Fancy Grove Wood

Wood, Forest in Midlothian

Scotland

Fancy Grove Wood

Auld Coal Terrace New houses seen from Burnbank Park, the site of Polton Colliery. The Pittendriech Burn flows under the park through a culvert. — Auld Coal Terrace Credit: Richard Webb

Fancy Grove Wood is a picturesque forest located in the charming town of Midlothian, Scotland. Spanning approximately 100 acres, this woodland is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and wildlife observers.

The wood is primarily composed of native trees such as oak, birch, and beech, creating a diverse and vibrant ecosystem. The dense canopy provides a cool and shaded environment, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll on a warm summer day. The forest floor is covered in a rich carpet of moss, ferns, and wildflowers, adding to the enchanting atmosphere.

A network of well-maintained trails and footpaths meanders through Fancy Grove Wood, allowing visitors to explore its hidden treasures. Along these trails, one can encounter various species of birds, including woodpeckers, owls, and thrushes. Squirrels and rabbits are also commonly spotted, while lucky visitors may even catch a glimpse of a roe deer or a fox.

Besides its natural beauty, Fancy Grove Wood holds historical significance as well. It is believed to have been used as a hunting ground during medieval times, and remnants of ancient stone walls can still be seen in some areas.

The wood is open to the public all year round, offering a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether it's a peaceful walk, a family picnic, or an opportunity to engage with nature, Fancy Grove Wood is a delightful destination for anyone seeking a dose of serenity and natural beauty.

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Fancy Grove Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.863433/-3.0811716 or Grid Reference NT3263. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Auld Coal Terrace

New houses seen from Burnbank Park, the site of Polton Colliery. The Pittendriech Burn flows under the park through a culvert.

Richard Webb

Burn under Burnbank Park

The Pittendriech Burn runs through a culvert under a park built with colliery waste.

Richard Webb

Bridge over the Pittendriech Burn

New houses on the edge of Bonnyrigg. The burn runs under the colliery waste of Burnbank Park.

Richard Webb

Path beside the Pittendriech Burn

An icy path heading for nowhere - well a very muddy informal path into Little Wood. The message is clear - more houses to come.

Richard Webb

Building in Little Wood

The current edge of Bonnyrigg. There was once a reservoir in the wood, presumably connected with the nearby Polton Colliery.

Richard Webb

Field near Dalhousie Chesters

Very much in the sights of the developers.

Richard Webb

Field near Dalhousie Chesters

Very much in the sights of the developers.

Richard Webb

Colliery cat kipping in coal

At the National Mining Museum Scotland, the former Lady Victoria Colliery.

Robin Webster

Equipment maintenance board, Lady Victoria Shaft

At the National Mining Museum Scotland. The 'Automatic contrivance' is intriguing, a term apparently commonly used without a more specific name.

Robin Webster

Winding engine, Lady Victoria Shaft

At the National Mining Museum Scotland, at the former Lady Victoria colliery. One side of the steam engine, which no longer has a steam supply, but can be turned over electrically.

Robin Webster

Winding engine, Lady Victoria Shaft

At the National Mining Museum Scotland, at the former Lady Victoria colliery. One side of the steam engine, which no longer has a steam supply, but can be turned over electrically. The winding drum is behind the shield with the flag, the other half of the two cylinder engine is off to the left. The winding ropes, which originally passed through the high port in the end wall, have been removed.

Robin Webster

Winding drum and indicators, Lady Victoria Shaft

At the National Mining Museum Scotland, at the former Lady Victoria colliery. The winding ropes, which originally passed through the high port in the end wall, have been removed.

Robin Webster

Coal face machinery, National Mining Museum Scotland

The underground parts of Lady Victoria Colliery have been capped off, but a mock-up of what it is like underground has been made in one of the surface buildings.

Robin Webster

NCB No.21 West Ayr Area at the National Mining Museum Scotland, 2007

There is a view of this nearby in 1982 in very good external condition. Since then it had been neglected, and not until 2019 was something done about it. It was moved to the Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway for cosmetic restoration and returned in 2020. During the first move it was found that the wheel bearings had seized up, and considerable difficult was had in shunting it around. Hopefully 'cosmetic' extended to sorting that out.

Robin Webster

Newtongrange Station

Peter Moore

Main Street, Newtongrange

Main Street from its junction with Lingerwood Road. In the foreground is one of the distinctive brick-built cottages of the 19th century mining village.

Jim Barton

Cafe on Main Street, Newtongrange

Cafe and takeaway business near the junction with Lingerwood Road.

Jim Barton

Picture Palace cinema commemoration, Newtongrange

Brickwork in the pavement at the junction of Lingerwood Road and Main Street commemorating the Picture Palace 1915 - 1961, first film Out of the Depths. It was situated across the road and the site is now occupied by a block of flats. There is a photograph of the cinema on the Canmore web page Link

(incorrectly titled as 4 Muirdean Road instead of Murderdean Road).