Lairhope Braes

Wood, Forest in Roxburghshire

Scotland

Lairhope Braes

Old Boundary Marker near Calfshaw Head Estate Boundary Marker beside a wooden fence on the edge of Craik Forest, 545 metres northeast of Calfshaw Head. Inscribed I on the north face. On the former boundary of Teviothead and Roberton parishes in Roxburghshire, but the inscription perhaps indicates this is an estate marker.

Milestone Society National ID: RX_TEVROB01em
Old Boundary Marker near Calfshaw Head Credit: J Glew

Lairhope Braes is a captivating woodland area located in the region of Roxburghshire, Scotland. This natural haven is nestled in the heart of the Scottish Borders and covers a sprawling area of lush greenery and dense forests. The Braes are renowned for their outstanding natural beauty and provide visitors with a serene and tranquil atmosphere.

The woodland in Lairhope Braes is predominantly composed of a variety of exquisite tree species, including oak, birch, and pine. The towering trees create a dense canopy that filters the sunlight, casting enchanting shadows on the forest floor. The ground is adorned with a rich carpet of mosses, ferns, and wildflowers, adding to the area's charm.

The Braes are not only visually stunning but also serve as a haven for a diverse range of wildlife. Visitors may spot red squirrels darting between the trees, as well as various species of birds, such as woodpeckers and owls. The captivating flora and fauna make Lairhope Braes a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

For those seeking outdoor activities, Lairhope Braes offers numerous walking and hiking trails that wind through the woodland. These trails provide a chance to explore the area's natural wonders up close, with stunning viewpoints and hidden gems waiting to be discovered around every corner.

Lairhope Braes is a true gem in Roxburghshire, offering a peaceful retreat for those seeking solace in nature's embrace. Whether it is for a leisurely walk, birdwatching, or simply immersing oneself in the tranquility of the forest, this woodland area is a must-visit destination for nature lovers.

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Lairhope Braes Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.348895/-2.9867246 or Grid Reference NT3706. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Old Boundary Marker near Calfshaw Head Estate Boundary Marker beside a wooden fence on the edge of Craik Forest, 545 metres northeast of Calfshaw Head. Inscribed I on the north face. On the former boundary of Teviothead and Roberton parishes in Roxburghshire, but the inscription perhaps indicates this is an estate marker.

Milestone Society National ID: RX_TEVROB01em
Old Boundary Marker near Calfshaw Head
Estate Boundary Marker beside a wooden fence on the edge of Craik Forest, 545 metres northeast of Calfshaw Head. Inscribed I on the north face. On the former boundary of Teviothead and Roberton parishes in Roxburghshire, but the inscription perhaps indicates this is an estate marker. Milestone Society National ID: RX_TEVROB01em
Farm Road The road from Hislop Farm to Falnash Farm and the A7. Also used to gain access to Craik Forest. A new forestry road has been formed on the left.
Farm Road
The road from Hislop Farm to Falnash Farm and the A7. Also used to gain access to Craik Forest. A new forestry road has been formed on the left.
Hazelhope Hill A rough grazing hillside.
Hazelhope Hill
A rough grazing hillside.
Forestry The edge of Craik Forest south-southeast of Merry Naze.
Forestry
The edge of Craik Forest south-southeast of Merry Naze.
Forestry Road Provides access to Craik Forest and the building at Lairhope.
Forestry Road
Provides access to Craik Forest and the building at Lairhope.
Crib Sike To the north of Lairhope.
Crib Sike
To the north of Lairhope.
Forestry Road To the east of Lairhope with forestry to the right on Lairhope Braes.
Forestry Road
To the east of Lairhope with forestry to the right on Lairhope Braes.
Forestry on Merry Naze Viewed from Tanlaw Naze.
Forestry on Merry Naze
Viewed from Tanlaw Naze.
The Hazelhope Burn Viewed from the farm road at Hislop.
The Hazelhope Burn
Viewed from the farm road at Hislop.
Calfshaw Head A hill with approximately 50% rough grazing and 50% forestry within the square.
Calfshaw Head
A hill with approximately 50% rough grazing and 50% forestry within the square.
The trig point on Calfshaw Head Between a fence and a forest edge at 403m with a flush bracket number S7687.
The trig point on Calfshaw Head
Between a fence and a forest edge at 403m with a flush bracket number S7687.
Rough grazing on Calfshaw Head Lodge Hill is in the centre of the photo.
Rough grazing on Calfshaw Head
Lodge Hill is in the centre of the photo.
Dyke junction, Eilrig The eastern edge of Craik Forest. The cornrows are a second generation of Sitka spruce. The other two sectors are still rough grazing, with the right hand sector running through the forest up to the house at Eilrig.
Dyke junction, Eilrig
The eastern edge of Craik Forest. The cornrows are a second generation of Sitka spruce. The other two sectors are still rough grazing, with the right hand sector running through the forest up to the house at Eilrig.
Pwdre ser - a slime mould? There had been a lot of correspondence with the Radio Scotland "Out of Doors" programme about jelly found on the hill.  Here is a typical sample. Folklore has it that it is of meteoric origin, hence the Welsh name Pwdre Ser or star rot. It could be one of many species of slime mould, an unusual group of organisms, which at certain times in their life cycle form giant cells.  Normally microscopic, amoeba like cells join up to form giant multi-nucleated cells. Each glob of jelly here is a single cell.
Traditionally classified as fungi, but now shifted out of the way into their own kingdom, these blobs and their microscopic originators move.

