Woodend Plantation

Wood, Forest in Bedfordshire

England

Woodend Plantation

St Pancras - Bradford express approaching Souldrop Summit near Sharnbrook View SE, towards London: ex-Midland St Pancras - Leicester - Sheffield main line. On the left can just be seen the Slow lines, which from Souldrop (north of Sharnbrook) to Irchester took a separate track east of the Fast lines on an easier gradient and through a tunnel. The 14.00 from St Pancras should reach Bradford via Leeds at 19.20: Stanier 'Jubilee' 6P 4-6-0 No. 45612 'Jamaica' (with Fowler tender) (built 7/34, withdrawn 3/64) probably worked as far as Leeds.
St Pancras - Bradford express approaching Souldrop Summit near Sharnbrook Credit: Ben Brooksbank

Woodend Plantation is a picturesque woodland area located in Bedfordshire, England. Covering an expansive area of lush greenery, it is a haven for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

The plantation is predominantly made up of various species of trees, including oak, beech, and pine, which create a diverse and vibrant ecosystem. The dense foliage provides a sanctuary for a wide range of wildlife, including deer, squirrels, and a plethora of bird species. Walking through the plantation, visitors can expect to be greeted by the calming sounds of birdsong and the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze.

The well-maintained pathways that wind through Woodend Plantation make it accessible for visitors of all ages and abilities. These paths offer an opportunity to explore the plantation at one's own pace, taking in the breathtaking views and enjoying the serenity of the surroundings. Along the way, informative signposts provide interesting facts about the various tree species and wildlife that call the plantation home.

Woodend Plantation is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and photography. The plantation's natural beauty and peaceful ambiance make it an ideal spot for picnics or simply unwinding amidst nature's splendor. With its close proximity to urban areas, it is a convenient escape for both locals and tourists alike.

Overall, Woodend Plantation is a captivating woodland retreat that offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in nature's beauty.

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Woodend Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.223194/-0.56718295 or Grid Reference SP9759. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

