Birk Hill

Hill, Mountain in Northumberland

England

Birk Hill

Bridge on road near Blackaburn Credit: Steven Brown

Birk Hill is a prominent geological feature located in the county of Northumberland, England. Standing at an elevation of approximately 275 meters (900 feet), it is classified as a hill rather than a mountain due to its relatively moderate height. Birk Hill is situated within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a designation that reflects its stunning natural surroundings.

The hill is characterized by its rolling slopes and is predominantly covered in heather and grassland, typical of the Northumberland uplands. Its location offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the Cheviot Hills to the north and the Tyne Valley to the south.

Birk Hill is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and nature lovers. Several walking trails crisscross the area, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the hill's diverse flora and fauna. The hill is home to a variety of bird species, including grouse, curlew, and skylarks, making it a haven for birdwatchers.

In addition to its natural beauty, Birk Hill also boasts historical significance. The remains of an Iron Age hillfort, known as Birk Hill Camp, can be found near its summit. This archaeological site provides an intriguing glimpse into the region's ancient past and attracts history enthusiasts.

Overall, Birk Hill in Northumberland offers a combination of stunning natural scenery, diverse wildlife, and historical intrigue. Whether one seeks outdoor adventure or simply a peaceful escape in nature, Birk Hill is a captivating destination to explore.

Show me another place!

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

Birk Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.086373/-2.3324324 or Grid Reference NY7876. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bridge on road near Blackaburn

Steven Brown

Marl Sike

Mark Sike, a small stream at Whygate. Livestock have eroded the bank, coming down to the waters edge to drink.

Graham Robson

Trig point of Birk Hill

The trig point of Birk Hill stands beside a dry stone wall amidst rushes at the heart of Wark Forest. Stonehaugh is a nearby village.

Trevor Littlewood

Brown Rigg

Looking west from the road.

T Eyre

Sandy Sike

Open area of the forest.

T Eyre

Lamb Hills

A footpath goes down here, but probably gets very overgrown.

T Eyre

Bridleway near Stonehaugh

This bridleway is overgrown by long grass and bracken, but luckily, not by trees.

T Eyre

Near Stonehaugh

Looking NE from the bridleway.

T Eyre

Middleburn Farm

In an area of open land in the heart of Wark Forest.

Oliver Dixon

Cleared forest in Wark Forest

The whole of this area has been clear-felled in the last six years. The land in the foreground has only been cleared recently, beyond the fence new planting has taken place.

Oliver Dixon

Cleared forest in Wark Forest

This area has been cleared quite recently. The roof of Middleburn Farm NY7975 can be seen in the middle distance.

Oliver Dixon

The Warks Burn

Seen from the bridge below Stonehaugh.

Oliver Dixon

Confluence of the Middle Burn with the Warks Burn

The Middle Burn flows in to the Warks Burn from the left.

Oliver Dixon

Forest depot, Stonehaugh

Oliver Dixon

Willowbog

Backed by trees in Wark Forest. See also NY7975 : Willowbog Farm.

Oliver Dixon

Footbridge over the Middle Burn

Immediately above the confluence with the Warks Burn. On the far side are the three tree trunks being prepared as replacement totem poles to be erected on the site.

Oliver Dixon

New totem poles in preparation

The celebrated totem poles of Stonehaugh were first fashioned by forestry workers in 1971 at a time when chainsaws were a novelty. After the base of the poles rotted, they were replaced in 1982 and again in 1992. In 2018, the poles were taken down for a third time; after removing the rotten parts, the truncated totem poles have been re-erected behind the village hall. Meanwhile work is under way to prepare a fourth set of poles. Forestry England have donated three 80ft larch tree trunks. Responsibility for the three new designs has been undertaken separately by Eggers, the timber board manufacturers in Hexham, by the Forestry England in discussion with Wark First School, and by the National Park. Northumbria Water have supplied sections of water main pipe to protect against base rot. It had been hoped to complete the reinstallation in 2019 in time to celebrate the centenary of the foundation of the Forestry Commission, but this now looks somewhat unlikely.

Oliver Dixon