Riddellshiel Moss

Wood, Forest in Roxburghshire

Scotland

Riddellshiel Moss

A horse reflection at Riddell A large pond formed in this horse field after periods of heavy rain. I walked by here two days previously and there was no lying water in the field. — A horse reflection at Riddell Credit: Walter Baxter

Riddellshiel Moss is a woodland area located in Roxburghshire, Scotland. Covering an extensive area, it is known for its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty. The moss is characterized by a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees, creating a diverse and vibrant ecosystem.

The woodland is home to a wide range of flora and fauna. Oak, birch, beech, and pine trees dominate the landscape, providing shelter and food for various species. The forest floor is adorned with a carpet of mosses, ferns, and wildflowers, adding to the picturesque charm of the area.

Riddellshiel Moss is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. It is a sanctuary for numerous bird species, including woodpeckers, owls, and songbirds, making it an ideal spot for birdwatching. The forest also provides habitat for mammals such as deer, foxes, badgers, and squirrels, adding to the diverse wildlife population.

The moss offers an array of recreational activities for visitors. Hiking and walking trails crisscross the woodland, allowing visitors to explore the serene beauty of the forest. There are also designated picnic areas, perfect for enjoying a meal amidst the tranquil surroundings. The moss is a popular destination for nature photography, providing ample opportunities to capture stunning landscapes and wildlife.

Riddellshiel Moss is not only a natural treasure but also plays a vital role in the local ecosystem. It serves as a carbon sink, absorbing carbon dioxide and reducing greenhouse gases. The woodland also helps in maintaining soil health and preventing erosion.

Overall, Riddellshiel Moss in Roxburghshire is a remarkable woodland area, offering a blend of natural beauty, wildlife diversity, and recreational opportunities for visitors to enjoy and appreciate.

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Riddellshiel Moss Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.517494/-2.7905338 or Grid Reference NT5025. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

A horse reflection at Riddell

A large pond formed in this horse field after periods of heavy rain. I walked by here two days previously and there was no lying water in the field.

Walter Baxter

The Generalâs Tower at Riddell

This 25m high observation tower, surrounded by trees, was built in memory of the Sprot family on a medieval motte and bailey in 1885 by A. Herbertson & Son for Major-General John Sprot. An internal vertiginous metal spiral staircase in one corner leads to a caphouse and corbelled parapet walkway. For a long distance autumnal view, see NT5224 : The General's Tower at Riddell.

Walter Baxter

The caphouse on the Generalâs Tower at Riddell

The caphouse and corbelled parapet walkway can be accessed by an internal vertiginous metal spiral staircase. For a wider view of the 25m high tower, see NT5224 : The General’s Tower at Riddell.

Walter Baxter

A crest above the entrance door to the generalâs Tower

The crest features a heron, three fish and a boar’s head. The initials J. S. stand for Major-General John Sprot who commissioned the tower. For a view of the tower, see NT5224 : The General’s Tower at Riddell.

Walter Baxter

The Sprot family mausoleum

This small mortuary chapel surrounded by a locked iron railed enclosure is situated about 80m south of the General’s Tower on the Riddell Estate. Three window tablets are inscribed with details of Sprot family members.

Walter Baxter

A window tablet on the Sprot family mausoleum

The inscription reads:- IN THIS VAULT REST THE REMAINS OF JAMES LEWIS BOYD SPROT, WHO DIED AT SCHOOL AT EALING NEAR LONDON, 25TH APRIL 1857 AGED 13 YEARS. THIRD SON OF MARK SPROT, OF RIDDELL, ROXBURGHSHIRE. ALSO MARK GEORGE SPROT, CAPTAIN OF THE 93RD HIGHLANDERS SECOND SON ON MARK SPROT, WHO AFTER A LONG ILLNESS DEPARTED THIS LIFE AT THE HOTEL BYRON, LAKE GENEVA ON 16TH SEPTEMBER 1853 AGED 28 YEARS. ALSO EDWARD WILLIAM SPROT, OF DRYGRANGE FOURTH SON OF MARK SPROT WHO DIED AT DRYGRANGE 1ST FEBRUARY 1898 AGED 52 YEARS AND IS BURIED AT MELROSE. For a wider view of the mausoleum, see NT5224 : The Sprot family mausoleum.

