Millennium Green

Downs, Moorland in Durham

England

Millennium Green

Gainford War Memorial and Church Gainford War Memorial and St Mary&#039;s Church.

St Mary&#039;s consists of a nave, aisles, chancels and a square west tower that is open to the nave and supported by pointed arches, similar to the ones, resting on cylindrical pillars that separate the nave and aisles. This graceful arch is repeated in the opening to the chancel and in the three lancet stained glass windows at the east end.

During much need repairs in 1864, a number of pre-Conquest sculptured stones were found and placed under cover. Several fragments of fine Saxon crosses are also preserved, some of which are beautifully carved. Among the collection of ancient stones there is a Roman altar. Various grave covers, and other stones of later date, are built into the walls of the north porch.

The 13th century font has a tall wooden Jacobean style cover, and there are three medieval brasses in the chancel. — Gainford War Memorial and Church Credit: Colin Kinnear

Millennium Green, located in Durham, is a beautiful and tranquil green space spread across downs and moorland. It was established in the year 2000 to commemorate the turn of the millennium and has since become a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.

Covering an expansive area, Millennium Green offers a diverse range of landscapes and habitats. The downs, with their gently rolling hills, provide stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The moorland, on the other hand, offers a rugged and wild beauty, characterized by its heather-covered terrain and scattered rocky outcrops.

The green is home to an abundant variety of flora and fauna. Visitors can spot numerous species of wildflowers, including vibrant purple heather and delicate bluebells, particularly during the spring and summer months. The area is also rich in wildlife, with sightings of birds such as red grouse and curlews, as well as small mammals like rabbits and hares.

In addition to its natural beauty, Millennium Green offers various amenities for visitors to enjoy. There are well-maintained walking trails that meander through the downs and moorland, allowing visitors to explore the area at their own pace. Picnic areas are scattered throughout the green, providing the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch amidst nature. The green is also equipped with benches and information boards, offering visitors the opportunity to relax and learn more about the local environment.

Overall, Millennium Green is a captivating and serene destination that showcases the stunning natural landscapes of Durham. Whether one wishes to take a leisurely stroll, admire the wildflowers, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, this green space offers a memorable experience for all who visit.

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Millennium Green Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.544336/-1.7406511 or Grid Reference NZ1616. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Gainford War Memorial and Church

Gainford War Memorial and St Mary's Church. St Mary's consists of a nave, aisles, chancels and a square west tower that is open to the nave and supported by pointed arches, similar to the ones, resting on cylindrical pillars that separate the nave and aisles. This graceful arch is repeated in the opening to the chancel and in the three lancet stained glass windows at the east end. During much need repairs in 1864, a number of pre-Conquest sculptured stones were found and placed under cover. Several fragments of fine Saxon crosses are also preserved, some of which are beautifully carved. Among the collection of ancient stones there is a Roman altar. Various grave covers, and other stones of later date, are built into the walls of the north porch. The 13th century font has a tall wooden Jacobean style cover, and there are three medieval brasses in the chancel.

Colin Kinnear

Prominent tree in field of grain

The field which probably has a crop of barley, lies to the west of a road junction on Ford Dike Lane. The road sign at the junction is an old one, cast in iron.

Trevor Littlewood

Grassy slope above Low Green and Low Road

There are several areas of green in Gainford. The main village green is behind the camera position; Low Green is to the right of the nearer iron bollards. Low Road passes through the centre of the image.

Trevor Littlewood

North Lane entering Gainford

Many towns and villages in County Durham have their roadside name signs in a yellow text on a blue background; occasionally, as here, the name is incorporated into the speed limit signing.

Trevor Littlewood

River Tees flowing downstream near Gainford

The Tees, west of Gainford from just below the path used as the route of the Teesdale Way.

Trevor Littlewood

Gravestones on north side of church

Monuments on the north side of St. Mary's Church in Gainford.

Trevor Littlewood

Wheel lanes through barley crop

The lines created by the passage of a tractor, presumably for cultivation purposes, through ripening barley in a field north-east of Gainford.

Trevor Littlewood

Two barns between fields

The barns which are alongside a lane, viewed across a field with what is presumably a crop awaiting harvest.

Trevor Littlewood

River Tees flowing beneath West Tees Bridge

The bridge carried the branch of the North Eastern Railway connecting Darlington to Barnard Castle. The structure appears to be intact and is passed by the long distance footpath, Teesdale Way. There's no official access to the bridge and there's a metal palisade fence at each end, but individual pieces have been removed.

Trevor Littlewood

Curving road on south side of River Tees

The road is also a public footpath which in places passes through grassed fields where it's just a fairly thin trace; that contrasts with the north side path which is well walked and is the route of the Teesdale Way.

Trevor Littlewood

Former railway route over West Tees Bridge

The bridge carried the branch of the North Eastern Railway connecting Darlington to Barnard Castle. The railway company had to cross the River Tees twice near to Gainford in order to avoid passing through Selaby Park on the river's north side. The bridge is fenced off at both the north and south ends but it's possible to get past those barriers as sections are missing.

Trevor Littlewood

River Tees upstream from old railway bridge

The image was recorded from the West Tees Bridge which carried the branch of the North Eastern Railway connecting Darlington with Barnard Castle. The railway company had to construct two bridges over the Tees near to Gainford in order to avoid passing through Selaby Park on the river's north side. The bridge is fenced off at both its north and south ends but it's possible to get past those barriers as sections are missing.

Trevor Littlewood

Not so old Boundary Marker on the A67 between Winston and Gainford

The Winston marker is at the west end and the Gainford marker is at the east end of the parapet of the Alwent Beck bridge on the south side of the A67. In Winston parish and inscribed WINSTON vertically. A list of the boundary markers can be found here Link

. Read "Marking Parish Boundaries Along the Teesdale Way" ISBN 0 9520624 2 9. Milestone Society National ID: DU_TEES01pb

Mike Rayner

Not so old Boundary Marker on the A67 between Winston and Gainford

The Winston marker is at the east end and the Gainford marker is at the east end of the parapet of the Alwent Beck bridge on the south side of the A67. In Gainford parish and inscribed GAINFORD vertically. A list of the boundary markers can be found here Link

. Read "Marking Parish Boundaries Along the Teesdale Way" ISBN 0 9520624 2 9. Milestone Society National ID: DU_TEES01pb

Mike Rayner

Caldwell, Barforth Grange

According to the OS benchmark database there is a benchmark cut into the east face of the farmhouse. This is a private drive and there is no view from the roadside.

Mel Towler

Winston, Pudding Hill Road

According to the OS benchmark database there is a benchmark cut into a stone gatepost to the left of this field entrance. Today there are no gateposts.

Mel Towler

Gainford, Boat Lane

According to the OS benchmark database there is a concrete gatepost with a benchmark on the left of the entrance to Low Fields. There is no visible gatepost, and the hedge is so thick I was unable to determine if the gatepost may still be present.

Mel Towler