Ball's Plantation

Wood, Forest in Roxburghshire

Scotland

Ball's 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

Ball's Plantation is a sprawling woodland located in Roxburghshire, a historic county in the Scottish Borders region of Scotland. This picturesque forest covers an area of approximately 500 acres and is renowned for its natural beauty and rich biodiversity.

The plantation is predominantly composed of a variety of native tree species, including oak, beech, and birch, which create a dense and lush canopy. The forest floor is adorned with a diverse range of flora, such as bluebells, wild garlic, and ferns, adding to the enchanting atmosphere of the woodland.

Traversing through Ball's Plantation is a network of well-maintained trails that offer visitors the opportunity to explore and immerse themselves in this tranquil environment. These paths wind through the forest, providing stunning views of the surrounding landscape and allowing visitors to experience the peacefulness and serenity of nature.

The plantation is not only a haven for nature enthusiasts but also a habitat for a wide array of wildlife. It is home to various bird species, including woodpeckers, owls, and thrushes, which can be spotted and heard throughout the forest. Additionally, the woodland provides shelter and sustenance for mammals such as red squirrels, deer, and foxes.

Ball's Plantation offers a sanctuary for those seeking solace in nature, with its captivating beauty, diverse flora and fauna, and tranquil ambiance. Whether it is a peaceful walk, birdwatching, or simply enjoying the sights and sounds of the forest, this woodland is a true gem in the heart of Roxburghshire.

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Ball's Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.515318/-2.7795473 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.

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.

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 &amp; 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 <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2142196">NT5224 : The General's Tower at Riddell</a>.

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.

Sheep at Riddell This winter feeding station is by a farm track.

Sheep at Riddell

This winter feeding station is by a farm track.

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 <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7098037">NT5224 : The General&rsquo;s Tower at Riddell</a>.

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.

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 <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7098037">NT5224 : The General&rsquo;s Tower at Riddell</a>.

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.

An old Riddell milepost The milepost is in the southeast edge of a strip wood by a farm track. For some historical information, see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6814513">NT5225 : Old milepost</a>.

An old Riddell milepost

The milepost is in the southeast edge of a strip wood by a farm track. For some historical information, see NT5225 : Old milepost.

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.

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.

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 <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7098055">NT5224 : The Sprot family mausoleum</a>.

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.

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 <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7098055">NT5224 : The Sprot family mausoleum</a>.

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.

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 &amp; CO DURHAM &amp; DANE END &amp; 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 <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7098055">NT5224 : The Sprot family mausoleum</a>.

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.

Hedge trimming on the Riddell Estate

Hedge trimming on the Riddell Estate

Riddell Mill This is the site of a former watermill.

Riddell Mill

This is the site of a former watermill.

A farm road on the Riddell Estate This is Park Bridge which spans a small burn and culvert.

A farm road on the Riddell Estate

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

A farm track on the Riddell Estate The ground was saturated after periods of heavy rain.

A farm track on the Riddell Estate

The ground was saturated after periods of heavy rain.

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.

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.

A crest and Celtic cross detail at the Sprot Mausoleum For a view of the mausoleum, see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7098055">NT5224 : The Sprot family mausoleum</a>.

A crest and Celtic cross detail at the Sprot Mausoleum

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

Field track to Riddell The track through farmland to the Riddell estate passing the end of a strip wood with a sheepfold.

Field track to Riddell

The track through farmland to the Riddell estate passing the end of a strip wood with a sheepfold.

Field track to Riddell A pleasant walk through farmland near the Ale Water.

Field track to Riddell

A pleasant walk through farmland near the Ale Water.

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Ball's Plantation is located at Grid Ref: NT5024 (Lat: 55.515318, Lng: -2.7795473)

Unitary Authority: The Scottish Borders

Police Authority: The Lothians and Scottish Borders

What 3 Words

///radically.working.battling. Near Selkirk, Scottish Borders

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 55.515318,-2.7795473

Natural: peak

Lat/Long: 55.5179675/-2.7780991

Riddell Cottage

Place: isolated_dwelling

Lat/Long: 55.5130357/-2.7791575

Power: pole

Lat/Long: 55.5112372/-2.7768025

Power: pole

Lat/Long: 55.5117767/-2.7767742

Power: pole

Lat/Long: 55.5121281/-2.776769

Power: pole

Lat/Long: 55.5120872/-2.7754094

Power: pole

Lat/Long: 55.5122811/-2.7778479

Power: pole

Lat/Long: 55.5124386/-2.7789166

Power: pole

Lat/Long: 55.51279/-2.7799028

Power: pole

Lat/Long: 55.5129402/-2.7809534

Power: pole

Lat/Long: 55.5130874/-2.7819808

Power: pole

Lat/Long: 55.5132566/-2.7832296

Power: pole

Lat/Long: 55.5134038/-2.7842854

Power: pole

Lat/Long: 55.5135613/-2.7853669

Power: pole

Lat/Long: 55.5136925/-2.7863299

Power: pole

Lat/Long: 55.5123934/-2.7741711

The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

Grants' Braes East Lothian

Loch Plantation Angus

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