Old Roof Wood

Wood, Forest in Norfolk King's Lynn and West Norfolk

England

Old Roof Wood

On the Ouse Valley Way - Hillgay Bridge Credit: Colin Park

Old Roof Wood is a small, yet significant forest located in Norfolk, England. Spanning approximately 50 acres, this ancient woodland is renowned for its rich biodiversity and historical significance. The forest is situated in the northwestern part of Norfolk, near the village of Wood, and is easily accessible from nearby towns and cities.

The woodland is primarily composed of oak and beech trees, which dominate the landscape and provide a dense canopy, creating a cool and tranquil atmosphere. Old Roof Wood is home to a variety of wildlife, including numerous species of birds, insects, and small mammals. Visitors to the forest can often spot woodpeckers, nightingales, and various species of butterflies.

In addition to its natural beauty, Old Roof Wood holds historical importance. The woodland is believed to have been part of the ancient hunting grounds of the local nobility, dating back centuries. The forest's name, "Old Roof," is thought to originate from the remnants of an old hunting lodge or shelter that once stood within its boundaries.

Today, Old Roof Wood serves as a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and birdwatchers. The forest offers a network of well-maintained trails, allowing visitors to explore its diverse flora and fauna. The serene atmosphere and picturesque scenery make it an ideal spot for a peaceful walk or a picnic surrounded by nature.

Overall, Old Roof Wood in Norfolk is a treasured natural and historical site, providing a haven for wildlife and a place of solace for those seeking refuge from the noise and commotion of everyday life.

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Old Roof Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.543315/0.3884266 or Grid Reference TL6296. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

On the Ouse Valley Way - Hillgay Bridge

Colin Park

St Mary, Southery: churchyard (a)

Basher Eyre

Layby by A10 near Southery

Hugh Venables

Bridleway from A10

Hugh Venables

Hilgay Bridge

The bridge crosses the River Great Ouse at Ten Mile Bank. The traffic lights at the end of the bridge control the junction with the roads along the river.

Ben Harris

Station Road, Ten Mile Bank

Martin Pearman

Hilgay Bridge

Road bridge over the River Great Ouse at Ten Mile Bank, constructed 2004 to replace an older bridge which was subsequently demolished Link

. The lad on the left is standing outside the railings, looking all set to jump.

Rose and Trev Clough

The Farmers Arms, Southery

Bikeboy

Southery village sign

Bikeboy

Derelict buildings at Modney Bridge Farm

Bikeboy

Hilgay water tower

Complete with the usual collection of mobile phone masts. I predict in future generations the water tower function will disappear and everybody will think these structures were built for the mobile phone network - depressing.

Bikeboy

Old Milestone

Old milestone on what was the A.10 at Hilgay, Norfolk. For close up view see Link

Keith Evans

Old Milestone

Old milestone on what was the A.10 at Hilgay, Norfolk. For overall view see Link

Keith Evans

Ruin of St. Mary's church, Southery

The ruined St Mary's church in Southery was a simple building mainly constructed of carstone, brick was used to repair the church with limited success. It consisted of a chancel, nave, and a wooden bell turret housing a single bell. With a growing population and the arrival of a new vicar in 1855, who thought the church looked like a ‘wretched barn’, it was decided to build a new church, about 100 yards away just round the corner. The foundation stone of which was laid in 1858 by the Bishop of Norwich. The old church was then abandoned and it has become what can only be described as a blot on the landscape. There is nothing to be seen even if it were possible to get near it. Surrounded by a safety fence which does nothing to enhance the site or give the village something to be proud of.

Adrian S Pye

Ten Mile Bank approaching Ten Mile Bank

The road along the Great Ouse approaching the village of the same name.

Hugh Venables

Hilgay All Saints church

The church was almost totally rebuilt of brick in 1794. The tower is no higher than the apex of the nave roof. Entry is gained by the north porch above which is a plaque to G W Manby, churchwarden here in 1794, his son was the inventor of the Manby Mortar, which has saved many lives from shipwrecks. He is buried on the south side of the church. Inside, there is an 18th c. font and a disquieting coloured stone pulpit. What I found most interesting was the beautifully preserved glass-sided hearse, and the sketch of the church before the restoration showing the south aisle as the only original part of the old church that remains. It surprisingly still has its old 15th c. roof. The 18th c. piscina and sedilia are somehow unnatural and sit awkwardly in the sanctuary. The church is, however well loved and looked after.

Adrian S Pye