However much correspondence suggests that this is the unpalatable jelly from frog ovaries - the stuff that prevents frog spawn from being eaten. Predators eat the rest of the frog, but not the jelly. Fungal DNA has been found in the jelly, but this is probably decomposition fungi growing on the jelly.
Pwdre ser - a slime mould?
There had been a lot of correspondence with the Radio Scotland "Out of Doors" programme about jelly found on the hill. Here is a typical sample. Folklore has it that it is of meteoric origin, hence the Welsh name Pwdre Ser or star rot. It could be one of many species of slime mould, an unusual group of organisms, which at certain times in their life cycle form giant cells. Normally microscopic, amoeba like cells join up to form giant multi-nucleated cells. Each glob of jelly here is a single cell. Traditionally classified as fungi, but now shifted out of the way into their own kingdom, these blobs and their microscopic originators move. However much correspondence suggests that this is the unpalatable jelly from frog ovaries - the stuff that prevents frog spawn from being eaten. Predators eat the rest of the frog, but not the jelly. Fungal DNA has been found in the jelly, but this is probably decomposition fungi growing on the jelly.
Drainage ditch, Meadshaw Rig One of several drains crossing the slope in a newly replanted forestry block. This part of Craik Forest is managed by Kronospan, who also have a large holding on the Eskdalemuir side of the forest.

Looking out from the forest with many kilometres of trees behind me towards Philhope Fell. The small rectangular plantation on the saddle has been left off the 1:50,000 map.
Drainage ditch, Meadshaw Rig
One of several drains crossing the slope in a newly replanted forestry block. This part of Craik Forest is managed by Kronospan, who also have a large holding on the Eskdalemuir side of the forest. Looking out from the forest with many kilometres of trees behind me towards Philhope Fell. The small rectangular plantation on the saddle has been left off the 1:50,000 map.
Towards Meadshaw Rig Much of this square has recently been felled and replanted by Kronospan. The immediate surroundings of the Eildrig Burn have not this time been planted with Sitka spruce, but alder and other broadleafed trees. This reduces acidification and is part of a management scheme to preserve the Tweed fishery.
Towards Meadshaw Rig
Much of this square has recently been felled and replanted by Kronospan. The immediate surroundings of the Eildrig Burn have not this time been planted with Sitka spruce, but alder and other broadleafed trees. This reduces acidification and is part of a management scheme to preserve the Tweed fishery.
Eildrig Burn A vast area of clearfell, now replanted. The trees in the background are on Turf Hill, north of a forest road.
Eildrig Burn
A vast area of clearfell, now replanted. The trees in the background are on Turf Hill, north of a forest road.
Quarry, Rashy Hill The hill's name is from its past as a sheep walk. There still are plenty of rashy places on the open ground to the east, but this is the usual Craik Forest Sitka plantation. Beyond the roadstone quarry there was once an unplanted ride, now this is the boundary between some first generation trees and a recently felled area.  
While much of the area was lit by bright sunshine, this is deep in the shadows of the trees.
Quarry, Rashy Hill
The hill's name is from its past as a sheep walk. There still are plenty of rashy places on the open ground to the east, but this is the usual Craik Forest Sitka plantation. Beyond the roadstone quarry there was once an unplanted ride, now this is the boundary between some first generation trees and a recently felled area. While much of the area was lit by bright sunshine, this is deep in the shadows of the trees.
Show me another place!

Lairhope Braes is located at Grid Ref: NT3706 (Lat: 55.348895, Lng: -2.9867246)

Unitary Authority: The Scottish Borders

Police Authority: The Lothians and Scottish Borders

What 3 Words

///other.january.populate. Near Teviothead, Scottish Borders

Nearby Locations

Lairhope Braes

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 55.348895,-2.9867246
Brae Head
Ele: 369
Natural: peak
Source: NLS-OS-1st_Series
Lat/Long: 55.351354/-2.9843738
Barrier: cattle_grid
Lat/Long: 55.3463017/-2.9825628
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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