Greatlaws Plantation

Wood, Forest in Roxburghshire

Scotland

Greatlaws Plantation

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

Greatlaws Plantation is a woodland area located in Roxburghshire, Scotland. Covering a vast expanse, the plantation is known for its breathtaking natural beauty and rich biodiversity. It is situated amidst the rolling hills and picturesque landscapes that Roxburghshire is renowned for.

The plantation predominantly consists of a diverse mix of deciduous and coniferous trees, including oak, beech, pine, and spruce. This combination creates a harmonious and tranquil atmosphere, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and photographers. The trees provide a dense canopy that provides shade during the summer months and transforms into a vibrant display of colors during autumn.

Apart from its scenic beauty, Greatlaws Plantation is also a haven for wildlife. The dense woodland provides a perfect habitat for a variety of bird species, including woodpeckers, owls, and numerous songbirds. Additionally, the plantation is home to various mammals such as deer, foxes, squirrels, and rabbits.

The plantation offers a network of well-maintained trails and pathways, allowing visitors to explore the area at their own pace. These trails cater to both casual walkers and experienced hikers, offering options for short strolls or longer treks. Interpretive signage throughout the plantation provides information about the flora and fauna, enhancing the educational experience for visitors.

Overall, Greatlaws Plantation in Roxburghshire is a natural gem that offers a serene escape from the urban hustle and bustle. Its stunning woodland, diverse wildlife, and well-designed trails make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

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Greatlaws Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.50787/-2.7877284 or Grid Reference NT5024. 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

Sheep at Riddell

This winter feeding station is by a farm track.

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

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Greatlaws Plantation is located at Grid Ref: NT5024 (Lat: 55.50787, Lng: -2.7877284)

Unitary Authority: The Scottish Borders

Police Authority: The Lothians and Scottish Borders