Willow Holt

Wood, Forest in Lincolnshire North Kesteven

England

Willow Holt

Cropmarks east of Osbournby: aerial 2021 (1) South of The Drove. — Cropmarks east of Osbournby: aerial 2021 (1) Credit: Simon Tomson

Willow Holt, located in Lincolnshire, England, is a picturesque woodland area known for its dense growth of willow trees. The name "Willow Holt" originates from the Old English word "holt," meaning a small wood or forest. Covering an area of approximately 100 acres, this woodland offers a tranquil escape for nature enthusiasts and is a haven for a diverse range of flora and fauna.

The dominant feature of Willow Holt is its abundance of willow trees, which lend the area its distinctive character. These graceful trees, with their slender branches and delicate leaves, create a serene and enchanting atmosphere. The woodland is crisscrossed with footpaths and trails, allowing visitors to explore its beauty at their leisure. One can meander through the winding paths, enjoying the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy and the soothing sound of birdsong.

The variety of wildlife found in Willow Holt is remarkable. The woodland supports a rich ecosystem, providing a habitat for numerous species of birds, mammals, and insects. Birdwatchers can spot woodpeckers, owls, and various songbirds, while small mammals such as squirrels and rabbits dart through the undergrowth. In spring, the forest floor comes alive with a vibrant display of wildflowers, including bluebells and primroses.

Willow Holt also holds historical significance, as it is believed to have been part of an ancient forest that covered much of Lincolnshire. The woodland has been preserved and maintained by local authorities, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy its natural beauty and biodiversity.

Overall, Willow Holt in Lincolnshire is a captivating woodland area, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in a tranquil natural environment and witness the wonders of the region's flora and fauna.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Willow Holt Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.925293/-0.37499926 or Grid Reference TF0937. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Cropmarks east of Osbournby: aerial 2021 (1)

South of The Drove.

Simon Tomson

Cropmarks east of Osbournby: aerial 2021 (2)

South of The Drove.

Simon Tomson

Stubble field off Mareham Lane

Jonathan Thacker

Threekingham: aerial 2022 (1)

Chris

Threekingham: aerial 2022 (2)

Chris

Church of St Peter ad Vincula, Threekingham

Listed Grade I, 12th to 14th century, restored 19th century Link

. 12th century Romanesque windows are seen in the east wall of the chancel

Tim Heaton

Saltersway entering Threekingham

The original route of the A52 through the village before the bypass was built, and presumably on the line of the Salt Way Roman road. (Note that the street sign says 'Salters Way', but 'Saltersway' appears to be the preferred spelling)

Tim Heaton

Three Kings Inn, Saltersway, Threekingham

Listed Grade II, early 18th century Link

. The following from the Threekingham parish website: "The Three Kings Inn: Reputedly, a hostelry has been on the site of The Three Kings Inn for centuries. An ailing King John stayed at the Inn during October 1216 when he was en route from Swineshead Abbey to Newark Castle where he died. Three centuries later, on the 8th August 1554, King Henry VIII passed through the village on his way to York and returned a few weeks later. In the 18th Century the Inn was known as the Harvest Home and then the Barley Mow. In about 1737, Dick Turpin's mother-in-law, Mrs Berrys, ran the Inn, and he frequently visited her to feed his horse before he set out to rob travellers on Salters Way." Link

Tim Heaton

Mareham Lane crossing the A52

Much of the A52 is believed to follow the Salt Way, which would make this location close to the crossing of two Roman roads.

Tim Heaton

Mareham Lane north of the A52

The modern Mareham Lane runs from near Graby, Lincolnshire, due north for about 10.5 miles to Sleaford. Much of its length follows the route of a Roman road, Margary number 260, which ran for about 16 miles from Bourne to Sleaford (Margary, I.D., 1955. Roman roads in Britain, volume 1)

Tim Heaton

Mareham Lane passing Highfields Country Fishing Retreat

From this point to its end at Sleaford, 5 miles to the north, Mareham Lane is followed by parish boundaries, a common feature of Roman roads.

Tim Heaton

Field west of Spanby

Flat Lincolnshire, with clayey soils developed over Jurassic mudstones.

Tim Heaton

Former church of St Nicholas, Spanby

Built in 1881 (replacing a medieval church at a different site), but made redundant in 1973 Link

. Services are now being put in to allow use as a home.

Tim Heaton

Mareham Lane passing Brickmakers Farm and the junction with The Drove

Formerly the Brickmakers Arms public house. Brick making was common on Lincolnshire's Jurassic clays.

Tim Heaton

Pylons at power line junction

TL7511 : Power line junction gives a description of a similar structure

Tim Heaton

Probable site of ancient settlement west of Mareham Lane

On the west side of the Roman road, Mareham Lane, Link

reports "A large area of complex cropmarks, including enclosures, hut circles and boundary ditches, is visible on aerial photographs. These are likely to represent a late Iron Age and/or Romano-British settlement."

Tim Heaton