Witches Syke Plantation

Wood, Forest in East Lothian

Scotland

Witches Syke Plantation

Stubble Field near Windy Mains A winter field near Windy Mains as seen from the track to Whitburgh. Lammermuirs can be seen in the distance.
Stubble Field near Windy Mains Credit: Adam Ward

Witches Syke Plantation is a wood located in East Lothian, Scotland. Situated near the village of Gifford, this forested area covers an approximate area of 500 acres. The plantation is known for its diverse range of trees, including oak, beech, and birch, as well as an abundance of wildlife.

The name "Witches Syke" is said to have originated from local folklore, which tells tales of witches practicing their craft in the area many centuries ago. Despite its eerie name, the plantation is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers due to its beautiful scenery and tranquil atmosphere.

Visitors to Witches Syke Plantation can enjoy a network of well-maintained walking trails that wind through the forest, providing opportunities to explore the various habitats and observe the local flora and fauna. The woodland is home to numerous bird species, such as woodpeckers and owls, making it an ideal spot for birdwatching.

In addition to its natural beauty, Witches Syke Plantation also holds historical significance. The remains of an Iron Age hill fort can be found within its boundaries, serving as a reminder of human activity in the area dating back thousands of years.

Overall, Witches Syke Plantation offers a captivating blend of nature, history, and folklore, making it a cherished destination for both locals and tourists seeking an escape into the enchanting woodlands of East Lothian.

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Witches Syke Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.876987/-2.8973694 or Grid Reference NT4365. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Stubble Field near Windy Mains A winter field near Windy Mains as seen from the track to Whitburgh. Lammermuirs can be seen in the distance.
Stubble Field near Windy Mains
A winter field near Windy Mains as seen from the track to Whitburgh. Lammermuirs can be seen in the distance.
Field, Keith, East  Lothian Taken 16 years after <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/76088">NT4465 : Cattle near Keith Mains</a> and arable this time.
Field, Keith, East Lothian
Taken 16 years after NT4465 : Cattle near Keith Mains and arable this time.
Wind turbine, Templehall
Wind turbine, Templehall
Wheat, Templehall
Wheat, Templehall
Drive, Fountainhall
Drive, Fountainhall
Peaston Bank A road climbing away from Glenkinchie.
Peaston Bank
A road climbing away from Glenkinchie.
Peaston Bank A farm with the distillery chimney in the background. (Glenkinchie)
Peaston Bank
A farm with the distillery chimney in the background. (Glenkinchie)
Pasture, Duncrahill The pylons connect Torness power station with the Smeaton substation near Dalkeith.
Pasture, Duncrahill
The pylons connect Torness power station with the Smeaton substation near Dalkeith.
Ruined Steading, Peaston
Ruined Steading, Peaston
Rebuilt cottages, Peaston This row: <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/268638">SZ0076 : Cliffs east of Dancing Ledge</a> has been refurbished and the renovated cottages are almost ready for occupation.
Rebuilt cottages, Peaston
This row: SZ0076 : Cliffs east of Dancing Ledge has been refurbished and the renovated cottages are almost ready for occupation.
Ruin, Peaston
Ruin, Peaston
The old Moor Road near Peaston The old staging road, once known as a 'highwayman's haunt' is now a humble track.
The old Moor Road near Peaston
The old staging road, once known as a 'highwayman's haunt' is now a humble track.
Rural road heading past the lands of Keith Mains In East Lothian.
Rural road heading past the lands of Keith Mains
In East Lothian.
Stubble field and shelter belt Near Keith Mains in East Lothian.
Stubble field and shelter belt
Near Keith Mains in East Lothian.
How's the flail cutter? Workmen from East Lothian Council were clearing up the mess along the Pencaitland Railway Walk after a neighbour took a hedge trimmer to trees. The size of the shattered trunks was quite surprising and I wonder if the machine is still working OK. These machines are usually used on very thin and soft growth, not actual trees - there are these things called chainsaws for that job.
How's the flail cutter?
Workmen from East Lothian Council were clearing up the mess along the Pencaitland Railway Walk after a neighbour took a hedge trimmer to trees. The size of the shattered trunks was quite surprising and I wonder if the machine is still working OK. These machines are usually used on very thin and soft growth, not actual trees - there are these things called chainsaws for that job.
Birns Water The River Tyne keeps taking the name of tribuataries.  The principal watercourse starts off as the Humbie Water until the smaller Birns Water joins in Saltoun Woods.  Then a little downstream the Tyne Water, a burn, joins and the river finally is named the Tyne.

This is not to be confused with the other Scottish Tyne, a wee hill burn which soon crosses the border to go on to greater things Down South.

A downstream view from Milton Bridge.
Birns Water
The River Tyne keeps taking the name of tribuataries. The principal watercourse starts off as the Humbie Water until the smaller Birns Water joins in Saltoun Woods. Then a little downstream the Tyne Water, a burn, joins and the river finally is named the Tyne. This is not to be confused with the other Scottish Tyne, a wee hill burn which soon crosses the border to go on to greater things Down South. A downstream view from Milton Bridge.
Peaston Farm - the collapse continues For earlier photos see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1894507">NT4265 : Farm buildings at Peaston</a>, the latest almost two years earlier.
Peaston Farm - the collapse continues
For earlier photos see NT4265 : Farm buildings at Peaston, the latest almost two years earlier.
Peaston Farm buildings Slowly crumbling into the landscape.
Peaston Farm buildings
Slowly crumbling into the landscape.
Show me another place!

Witches Syke Plantation is located at Grid Ref: NT4365 (Lat: 55.876987, Lng: -2.8973694)

Unitary Authority: East Lothian

Police Authority: The Lothians and Scottish Borders

What 3 Words

///awoken.emporium.elevate. Near Pencaitland, East Lothian

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 55.876987,-2.8973694
Witches Syke
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 55.8740531/-2.8972052
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 55.8773234/-2.9046411
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 55.8779862/-2.9038389
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 55.8786512/-2.903043
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 55.8793221/-2.9022387
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 55.879993/-2.9016781
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 55.880692/-2.901101
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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