Walter Baxter

A window tablet on the Sprot family mausoleum

The inscription reads:- IN THIS VAULT REST THE REMAINS OF ELIZABETH, THE BELOVED WIFE OF MARK SPROT, RIDDELL, AND ELDEST DAUGHTER OF JOHN SHEWELL OF CLAPHAM COMMON WHO DIED SUDDENLY AT EDINBURGH MUCH REGRETTED 9TH FEBY 1871 AGED 60 YEARS. ALSO MARK SPROT ESQR OF RIDDELL WHO DIED AT EDINBURGH 21ST NOVEMBER 1883, AGED 82 YEARS. ALSO LIEUT. GENERAL JOHN SPROT, OF RIDDELL, ELDEST SON OF MARK SPROT, OF RIDDELL, LATE 83RD FOOT AND 91ST HIGHLANDERS WHO DIED AT RIDDELL 19TH MARCH 1907 AGED 77 YEARS. For a wider view of the mausoleum, see NT5224 : The Sprot family mausoleum.

Walter Baxter

A window tablet on the Sprot family mausoleum

The inscription reads:- IN THIS VAULT REST THE REMAINS OF GEORGINA MARY SPROT, THE BELOVED WIFE OF COLONEL JAMES SPROT, ASST ADJUT GENERAL FOR SCOTLAND AND THIRD DAUGHTER OF HENRY E. SURTEES ESQR OF REDWORTH HALL & CO DURHAM & DANE END & HERTS WHO DIED AT EDINBURGH 16TH MARCH 1876 AGED 27 YEARS. ALSO IN MEMORY OF HER INFANT DAUGHTERS LOUISE SPROT, WHO DIED AT FORT GEORGE 1873 AND IS BURRIED AT ARDERSEER GEORGIE CAROLINE SPROT, WHO DIED AT EDINBURGH 1876 AND WHOSE REMAINS LIE IN THIS VAULT ALSO CECELIA ELIZABETH SPROT THE BELOVED WIFE OF COLONEL J. SPROT OF RIDDELL, AND DAUGHTER OF THE REVD. WILLIAM BLAKE DOVETON OF CORSTON SOMERSET WHO DIED AT EASTBOURNE 8TH JUNE 1884 AGED 32 YEARS. For a wider view of the mausoleum, see NT5224 : The Sprot family mausoleum.

Walter Baxter

A farm road on the Riddell Estate

This is Park Bridge which spans a small burn and culvert.

Walter Baxter

Riddell South Bridge

The bridge spans the Ale Water on the Riddell Estate. There is a sign at the junction of the estate road to the southeast and the B6400 warning of a maximum weight of two tonnes for this bridge.

Walter Baxter

A crest and Celtic cross detail at the Sprot Mausoleum

For a view of the mausoleum, see NT5224 : The Sprot family mausoleum.

Walter Baxter

Sheep grazing near Riddell

Estate land near the ruined house at Riddell. Left of centre is a stone bridge taking the track over a minor burn.

Jim Barton

Ale Water bridge at Riddell

A handsome single arched stone bridge in the Riddell estate.

Jim Barton

Remains of the former Riddell House

The gaunt remains of the house, a roofless ruin with substantial tree growth within. The house is on the site of an old peel tower which might date back to the 14th century. The house was extended and changed over the years but burnt down in 1943 to leave this shell standing. Further details can be found on the Canmore website at Link

Jim Barton

Doorway to the former Riddell House

The doorway on the south side of the ruined house, destroyed by fire in 1943. It appears that a plaque or stone above the door has been removed. The ruin is of course fenced off as it is clearly in a potentially dangerous state. For more details see the Canmore website at Link

Jim Barton

Deer Larder, Riddell House

According to the Canmore website at Link

this outbuilding by the old Riddell House was a deer larder.

Jim Barton

Park Bridge, Riddell Estate

A bridge taking the track from Lilliesleaf across a tributary of the Ale Water. It is referred to as Park Bridge in the Canmore website entry for Riddell House: Link

Jim Barton