Willowbog Plantation

Wood, Forest in Roxburghshire

Scotland

Willowbog 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

Willowbog Plantation is a stunning woodland area located in Roxburghshire, Scotland. Spanning over 30 acres, it is a haven for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and those seeking a serene escape amidst the beauty of nature. The plantation offers a unique experience, combining both natural woodland and carefully maintained gardens.

The woodland at Willowbog Plantation is home to a diverse range of native trees, including oak, birch, and Scots pine. The dense canopy provides a sheltered environment for a plethora of wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and deer. Visitors can meander through the well-marked trails, immersing themselves in the peaceful ambiance while enjoying the sights and sounds of nature.

In addition to the woodland, Willowbog Plantation boasts a beautiful collection of gardens. The carefully curated flower beds burst with vibrant colors, showcasing a variety of plants and flowers that thrive in the Scottish climate. Rhododendrons, azaleas, and heathers are just a few examples of the stunning flora on display.

The plantation also features a serene water garden, complete with a tranquil pond and a diverse range of aquatic plants. Visitors can relax on benches strategically placed around the pond, taking in the beauty of the surroundings and perhaps catching a glimpse of the resident frogs and dragonflies.

Willowbog Plantation is not only a place of natural beauty but also a hub for horticultural enthusiasts. The plantation hosts regular workshops and events, allowing visitors to learn about gardening techniques, plant propagation, and the conservation of native species.

Overall, Willowbog Plantation offers a captivating experience for anyone seeking a peaceful retreat or an opportunity to explore and appreciate the wonders of nature.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Willowbog Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.515786/-2.7738237 or Grid Reference NT5124. 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.

Ominous sky over Lilliesleaf A heavy shower is falling somewhere to the south in unsettled weather with little wind. I encountered a flooded minor road near Bowden on the drive home a few hours later.

Ominous sky over Lilliesleaf

A heavy shower is falling somewhere to the south in unsettled weather with little wind. I encountered a flooded minor road near Bowden on the drive home a few hours later.

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.

Show me another place!

Willowbog Plantation is located at Grid Ref: NT5124 (Lat: 55.515786, Lng: -2.7738237)

Unitary Authority: The Scottish Borders

Police Authority: The Lothians and Scottish Borders

What 3 Words

///liner.remaining.slipped. Near Selkirk, Scottish Borders

Nearby Locations

Wild Garden Wood Willowbog Plantation St Quentin Strip Orchard Plantation Little Whinnie Strip West Lodge Strip

Related Wikis

Lothian and Borders

Lothian and Borders

Lothian and Borders is an area in Scotland consisting of the East Lothian, City of Edinburgh, Midlothian, West Lothian council areas (collectively known...

Lilliesleaf

Lilliesleaf

Lilliesleaf is a small village and civil parish 7 miles (11 km) south east of Selkirk in the Roxburghshire area of Scottish Borders of Scotland. Other...

Bowismiln

Bowismiln

Bowismiln is a village in the Scottish Borders area of Scotland. == See also == List of places in the Scottish Borders List of places in Scotland ��2...

Selkirk transmitting station

Selkirk transmitting station

The Selkirk transmitting station is a telecommunications facility located next to Lindean Loch, near Selkirk in the Scottish Borders. It includes a 229...

Selkirk High School

Selkirk High School

Selkirk High School is a high school in Selkirk, Scotland, which serves the town and its surrounding area including the Ettrick and Yarrow valleys and...

The Haining

The Haining

The Haining is a country house and estate in Selkirk in the Scottish Borders. The present house dates from the 1790s, and was a property of the Pringle...

Woll

Woll

Woll is a village on the Ale Water, off the A7, in the Ettrick Forest, north of Hawick, and south of Selkirk in the Scottish Borders area of Scotland....

Selkirk Town House

Selkirk Town House

Selkirk Town House is a municipal building in the Market Place, Selkirk, Scottish Borders, Scotland. The structure, which is used as a local history museum...

Related Videos

Newhall Mains Scotland, a hotel for GA pilots - Charlie's high speed review

Newhall Mains Scotland, a hotel for GA pilots - Charlie's high speed review

Back in May 2021 I flew myself up to Scotland for the first time, initially Glenforsa then Newhall Mains. It was such a surprise.

How a routinely hack can turn into such a drama act, also warning to drivers

How a routinely hack can turn into such a drama act, also warning to drivers

Warning to drivers of all moving vehicles. Just because we know our pets doesn't know we know what their next move is... This is ...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 55.515786,-2.7738237

Natural: peak

Lat/Long: 55.5179675/-2.7780991

Riddell Cottage

Place: isolated_dwelling

Lat/Long: 55.5130357/-2.7791575

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: 55.5124193/-2.7715675

Power: pole

Lat/Long: 55.5117103/-2.7713155

Power: pole

Lat/Long: 55.5123934/-2.7741711

Power: pole

Lat/Long: 55.5124006/-2.7729087

Power: pole

Lat/Long: 55.5123631/-2.770524

Power: pole

Lat/Long: 55.5122997/-2.7694754

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

Little Whinnie Strip Roxburghshire

Sillyearn Wood Banffshire

Have you been to Willowbog Plantation?

Leave your review of Willowbog Plantation below (or comments, questions and feedback).