Black Plantation

Wood, Forest in Suffolk West Suffolk

England

Black Plantation

Burthorpe: Two detached houses in Papeley Meadow Credit: Michael Garlick

Black Plantation, Suffolk, also known as Black Wood or Black Forest, is a unique natural area located in the county of Suffolk, England. Covering an expansive area of approximately 500 acres, this plantation is renowned for its dense woodland and rich biodiversity.

The plantation is characterized by its dark, thick canopies of trees, primarily consisting of oak, beech, and birch. These towering trees create a serene and enchanting atmosphere, attracting nature enthusiasts, hikers, and photographers alike. The lush undergrowth is abundant with ferns, mosses, and wildflowers, further adding to the plantation's natural beauty.

Black Plantation is a haven for a diverse range of wildlife species. Birdwatchers are often delighted by the sight of various avian species, including woodpeckers, owls, and songbirds. The woodland is also home to small mammals like foxes, badgers, and rabbits, as well as a plethora of insects and butterflies.

Visitors can explore the plantation by following several well-maintained trails that wind through the woodland. These trails provide opportunities for peaceful walks, jogging, or even horseback riding, offering a chance to immerse oneself in the tranquility of nature. Additionally, there are designated picnic spots and benches scattered throughout the plantation, providing visitors with a chance to relax and soak in the surroundings.

Black Plantation is a cherished natural gem in Suffolk, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its stunning woodland, diverse wildlife, and well-maintained trails make it an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a tranquil escape.

Show me another place!

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

Black Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.245556/0.62442034 or Grid Reference TL7964. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Burthorpe: Two detached houses in Papeley Meadow

Michael Garlick

Little Saxham: cottages and the 'new' road

The road from Risby originally passed to the west of the parish church (out of the picture to the left), but at the behest of the Earl of Bristol, of nearby Ickworth House, and by Act of Parliament, it was diverted to its present course in 1850. The thatched row behind the hedge, dating from the eighteenth century and part of the Ickworth Estate, was originally symmetrical, with its gable in the centre, but two bays at the left-hand end were demolished to make way for the new road and the smaller cottage to the left built as a replacement. Early 19th-century iron window frames from the demolished cottages were re-used in the new one. TL7963 : Little Saxham: Church Cottages is a closer view of the cottage of 1850, whose owner kindly explained its history. For the listings, see Link

and Link

John Sutton

Little Saxham: Church Cottages

The road from Risby originally passed to the west of the parish church, but at the behest of the Earl of Bristol, of nearby Ickworth House, and by Act of Parliament, it was diverted to its present course in 1850. The Grade II listed thatched row behind the hedge, dating from the eighteenth century and part of the Ickworth Estate, was originally symmetrical, with its gable in the centre, but two bays at the left-hand end were demolished to make way for the new road and the smaller cottage to the left built as a replacement. Early 19th-century iron window frames from the demolished cottages were re-used in the new one. The owner of the newer cottage, also Grade II listed, kindly explained its history. For the listings, see Link

and Link

John Sutton

Little Saxham: St Nicholas - Crofts Monument

This impressive late 17th-century monument is locked in the vestry, but there are plans for a wall to be removed to make it more accessible. William, Baron Crofts, died in 1677 and the monument, with his wife on a lower level, Nikolaus Pevsner considered "a conservative motif in the last quarter of the century" - but "'Modern' on the other hand the back architecture, with columns carrying a large open scrolly pediment". In the Shell Guide Norman Scarfe described the "baroque Crofts monument, fine work of Abraham Storey: Madcap Crofts recumbent in full peer's robes, his wife on a lower plane".

John Sutton

Little Saxham: St Nicholas - pews, pulpit and chancel

The canopied pulpit of this rewarding village church is Jacobean and the glass in the 15th-century east window dates from 1899. There are some animal bench ends, but the worn and brightly sunlit one in the foreground depicts a woman - possibly a nun - seated at a desk, reading the Bible.

John Sutton

Little Saxham: St Nicholas

"The most spectacular Norman round tower in Suffolk," wrote Nikolaus Pevsner. "Round the top a rhythmical order of arches on columns. In the four main directions they hold deeply recessed two-light bell-openings, in the diagonals two lower blank arches. Billet frieze along the sill level." The Perpendicular "nave and chancel S sides [have] uncusped, rather bald tracery," he opined.

John Sutton

Little Saxham: St Nicholas - from the east

A fine parish church with a remarkable Norman round tower which stands in a churchyard shaded by tall trees. The chancel dates from the fifteenth century.

John Sutton

Little Saxham in early autumn

Looking along the road from Chevington towards the church at the centre of this small village on a fine Sunday morning in mid October.

John Sutton

Snake's Head fritillary

This white version of the snake's head fritillary (fritillaria meleagris) was growing in the wild meadow opposite Great Saxham Hall, which can be seen in the background.

Bob Jones