Barnhill Wood

Wood, Forest in Kirkcudbrightshire

Scotland

Barnhill Wood

The History of a figurehead at Fred Olsen's house This figurehead was borne by the passenger liner, the first &quot;BLACK WATCH&quot;, which entered service for Fred Olsen lines between Newcastle and Oslo early in 1939.
With the outbreak of WWII in September 1939 the &quot;BLACK WATCH&quot; was laid up in a Norwegian fjord only to be commandeered by the German Navy on Germany&#039;s invasion of Norway.
The vessel then served as a communication centre and supply ship until May 5th, 1945, two days before the end of hostilities, when she was bombed and sunk in 150 feet of water at Kilbotn near Harstad, Norway by the Fleet Air Arm.
No more was heard of the &quot;Black Watch&quot; until 1963 when a salvage firm began operations to recover the hull for scrap and the first thing they brought up after nearly 20 years under water was this figurehead, which was returned to its owner, Fred Olsen, who has restored it and placed it at the entrance to his Galloway estate. — The History of a figurehead at Fred Olsen's house Credit: Raibeart MacAoidh

Barnhill Wood is a picturesque woodland located in Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland. Situated near the village of Gatehouse of Fleet, it spans an area of approximately 50 hectares. The woodland is part of the larger Galloway Forest Park, which is renowned for its natural beauty and diverse ecosystem.

Barnhill Wood is predominantly composed of native broadleaf trees, including oak, ash, birch, and beech. These trees provide a dense canopy, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere within the woodland. The forest floor is covered in a thick carpet of moss and ferns, adding to its enchanting ambiance.

The woodland is crisscrossed by a network of well-maintained trails, which are perfect for leisurely walks and exploring the area. These trails offer visitors the opportunity to observe the local flora and fauna up close, with sightings of birds, squirrels, and deer being common.

Barnhill Wood is also home to a variety of wildflowers, which bloom during the spring and summer months, adding vibrant colors to the landscape. The wood is particularly famous for its bluebells, creating a stunning visual display when they blanket the forest floor.

In addition to its natural beauty, Barnhill Wood also holds historical significance. It is believed that the woodland has been used by humans for thousands of years, with remnants of ancient settlements and burial sites discovered in the area.

Overall, Barnhill Wood is a cherished natural gem in Kirkcudbrightshire, offering visitors a tranquil escape into the captivating world of Scottish woodlands.

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Barnhill Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.151547/-4.2690613 or Grid Reference NX5586. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The History of a figurehead at Fred Olsen's house

This figurehead was borne by the passenger liner, the first "BLACK WATCH", which entered service for Fred Olsen lines between Newcastle and Oslo early in 1939. With the outbreak of WWII in September 1939 the "BLACK WATCH" was laid up in a Norwegian fjord only to be commandeered by the German Navy on Germany's invasion of Norway. The vessel then served as a communication centre and supply ship until May 5th, 1945, two days before the end of hostilities, when she was bombed and sunk in 150 feet of water at Kilbotn near Harstad, Norway by the Fleet Air Arm. No more was heard of the "Black Watch" until 1963 when a salvage firm began operations to recover the hull for scrap and the first thing they brought up after nearly 20 years under water was this figurehead, which was returned to its owner, Fred Olsen, who has restored it and placed it at the entrance to his Galloway estate.

Raibeart MacAoidh

Mid Burn near Burnhead

A changed view from NX5485 : The Mid Burn near Burnhead now that the trees have been felled and the burn is down to a trickle after many weeks of dry weather.

wrobison