Lilliesleaf Green Plantation

Wood, Forest in Roxburghshire

Scotland

Lilliesleaf Green Plantation

Lilliesleaf Parish Church The first church on this site was said to be built in 1110 and replaced in 1430. The present church was built in 1771 and extended in 1883 and 1910 with the addition of a bell tower. This photo was taken at 11.50 on Christmas Day. — Lilliesleaf Parish Church Credit: Walter Baxter

Lilliesleaf Green Plantation is a picturesque wood located in Roxburghshire, a county in the southern part of Scotland. Situated near the village of Lilliesleaf, this forested area is known for its lush greenery, diverse flora, and tranquil ambiance.

Covering an expansive area, Lilliesleaf Green Plantation is home to a variety of tree species, including oak, birch, beech, and pine. These trees create a dense canopy that provides shade and shelters a diverse array of wildlife. The forest floor is carpeted with ferns, mosses, and wildflowers, adding to the beauty of the landscape.

The plantation offers numerous walking trails, allowing visitors to explore the natural wonders of the area. These trails wind through the forest, providing opportunities for hikers to witness the breathtaking views, spot wildlife, and enjoy the peacefulness of the surroundings. Birdwatchers will particularly appreciate the plantation as it attracts a variety of avian species, including woodpeckers, owls, and various songbirds.

Lilliesleaf Green Plantation also holds historical significance. It was once used as a timber resource, providing wood for construction and fuel. Today, remnants of the old timber industry can still be seen, with some abandoned sawmills and logging equipment scattered throughout the area.

Whether one seeks a leisurely stroll, a peaceful retreat, or an educational experience, Lilliesleaf Green Plantation offers something for everyone. Its natural beauty, diverse ecosystem, and historical charm make it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and those looking to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the Scottish countryside.

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Lilliesleaf Green Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.513504/-2.7446414 or Grid Reference NT5324. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Lilliesleaf Parish Church

The first church on this site was said to be built in 1110 and replaced in 1430. The present church was built in 1771 and extended in 1883 and 1910 with the addition of a bell tower. This photo was taken at 11.50 on Christmas Day.

Walter Baxter

Lilliesleaf Churchyard

This view of the southeast part of the churchyard was taken from the entrance to the Riddell burial aisle.

Walter Baxter

A symbolic gravestone at Lilliesleaf Churchyard

The head of the winged soul on this lichen-covered portrait headstone is missing.

Walter Baxter

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

Mixed farmland at Lilliesleaf

The fields were viewed from the B6400 opposite Lilliesleaf Parish Church.

Walter Baxter

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.

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