a smattering of freight traffic but is primarily the passenger route linking Newcastle to Middlesbrough via Sunderland, Hartlepool and Stockton, with an hourly service.

David Robinson

Hawthorn Burn exiting Hawthorn Dene

Several denes run west - east into the North Sea along the Durham coast. They were formed by meltwaters cutting channels through the limestone ridge that runs down the Durham coast.

David Robinson

Beach Art, Hawthorn Hive

David Robinson

Blast Beach

The name of the beach reflects the use of the location for early furnaces using the local coal, limestone and iron ore. This was overtaken by the growth of the coal industry and the iron & steel industry migrated and grew into the large works associated with the Derwent valley (Consett) and Teesside, both areas with iron ore deposits. The industrial units seen on the headland at the top of the image are on the site of Dawdon colliery, which until the early 1990s tipped its spoil straight onto the beach to be taken on the tide. The Durham coastline has been significantly cleaned up since the end of deep mining, though the demarcation between clean beach and a remaining layer of waste can be seen at the high tide line running down the long axis of the beach.

David Robinson

Dalton Pumping Station

Grade II listed pumping station from the 1870s, designed by Thomas Hawksley. The pumping station was taken out of use in the 1940s, and the upper portion of the central tower was removed in the 1960s. After several abortive attempts to re-purpose the building, as of August 2021 it is in the process of being renovated as a wedding venue.

David Robinson

Easington Miners' Picnic

Mick Garratt

The Pit Cage Monument, Easington Colliery

Standing on the Durham Heritage Coast in the Spring sunshine the monument is a memorial to the colliery which closed in 1993. See Andrew Curtis's photo for more information NZ4344 : Pit Cage Monument, Easington Colliery

Graham Hogg

Hawthorn Village

David Robinson

Easington Services

Although signed as 'services', on A roads the facilities often amount to little more than a fuel station and this is the case here at Easington on the A19. The southbound services have a surprising amount of car and HGV parking, however, although in this view it was hardly being used. The forecourt and building are behind the photographer.

Stephen McKay

Pedestrian level crossing on the Durham Coast railway line

David Robinson

The Cage, Easington Colliery

Three tiered pit cage monument commemorating Easington Colliery.

David Robinson

Durham Coast railway

Looking north from adjacent to the former site of Easington Colliery.

David Robinson

East Coast Main Line heading north

The view is from a footpath crossing of the railway route where public access is made simply by opening a gate and walking ahead. There's a set of warning notices and an obvious green / red light signal that give instruction and clearance on making the move, as shown in David Robinson's image - Link .

Trevor Littlewood

Walking party at field edge

The walking group, (slightly misplaced), is seeking a continuing path through woodland known as New Plantation. (The individual with the pushchair was not part of the group.)

Trevor Littlewood

Houses, walkers and cattle at Dene View

The houses are at Dene View at the eastern side of the village of Hawthorn. The cattle belong presumably at South Farm which is behind the camera position. The walking party has recently passed through the field with the animals using the sign-posted public footpath.

Trevor Littlewood

Wheat field with path and walkers

The field with ripening wheat has a public footpath passing through and quite properly that path has been either left un-sown or reinstated as is required. Hawthorn is the village in the distance.

Trevor Littlewood

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Haythorne's Plantation is located at Grid Ref: NZ4245 (Lat: 54.806702, Lng: -1.336311)

Unitary Authority: County Durham

Police Authority: Durham