Cowfield Strip

Wood, Forest in Fife

Scotland

Cowfield Strip

Mine memorial Close to the church in West Wemyss this small memorial has recently been erected. Carved from a chunk of granite, it represents the spherical top of a sea-mine complete with its radiating spikes, and commemorates five folk from West Wemyss who, on 23rd January 1941, prevented a naval mine from drifting into the village, sacrificing their lives to save others. — Mine memorial Credit: James Allan

Cowfield Strip is a dense woodland located in Fife, Scotland. Situated near the village of Cowfield, this forested area spans approximately 2 square kilometers. The strip is characterized by its lush greenery, tall trees, and diverse range of flora and fauna.

The forest is predominantly populated by deciduous trees such as oak, ash, and beech, which provide a dense canopy overhead. These towering giants create a serene and sheltered environment, offering a haven for various wildlife species.

Cowfield Strip is home to a diverse array of wildlife, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. Bird species that can be spotted here include woodpeckers, thrushes, and finches. Additionally, the forest is a habitat for small mammals like squirrels, rabbits, and hedgehogs.

The forest floor is covered in a thick layer of moss, ferns, and wildflowers, creating a picturesque landscape. Walking trails meander through the woodland, allowing visitors to explore and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the surroundings.

The Cowfield Strip is not only cherished for its natural beauty but also for its recreational opportunities. It offers a peaceful setting for activities such as hiking, picnicking, and photography. The tranquil atmosphere and scenic views make it an ideal place for visitors to unwind and connect with nature.

Overall, Cowfield Strip in Fife is a captivating woodland that offers a rich biodiversity and a tranquil retreat for nature lovers.

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Cowfield Strip Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.149603/-3.083513 or Grid Reference NT3295. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Mine memorial

Close to the church in West Wemyss this small memorial has recently been erected. Carved from a chunk of granite, it represents the spherical top of a sea-mine complete with its radiating spikes, and commemorates five folk from West Wemyss who, on 23rd January 1941, prevented a naval mine from drifting into the village, sacrificing their lives to save others.

James Allan

Mosaic swans

A flat concrete surface, probably a relic of bygone industry, has recently been transformed into this colourful pair of swans amid the waves by the artistic use of beach pebbles, sea shells and paint.

James Allan

As solid as a rock

Parts of this cliff are less than stable.

James Allan

Lobster pots

A pile of pots below the cliff. Round here both lobsters and partans (edible crabs) are caught in these contraptions.

James Allan

Cottage and tower

At the west end of Chapel Gardens.

James Allan

The old Tolbooth at West Wemyss

Dominating the atmospheric old village.

James Denham

Magnificent old building at West Wemyss in Fife

It is currently empty.

James Denham

West Wemyss Harbour

Euan Nelson

West Wemyss Church

The church, built in 1890 and funded by the Wemyss family of Wemyss, was known as St. Adrian's Church. Built as a chapel of ease, the church was threatened with closure in the 1970s but the Wemyss family intervened with the offer of funding any external repairs provided the church remained as a place of worship and the congregation took care of any internal requirements. West Wemyss Church is now part of Buckhaven and Wemyss Parish.

James Denham

The Walk Inn at West Wemyss

The Walk Inn officially opened on 11th August, 2011 as a result of the great efforts of the Community Trust. Having entered, and won, the BBC Village SOS scheme, the community received a large sum of money to help revitalise their village. The first tangible sign of the programme is the inn. Currently there is a cafe, bistro and bunkhouse with more plans on the way including a shop, all run by the Trust. The inn occupies the building which once house the Wemyss Arms pub.

James Denham

Ruined 16th. century tower-house at West Wemyss

Built near a long gone chapel, the tower was built on to the old manse and was home to David, 2nd. Earl of Wemyss lived there, with his wife Anna, from 1635 until her death in 1649. The tower, sometimes known in the past as West Wemyss Castle, is situated adjacent to the Wemyss family burial ground.

James Denham

Village Hall and War Memorial in Coaltown of Wemyss

The lovely old building was once the miners' institute.

James Denham

Nesting fulmars

Fulmars using ledges in a sandstone promontory just west of West Wemyss village.

James Allan

Coastal concrete

At first sight this looks like an abandoned harbour but it is probably the remains of something (possibly a gas works) connected with the demolished buildings of the Michael Colliery which once stood on this site.

James Allan

Gas vent

The Fife Coastal Path crosses the site formerly occupied by the Michael Colliery and this concrete slab with a mine gas vent fenced off in its centre is evidence of that. The Michael Colliery, Scotland's biggest and deepest coal mine, opened in 1897 and closed in September 1967 after a seam of coal ignited 1800 feet below the ground killing nine men. A monument was erected in East Wemyss in 1992 on the 25th anniversary of the fatal fire. Three years later, the pithead gear was demolished and little remains to remind one of this once-thriving colliery.

James Allan

No sign of the coast

This section of the Fife Coastal Path to the west of East Wemyss affords little view in either direction.

James Allan

East Wemyss slipway

James Allan

Steps from the shore

The Fife Coastal Path has a few ups and downs along its length. This is one of the ups for east-bound walkers, near the ruins of Macduff's Castle and above the East Wemyss caves with their Pictish drawings.

James Allan

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Cowfield Strip is located at Grid Ref: NT3295 (Lat: 56.149603, Lng: -3.083513)

Unitary Authority: Fife

Police Authority: Fife