Bleaklands Strip

Wood, Forest in Roxburghshire

Scotland

Bleaklands Strip

Millennium Garden at Floors Castle This lovely formal garden with its French-style parterre was created to commemorate the new millennium and features the intertwining initials of the 10th Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe. — Millennium Garden at Floors Castle Credit: Russel Wills

Bleaklands Strip, located in Roxburghshire, is a picturesque wood and forest area known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife. Spread across a vast expanse of approximately 200 acres, it offers visitors a serene and tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The woodlands of Bleaklands Strip are primarily composed of deciduous trees, creating a vibrant tapestry of colors throughout the seasons. Towering oaks, beeches, and birches dominate the landscape, while pockets of coniferous trees add a touch of greenery and provide shelter for various species of birds and small mammals.

Traversing through Bleaklands Strip, visitors will find a network of well-maintained walking trails, allowing them to immerse themselves in the natural wonders of the area. The trails wind their way through the ancient forest, offering glimpses of babbling brooks, hidden ponds, and enchanting clearings where wildlife can often be spotted.

Nature enthusiasts will be delighted by the diverse range of fauna present in Bleaklands Strip. Red squirrels, roe deer, and badgers are frequently sighted, while birdwatchers can catch glimpses of species such as woodpeckers, owls, and various songbirds.

The management of Bleaklands Strip is committed to preserving the natural habitat and promoting environmental stewardship. As such, there are designated areas for wildlife conservation and educational activities, providing visitors with the opportunity to learn about the importance of protecting and conserving these delicate ecosystems.

Overall, Bleaklands Strip in Roxburghshire is a haven for nature lovers, offering a captivating blend of scenic beauty, diverse wildlife, and educational opportunities. It is a destination that fosters an appreciation for the wonders of the natural world and provides a much-needed respite from the demands of modern life.

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Bleaklands Strip Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.610869/-2.4527101 or Grid Reference NT7135. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Millennium Garden at Floors Castle

This lovely formal garden with its French-style parterre was created to commemorate the new millennium and features the intertwining initials of the 10th Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe.

Russel Wills

The approach to Floors Castle

Floors Castle is set in the Roxburghe Estate. It is one of the most excellent stately homes Scotland has to offer. Link

Russel Wills

Home Farm Cottages

At Floors Home Farm.

Russel Wills

Statue of Hermes in walled garden

At Floors Castle.

Russel Wills

Walled garden at Floors Castle

With Hermes on his pedestal. Link

Russel Wills

North Trinity Church, East Bowmont Street, Kelso

Built as Kelso United Presbyterian Church replacing and on site of church of 1788. (Historic Scotland) Latterly in use as a workshop.

Russel Wills

Former Head Gardener's House, Floors Castle, Kelso

This house stands within the Walled Garden of Floors Castle and has been beautifully restored. It is now available as a holiday let.

Geoff Holland

Floors Castle (Main Block), Kelso

Standing on the banks of the River Tweed, Floors Castle has the common 18th-century layout of a main block with two symmetrical service wings. The Castle is a Category A Listed Building.

Geoff Holland

Weather Station, Walled Garden, Floors Castle, Kelso

This box is known as a Stevenson Screen and contains instruments that measure temperature, humidity and rainfall. An official weather station for the Meteorological Office since 1941, records are collected daily by the Head Gardener and are then passed on to the Meteorological Office.

Geoff Holland

Town Hall, Kelso

Built in 1816 at the expense of the 5th Duke of Roxburghe and local subscribers, the town hall is set in a conspicuous position projecting into the Square. The present hall stands on the site of the tolbooth, which was described as 'old and ruinous' in the late 18th century. It is probable that some of the masonry of the tolbooth was reused in the construction of the present building. The present ornamental character is largely the result of work carried out by J. D. Swanston of Kirkcaldy in 1904-6. Before these alterations, the ground-floor arcade was open on three sides to form a market-area. At first-floor level the detached Ionic columns of the centrepiece were replaced by attached columns raised on pedestals linked by a balustrade. The wallhead balustrade was removed, and Gibbs surrounds were added to the round-headed openings of the clock-tower. The interior was also extensively remodelled and most of the original fittings were replaced. The first floor, reached by a staircase to the rear, incorporated the council-chamber.

Geoff Holland