St Pancras - Bradford express approaching Souldrop Summit near Sharnbrook View SE, towards London: ex-Midland St Pancras - Leicester - Sheffield main line. On the left can just be seen the Slow lines, which from Souldrop (north of Sharnbrook) to Irchester took a separate track east of the Fast lines on an easier gradient and through a tunnel. The 14.00 from St Pancras should reach Bradford via Leeds at 19.20: Stanier 'Jubilee' 6P 4-6-0 No. 45612 'Jamaica' (with Fowler tender) (built 7/34, withdrawn 3/64) probably worked as far as Leeds.
St Pancras - Bradford express approaching Souldrop Summit near Sharnbrook
View SE, towards London: ex-Midland St Pancras - Leicester - Sheffield main line. On the left can just be seen the Slow lines, which from Souldrop (north of Sharnbrook) to Irchester took a separate track east of the Fast lines on an easier gradient and through a tunnel. The 14.00 from St Pancras should reach Bradford via Leeds at 19.20: Stanier 'Jubilee' 6P 4-6-0 No. 45612 'Jamaica' (with Fowler tender) (built 7/34, withdrawn 3/64) probably worked as far as Leeds.
St Pancras - Manchester express approaching Souldrop Summit View SE, towards Bedford and London: ex-Midland Main Line, St Pancras - Leicester - Sheffield, also Manchester via Derby and the Peak Line. The Slow lines here are dropping away on the left on an easier gradient through Sharnbrook Tunnel. The 14.15 from St Pancras (due Manchester Central 18.35) conveyed through coaches for Buxton. It is double-headed, with Johnson/Deeley ex-Midland 2P 4-4-0 No. 40485 (withdrawn 8/57) piloting Stanier 5MT 4-6-0 No. 44938 (built 11/45, withdrawn 10/67).
St Pancras - Manchester express approaching Souldrop Summit
View SE, towards Bedford and London: ex-Midland Main Line, St Pancras - Leicester - Sheffield, also Manchester via Derby and the Peak Line. The Slow lines here are dropping away on the left on an easier gradient through Sharnbrook Tunnel. The 14.15 from St Pancras (due Manchester Central 18.35) conveyed through coaches for Buxton. It is double-headed, with Johnson/Deeley ex-Midland 2P 4-4-0 No. 40485 (withdrawn 8/57) piloting Stanier 5MT 4-6-0 No. 44938 (built 11/45, withdrawn 10/67).
Down fast freight approaching Souldrop Summit, Sharnbrook View SE, towards Bedford and London: Midland Main Line from St Pancras. Headed by BR 9F 2-10-0 No. 92164 (built 4/58, withdrawn 7/66), a Down Class C freight is running on the easier Slow lines which penetrated the ridge between the Ouse and Nene valleys in a tunnel, while the Fast lines went over the summit - cf. <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2745878">SP9860 : St Pancras - Manchester express approaching Souldrop Summit</a>. [I was travelling on a Down train on the latter, hence the less than perfect photograph].
Down fast freight approaching Souldrop Summit, Sharnbrook
View SE, towards Bedford and London: Midland Main Line from St Pancras. Headed by BR 9F 2-10-0 No. 92164 (built 4/58, withdrawn 7/66), a Down Class C freight is running on the easier Slow lines which penetrated the ridge between the Ouse and Nene valleys in a tunnel, while the Fast lines went over the summit - cf. SP9860 : St Pancras - Manchester express approaching Souldrop Summit. [I was travelling on a Down train on the latter, hence the less than perfect photograph].
Kettering - Bedford stopping train near Souldrop Summit View NW, towards Wellingborough, Kettering etc., ex-Midland main line from London St Pancras. On the Up Fast, the 14.36 from Kettering is headed by LMS Ivatt 2MT 2-6-0 No. 46403 (built 12/46, withdrawn 7/64). The Slow lines coming from their separate tunnel through the summit are just out of sight down on the right.
Kettering - Bedford stopping train near Souldrop Summit
View NW, towards Wellingborough, Kettering etc., ex-Midland main line from London St Pancras. On the Up Fast, the 14.36 from Kettering is headed by LMS Ivatt 2MT 2-6-0 No. 46403 (built 12/46, withdrawn 7/64). The Slow lines coming from their separate tunnel through the summit are just out of sight down on the right.
Research Establishment, Colworth: aerial 2014
Research Establishment, Colworth: aerial 2014
Felmersham Causeway This ford is created when the Ouse is in flood.
Felmersham Causeway
This ford is created when the Ouse is in flood.
St Peter, Sharnbrook
St Peter, Sharnbrook
St Peter, Sharnbrook - East end
St Peter, Sharnbrook - East end
All Saints, Odell
All Saints, Odell
Entrance to Sharnbrook
Entrance to Sharnbrook
Felmersham bridge The bridge is early C19. The water level here is quite high. See <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.carltonwithchellington.co.uk/village_history.htm" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.carltonwithchellington.co.uk/village_history.htm">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> for a much lower level of water.
Felmersham bridge
The bridge is early C19. The water level here is quite high. See LinkExternal link for a much lower level of water.
St Mary's church, Felmersham The church was originally built in C13. There were some alterations in C15 and restoration was carried out in C19.
St Mary's church, Felmersham
The church was originally built in C13. There were some alterations in C15 and restoration was carried out in C19.
Looking east up the River Great Ouse from the Felmersham Bridge
Looking east up the River Great Ouse from the Felmersham Bridge
Sharnbrook
Sharnbrook
Felmersham bridge & River Ouse
Felmersham bridge & River Ouse
St Mary, Felmersham - south-east elevation The church dates from c1220-1240. It is an elegant building and in places has the proportions if not the size of a cathedral. How such a church came to be built in this remote part of north Bedfordshire needs explanation.
St Mary, Felmersham - south-east elevation
The church dates from c1220-1240. It is an elegant building and in places has the proportions if not the size of a cathedral. How such a church came to be built in this remote part of north Bedfordshire needs explanation.
St Mary, Felmersham - north elevation
St Mary, Felmersham - north elevation
St Mary, Felmersham - west front Pevsner says of St Mary that it "was built at one go between about 1220 and 1230 or 1240, and it has a classicity and harmony - which rare indeed for the English C13 - includes even the W front". (And the rest of the church is pretty impressive too.)
St Mary, Felmersham - west front
Pevsner says of St Mary that it "was built at one go between about 1220 and 1230 or 1240, and it has a classicity and harmony - which rare indeed for the English C13 - includes even the W front". (And the rest of the church is pretty impressive too.)
Show me another place!

Woodend Plantation is located at Grid Ref: SP9759 (Lat: 52.223194, Lng: -0.56718295)

Unitary Authority: Bedford

Police Authority: Bedfordshire

What 3 Words

///topics.used.swing. Near Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire

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