Bareness Wood

Wood, Forest in Kirkcudbrightshire

Scotland

Bareness Wood

Cattle grazing near Bogfoot Credit: Eirian Evans

Bareness Wood is a picturesque forest located in the county of Kirkcudbrightshire, in the southwest of Scotland. This enchanting woodland covers an area of approximately 200 hectares and is situated near the town of Castle Douglas. It is surrounded by rolling hills and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

The forest is predominantly composed of native broadleaf trees, including oak, ash, birch, and beech, creating a rich and diverse ecosystem. The canopy of the wood provides a habitat for various bird species, such as woodpeckers, owls, and thrushes. The forest floor is covered with a thick carpet of ferns, mosses, and wildflowers, providing food and shelter for a variety of small mammals and insects.

Bareness Wood boasts a network of well-maintained walking trails, allowing visitors to explore the natural beauty of the area. These paths meander through the woodland, offering glimpses of the wildlife that calls this forest home. The tranquility and peacefulness of the wood make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and families seeking a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

In addition to its natural beauty, Bareness Wood has historical significance. The wood is believed to have been part of the ancient Caledonian Forest that once covered much of Scotland. It has witnessed centuries of human activity, from ancient settlements to more recent agricultural practices.

Overall, Bareness Wood is a captivating destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature, offering a glimpse into Scotland's rich ecological and historical heritage.

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Bareness Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.90378/-3.6788129 or Grid Reference NX9257. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Cattle grazing near Bogfoot

Eirian Evans

Southwick Water at Caulkerbush

Eirian Evans

Visitors Centre Mersehead

RSPB reserve. The sculpture is a collection box for parking fees.

Christine Westerback

Mersehead RSPB Reserve

View from the car park.

Christine Westerback

Cottage in the Hills

Nestling between two hills, overlooking the nature reserve, this seems an ideal place to live.

Christine Westerback

Bird's Eye View

Overlooking Mersehead Nature Reserve.

Christine Westerback

Water Ditch

Flowing through the middle of Mersehead nature reserve creating wetland areas for many species of bird

Christine Westerback

View from Bird Hide

A great view from the bird hide across small ponds and wetland, the home of birds as varied as Grey Heron and Little Grebe

Christine Westerback

Caulkerbush War Memorial

Walter Baxter

Castle Farm

Viewed from the B793.

Walter Baxter

Old RAC Road Sign

This relic still survives opposite Southwick Parish Church.

Walter Baxter

Clifton Craig

Info from a climbing website: Clifton is one of Southern Scotland's best kept secrets. South facing, quick drying, close to the road and in a beautiful location: its only weak point is the diminutive stature of the climbs. However, these pack such a punch into their short length that they are guaranteed to leave you just as drained as a 50m pitch would on most other crags. Please keep dogs on a lead when in the fields. In spring, peregrines often nest near The Main Area or Red Slab and these buttresses should be avoided at this time.

Darrin Antrobus

Clifton Craig

From a climbing website: "Clifton is one of Southern Scotland's best kept secrets. South facing, quick drying, close to the road and in a beautiful location: its only weak point is the diminutive stature of the climbs. However, these pack such a punch into their short length that they are guaranteed to leave you just as drained as a 50m pitch would on most other crags. Please keep dogs on a lead when in the fields. In spring, peregrines often nest near The Main Area or Red Slab and these buttresses should be avoided at this time."

Darrin Antrobus

Woodside Bridge

over Southwick Water

Darrin Antrobus

Southwick Water from the Woodside Bridge

Darrin Antrobus

Woodside Bridge

seen from the north

Darrin Antrobus

Southwick Parish Church at Caulkerbush

From the internet: Church of Scotland. Standing by woodland just outside the policies of Southwick House, a stone church of local grey granite with dressings of red sandstone. By Peddie & Kinnear 1891, a mixture of Early Christian and Norman. Its crossing tower was derived from the 14th-century tower of St Monans Parish Church. A wagon roof over the nave, the chancel arch enriched with chevron decoration. On either side of the chancel arch, a neo-Norman font by Cox & Buckley 1898 and a neo-Jacobean pulpit. Wrought iron Arts & Crafts light fittings, once for oil lamps. Late 19th-century stained glass. Organ replaced in May 1999 with Ahlborn SL100. A710 from Dumfries, turn right immediately over Southwick Bridge onto B793 Dalbeattie. Linked with Colvend and Kirkbean.

Darrin Antrobus