Byresbank Plantation

Wood, Forest in Ayrshire

Scotland

Byresbank Plantation

End-terrace on Maxwood Road Credit: Alan Reid

Byresbank Plantation is a picturesque woodland located in Ayrshire, Scotland. Spanning over a vast area, this forest is a cherished natural asset of the region. The plantation is predominantly composed of native trees, including oak, beech, and ash, which create a diverse and vibrant ecosystem.

The woodland is well-maintained, with clearly marked paths that meander through its lush surroundings. These paths offer visitors the opportunity to explore and appreciate the beauty of the forest, while also ensuring that the fragile ecosystem remains undisturbed. The forest floor is adorned with a carpet of ferns, wildflowers, and mosses, providing a haven for various species of birds, insects, and small mammals.

Byresbank Plantation is a haven for nature enthusiasts, providing ample opportunities for birdwatching, photography, and tranquility. The forest is home to a wide variety of bird species, including woodpeckers, owls, and thrushes, making it a popular spot for birdwatchers. Additionally, the woodland is visited by deer, foxes, and badgers, adding to the charm and diversity of the area.

The plantation is also of historical significance, as it was once part of the larger estate of Byresbank House. The remnants of the house can still be seen within the woodland, adding an element of intrigue and nostalgia to the area.

Overall, Byresbank Plantation is a natural gem in Ayrshire, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of a well-preserved forest. Its lush vegetation, diverse wildlife, and historical significance make it an ideal destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

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Byresbank Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.611331/-4.3795846 or Grid Reference NS5037. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

End-terrace on Maxwood Road

Alan Reid

Sunrise over a herd of Ayrshires

Alan Reid

Waterside, Galston

Alan Reid

Sheltered corner at Castle Hill

Alan Reid

Alton Burn

Running to the left through the rushes.

Alan Reid

Downhill to East Newton

Alan Reid

Cattle grazing on Judge's Hill

Alan Reid

Barr Castle - Galston, East Ayrshire

The present tower dates from the 16th century and was the family seat of the Lockhart family until 1670. It passed to the Campbell's of Cessnock and was used as a domicile. It has been used as a barn, a grain store, a town jail, a cholera hospital, a wool store, a school and a religious meeting house. It was acquired by the Duke of Portland for the local Masonic Lodge, St Peter 331 in 1894, who have maintained it until the present day. Barr Castle used to be known as Lockhart’s Tower. One of the Lockharts of Barr is reputed to have been one of the men associated with returning Robert the Bruce's heart to Scotland after it had been lost in a battle abroad by James Douglas who carried it to the Crusades as a dying wish of the famous King. The Scottish Reformers William Wishart and John Knox preached in this place A.D. 1545 and 1556 respectively.

Raibeart MacAoidh

St Sophia's Church - Galston, East Ayrshire

St Sophia's church was constructed 1885-6 and designed by architect Sir Robert Rowand Anderson. The third Marquess of Bute commissioned Anderson to bring to Galston this echo of the Byzantine Empire. The church is a distinctive building based on Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, which the Marquess had visited and in memory of his mother Lady Sophia Hastings of Loudoun Castle. Built in red brick the church is cruciform in shape with a central round tower topped with a conical roof of red tiles.

Raibeart MacAoidh

Barr Castle - Galston, East Ayrshire

The present tower dates from the 16th century and was the family seat of the Lockhart family until 1670. It passed to the Campbell's of Cessnock and was used as a domicile. It has been used as a barn, a grain store, a town jail, a cholera hospital, a wool store, a school and a religious meeting house. It was acquired in 1894 by the Duke of Portland for the local Masonic Lodge, St Peter 331, who have maintained it until the present day. Barr Castle used to be known as Lockhart’s Tower. One of the Lockharts of Barr is reputed to have been one of the men associated with returning Robert the Bruce's heart to Scotland after it had been lost in a battle abroad by James Douglas who carried it to the Crusades as a dying wish of the famous King. The Scottish Reformers William Wishart and John Knox preached in this place A.D. 1545 and 1556 respectively.

Raibeart MacAoidh

Ruined building, not on map

Remains of a lime kiln, or similar, not sure.

Scott

Remains of Loudoun Castle c 2003

This view used to greet visitors to the now closed Loudoun Castle Theme Park. Image shows the castle as it was in 2003.

Tom Morrison

Small Burn

Small burn in Big Wood.

Scott

Site of Galston station, 1997

View NW approaching Galston village. The station had been on the right, on the ex-GSWR line which ran from Kilmarnock (to left) to Darvel (to right) under the road and was closed 6/4/64 to passengers, 6/7/64 to goods.

Ben Brooksbank