Black Plantation

Wood, Forest in Durham

England

Black Plantation

Black Plantation, Durham (Wood, Forest) is a historic woodland located in Durham, England. Covering an area of approximately 30 acres, this plantation holds significant cultural and environmental value. The site is managed by the Durham Wildlife Trust, and its conservation status ensures the preservation of its natural beauty.

The woodland is characterized by its dense canopy of trees, predominantly consisting of oak, ash, and beech species. These towering trees provide a habitat for a diverse range of wildlife, including birds, insects, and small mammals. Visitors can often spot species such as woodpeckers, squirrels, and owls within the woodland's peaceful setting.

Black Plantation is home to a variety of native flora, with bluebells, foxgloves, and wild garlic carpeting the forest floor during springtime. This creates a picturesque scene and attracts nature enthusiasts, photographers, and walkers alike. The plantation also boasts a network of well-maintained footpaths, allowing visitors to explore and appreciate the tranquil surroundings.

The historical significance of Black Plantation adds another layer of intrigue to the site. Dating back to the 18th century, it was originally part of the Durham Castle estate. The woodland was used as a source of timber for the castle's construction and maintenance. Today, remnants of this history can be found in the form of old boundary walls and stone structures, providing glimpses into the past.

Black Plantation, Durham (Wood, Forest) is a cherished natural gem, offering a serene escape from the bustling city life. Its rich biodiversity, cultural heritage, and accessibility make it a popular destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

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Black Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.773459/-1.3119206 or Grid Reference NZ4442. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Sewage Works

David Robinson

Easington Colliery Timeline

The path to the Pit Cage Monument NZ4344 : The Pit Cage Monument, Easington Colliery is lined with bronze plaques which record significant events in the history of Easington Colliery which opened in 1899 and closed in 1953.

Graham Hogg

Byron Street, Easington Colliery

Two houses displaying individual taste but to the detriment of the street scene

Graham Hogg

Train at Horden train station

A northern (Northern Trains Limited) class 156 train at Horden train station

Dylan Chester

Cliff Top View at Fox Holes

Part of the Durham Coast National Nature Reserve.

Des Blenkinsopp

Wild Flowers by the Coast Path

At Fox Holes Dene a stream has cut a deep chine through the cliffs so the coast path has to make a detour of around 1km to cover less than 200m of coastline. It's a pleasant wooded walk though, very different from the clifftop scenery. The flowers look like sweet peas and willow herb.

Des Blenkinsopp

Coast Path Waymark

Just south of the big detour around Fox Holes Dene.

Des Blenkinsopp

Byron (or Ascot?) Street

The map calls it Byron Street. Other contributors call it Byron Street. But there is definitely a street name sign on the end house calling it Ascot Street. Why would that be? It's a very distinctive terrace anyway.

Des Blenkinsopp

Station Road, Easington Colliery

The main road through the village. The station, like the colliery, is no longer there.

Des Blenkinsopp

A Low Black Cliff

When there were coal mines working nearby they would dump old waste mining rubble onto the beaches along this bit of coast. Old pictures show it covering a large area but a lot of it has been cleared or washed away. Some still remains and makes a line of low cliffs around a metre high which collapse into the sea at intervals. Large lumps of coal can still be found in the mixture.

Des Blenkinsopp

Mining Waste by the Sea

Looking back inland from the edge of the area shown here NZ4442 : A Low Black Cliff where coal mining debris was dumped onto the beach. Much of it is still bare and inhospitable and naturalists are watching with interest to see what types of plant will gradually start growing here.

Des Blenkinsopp

Mine Water Treatment Pond

As has been found in many former mining districts, you can't just close a deep mine and forget about it. Once the pumps that drained the workings are turned off, groundwater comes back in and gets polluted. The limestone aquifer here supplies clean water to a large area and cannot be allowed to become contaminated. These ponds contain polluted mine water and are part of the cleaning up process.

Des Blenkinsopp

Treatment Pond for Mine Water

Another picture of one of the ponds which are part of the treatment process for polluted water from a former coal mine.

Des Blenkinsopp

Explaining the Treatment Ponds

An information panel by the ponds where polluted water coming from an old coal mine is treated.

Des Blenkinsopp

Stone Wall and Seat

A stone built windbreak and bench facing out to sea along the coast path.

Des Blenkinsopp

Camp Street, Easington Colliery

Terraced housing on the slope down towards the coast.

Des Blenkinsopp

Easington Local Nature Reserve

A landscaped area formerly occupied by a coal mine. One of the mine shafts is in a fenced enclosure beyond the small black notice near the centre of the picture. The panel tells you about the transformation.

Des Blenkinsopp

Signpost to the Coast Path

One of the places where the coast path can be accessed from a parking area. The path is a short walk over a landscaped open space which was previously the site of a coal mine.

Des Blenkinsopp

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Black Plantation is located at Grid Ref: NZ4442 (Lat: 54.773459, Lng: -1.3119206)

Unitary Authority: County Durham

Police Authority: Durham