The Plain

Downs, Moorland in Yorkshire Ryedale

England

The Plain

Comma butterfly at Scampston The borders in the walled garden at Scampston Hall were maybe past their best in late August. But they were still clearly offering much to attract myriad bees, and butterflies such as this. — Comma butterfly at Scampston Credit: Paul Harrop

The Plain, Yorkshire, also known as the Yorkshire Downs or Moorland, is a region located in the county of Yorkshire, England. Spanning over a vast area, it is characterized by its unique landscape and natural beauty.

The Plain is predominantly made up of rolling hills, with an average elevation of around 200 to 400 meters above sea level. These hills are covered in lush green grasslands and heather moorland, giving the area a picturesque and serene ambiance. The region is also dotted with several rivers, streams, and reservoirs, adding to its scenic charm.

Home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, the Yorkshire Downs boasts an abundance of wildlife, including species such as red grouse, curlews, and lapwings. The moorland is also a haven for birdwatchers, who flock to the area to catch glimpses of rare and migratory bird species.

The Plain’s landscape is steeped in history, with evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years. Ancient burial mounds, stone circles, and Roman roads can be found scattered throughout the region, providing insights into its past.

The Yorkshire Downs also offer a range of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. From hiking and cycling along the numerous trails to horseback riding and birdwatching, the Plain provides ample opportunities for exploration and adventure.

Overall, the Plain, Yorkshire is a captivating region that showcases the natural beauty and rich history of Yorkshire. Its rolling hills, moorland, and abundant wildlife make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Show me another place!

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

The Plain Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.164128/-0.68235214 or Grid Reference SE8675. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Comma butterfly at Scampston

The borders in the walled garden at Scampston Hall were maybe past their best in late August. But they were still clearly offering much to attract myriad bees, and butterflies such as this.

Paul Harrop

Butterfly at Scampston

The borders in the walled garden at Scampston Hall were maybe past their best in late August. But they were still clearly offering much to attract myriad bees, and butterflies, such as this small tortoiseshell (I think that's what it was).

Paul Harrop

Scampston Hall

The western facade of this Grade II* listed country house sited four miles east of Malton. The current house is a late-eighteenth century remodelling of an original built around a century earlier. It is currently owned by the Legard family which originated at Anlaby near Hull (as marked in the name of TA0328 : Legard Drive, Anlaby).

Paul Harrop

Bridge building, Scampston

Palladian-style bridge/folly forming the northern end of the extensive fish ponds in the grounds of Scampston Hall.

Paul Harrop

Dragonfly at Scampston

A male common darter perched on top of one of the many small sculptures dotted around the walled gardens. Wikipedia informs me that not only is this one of the commonest dragonflies in Europe, it is also one of the easiest to photograph, somewhat taking the edge off my sense of achievement in getting this shot.

Paul Harrop

Molinia Poul Petersen grass, Scampston Walled Garden

'Drifts of Grass is one of 12 distinct areas in the walled garden. The layout was designed by Piet Oudolf in 1999.

Christine Johnstone

Spring box border, Scampston Walled Garden

Seen through a notch recently cut into the northern boundary hedge. One of 12 distinct areas in the walled garden. The layout was designed by Piet Oudolf in 1999.

Christine Johnstone

September flowers, Scampston Walled Garden

In the cut flower garden. One of 12 distinct areas in the walled garden. The layout was designed by Piet Oudolf in 1999.

Christine Johnstone

September vegetables, Scampston Walled Garden

A row of celeriac [I think] in the vegetable garden. One of 12 distinct areas in the walled garden. The layout was designed by Piet Oudolf in 1999.

Christine Johnstone

Squares of box, Scampston Walled Garden

View along the spring box borders. One of 12 distinct areas in the walled garden. The layout was designed by Piet Oudolf in 1999.

Christine Johnstone

Katsura Grove, Scampston Walled Garden

Underplanted with Molinia 'Transparent' grasses as well as woodland plants. One of 12 distinct areas in the walled garden. The layout was designed by Piet Oudolf in 1999.

Christine Johnstone

September border, Scampston Walled Garden

On the west side of the summer box border. One of 12 distinct areas in the walled garden. The layout was designed by Piet Oudolf in 1999.

Christine Johnstone

Clipped yew hedges, Scampston Walled Garden

The Serpentine Garden is one of 12 distinct areas in the walled garden. The layout was designed by Piet Oudolf in 1999.

Christine Johnstone

Fallen branch, Spanish chestnut tree

This tree, in Scampston Hall parkland, was planted in the mid-1700s. The vivid scar on the trunk shows that the branch has fallen off over this summer.

Christine Johnstone