Birkwood Strip

Wood, Forest in Roxburghshire

Scotland

Birkwood Strip

A View Across Stobs Camp Viewed from a ridge over the Barnes Burn, this small equipment drying building was adjacent to the &#039;bathing pond&#039; - now occupied by scrub and reeds, the periphery of which can be noted to the bottom right.

For a close up of the building, see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3752223">NT5009 : Near Stobs Camp Bathing Pond</a> — A View Across Stobs Camp Credit: James T M Towill

Birkwood Strip is a picturesque woodland located in the county of Roxburghshire, Scotland. Situated near the village of Birkwood, this forest covers an area of approximately 200 acres and is known for its stunning natural beauty.

The woodland is characterized by a diverse range of trees, including oak, birch, beech, and pine. These trees provide a rich habitat for a variety of wildlife, making Birkwood Strip a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers. Visitors can spot a range of bird species, such as owls, woodpeckers, and finches, as well as mammals like deer, foxes, and squirrels.

The forest offers several walking trails, allowing visitors to explore its serene surroundings at their own pace. The well-maintained paths wind through the dense foliage, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. In spring, the forest comes alive with vibrant wildflowers, creating a colorful and enchanting atmosphere.

Birkwood Strip is also well-known for its historical significance. The woodland is home to ancient ruins, including the remains of a medieval castle and a burial site dating back to the Iron Age. These remnants provide a glimpse into the area's rich past and offer a unique opportunity for history enthusiasts to delve into the region's heritage.

Overall, Birkwood Strip is a hidden gem in Roxburghshire, offering a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its diverse flora and fauna, scenic walking trails, and historical landmarks, this woodland is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a peaceful and immersive natural experience.

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Birkwood Strip Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.375696/-2.7824323 or Grid Reference NT5009. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

A View Across Stobs Camp

Viewed from a ridge over the Barnes Burn, this small equipment drying building was adjacent to the 'bathing pond' - now occupied by scrub and reeds, the periphery of which can be noted to the bottom right. For a close up of the building, see NT5009 : Near Stobs Camp Bathing Pond

James T M Towill

Access Road At Stobs Camp

A bleak place, once a hive of military activity.

James T M Towill

A View Across Stobs Camp

A view across the camp site, with concrete foundations prominent in the foreground.

James T M Towill

Drying Building

One of two remaining equipment drying buildings at the former camp site.

James T M Towill

A Window With A View

A view out of a drying building window across the remains of the camp site. For an external view of the building, see NT4909 : Drying Building

James T M Towill

Building Foundations

A set of brick and concrete foundations, just one of many at the former camp site.

James T M Towill

Road In Stobs Camp

This tarmac road provides access to Winningtonrig Farm, above the camp site.

James T M Towill

Storage At Stobs

Probable camp buildings now utilised as farm storage at the top of the former Stobs Camp site.

James T M Towill

A Meeting Of Two Roads

A junction at the top of the Stobs Camp site.

James T M Towill

Tanks At Stobs Camp

Three octagonal tanks and several rectangular tanks remain near the top of the site: it is unclear what these tanks contained.

James T M Towill

Derelict Building At Stobs Camp

Located next to some tanks near the top of the site, the function of this building is unknown.

James T M Towill

Track on Newton Hill

The track up from Barns passes through shelter belts here.

Jim Barton

Settlement site, Newton Hill

A roughly circular area has been enclosed by ramparts, now close to trees in a shelter belt to the NW. There are also remains of another settlement with hut circles on White Knowe, about 400m to the W. The summit in view is Penchrise Pen.

Jim Barton

The Breached Dam Of New Reservoir

The breach in the earthen dam wall and standing behind, the remains of the filter building. In the foreground, the Barnes Burn can be noted.

James T M Towill

Filter House Remains, New Reservoir

Long since redundant, the filter house stands proud above the breached earthen dam wall.

James T M Towill

The Route Of The Barnes Burn

Looking down the Barnes Burn towards the site of Stobs Camp.

James T M Towill

Bridge over Barnes Burn, Stobs Camp

An access road to the former camp. The vehicles just in view R of centre are probably associated with installation of a new power line crossing the area.

Jim Barton

Building near Barnes Burn, Stobs Camp

Compare with James Towill's photograph NT5009 : Near Stobs Camp Bathing Pond taken 10 years ago. The camp was on land bought from Stobs Estate in 1902 and was in use for military training and later for internment of Prisoners of War in WW1. Prisoners were housed in 80 huts capable of accommodating 4,500 men in total. A bakery, post office, hospital, mortuary and workshops were among the camp’s facilities and the POWs produced a newspaper ‘Stobsiade’. The camp’s role declined in the 1920s until it was used for limited training in WW2. Postwar resettlement of Polish troops and Territorial Army training took place until the camp closed in the late 1950s. The camp’s history has been investigated recently by the Stobs Camp Project under Archaeology Scotland with local volunteers, with much material on their website Link

including the booklet ‘Stobs Camp Project’ from which the above details have been taken.