Lowsides Wood

Wood, Forest in Lancashire South Lakeland

England

Lowsides Wood

Remains of wooden ballast bin Only a few rotten pieces of wood remain from this ballast bin beside the former Furness Railway Coniston Branch near Moss Side. Built from old wooden railway sleepers it is difficult to place an age on this ballast bin, but it is possible it pre-dates the formation of the London Midland and Scottish Railway in 1923 who later introduced concrete bins (see photograph <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6797992">NY2924 : LMS Standard Concrete Ballast Bin</a>).
Positioned approximately every mile, more frequently on curved track, ballast bins were used to store small stone chippings which were used by the railway Lengthsmen to pack and adjust the railway sleepers. Using only a jack and a shovel, an experienced Lengthsman could judge exactly the right quantity of chippings to use to obtain a perfect ‘top’ to the rail and they often took great pride in the quality of their work.
The Coniston Branch closed to passengers in October 1958 and to all traffic with effect from the 30 April 1962 although the last train had run during the preceding week. The track bed in front of the ballast bin is deep in mud and trampled by cows. — Remains of wooden ballast bin Credit: Adrian Taylor

Lowsides Wood, located in Lancashire, England, is a picturesque forest that covers a sprawling area of land. The wood is situated near the town of Chipping and is renowned for its natural beauty and tranquility.

Spanning approximately 200 acres, Lowsides Wood is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it an important ecological site. The forest is primarily composed of deciduous trees, including oak, ash, and birch, which create a stunning canopy during the spring and summer months. In autumn, the wood is transformed into a riot of colors as the leaves change to vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold.

The forest floor of Lowsides Wood is carpeted with a variety of wildflowers, adding bursts of color to the landscape. Bluebells, primroses, and wood anemones are just a few of the species that flourish here. Additionally, the wood provides a habitat for numerous animal species, including deer, badgers, foxes, and a wide array of birdlife.

Lowsides Wood is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers who are drawn to its peaceful atmosphere and scenic trails. The forest offers several well-maintained footpaths, allowing visitors to explore its different areas and discover hidden gems along the way. Nature walks, birdwatching, and photography are common activities enjoyed by visitors to Lowsides Wood.

Overall, Lowsides Wood, Lancashire is a captivating forest that offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those seeking solace in the great outdoors.

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Lowsides Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.309092/-3.1886211 or Grid Reference SD2291. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Remains of wooden ballast bin

Only a few rotten pieces of wood remain from this ballast bin beside the former Furness Railway Coniston Branch near Moss Side. Built from old wooden railway sleepers it is difficult to place an age on this ballast bin, but it is possible it pre-dates the formation of the London Midland and Scottish Railway in 1923 who later introduced concrete bins (see photograph NY2924 : LMS Standard Concrete Ballast Bin). Positioned approximately every mile, more frequently on curved track, ballast bins were used to store small stone chippings which were used by the railway Lengthsmen to pack and adjust the railway sleepers. Using only a jack and a shovel, an experienced Lengthsman could judge exactly the right quantity of chippings to use to obtain a perfect ‘top’ to the rail and they often took great pride in the quality of their work. The Coniston Branch closed to passengers in October 1958 and to all traffic with effect from the 30 April 1962 although the last train had run during the preceding week. The track bed in front of the ballast bin is deep in mud and trampled by cows.

Adrian Taylor

Kirkby Pool

Adrian Taylor

Lane near Brookside

The lane is a public footpath leading to Buttstead Wood.

Adrian Taylor

Stile beside Buttstead Wood

The public footpath from The Hill to Woodland crosses this stile adjacent to Buttstead Wood. There is an Ordnance Survey rivet benchmark with cut mark on the bottom stone step of the stile (detail photograph SD2389 : Benchmark, Buttstead Wood).

Adrian Taylor

Benchmark, Buttstead Wood

Detail of the Ordnance Survey rivet benchmark with cut mark on the horizontal bottom step of a public footpath stile adjacent to Buttstead Wood. The benchmark marks a height of 8.6076m above mean sea level (Ordnance Datum Newlyn) last verified in 1954 (location photograph SD2389 : Stile beside Buttstead Wood).

Adrian Taylor

Lane entrance near Brookside

Leading from the road near Brookside the lane leads to Buttstead Wood and carries a public footpath to Low Rosthwaite. There is an Ordnance Survey rivet benchmark on the top of the low stone post partially hidden in the brambles to the left of the footpath signpost (photograph SD2389 : Rivet benchmark near Brookside).

Adrian Taylor

Rivet benchmark near Brookside

Detail of an Ordnance Survey rivet benchmark on the top of a low stone post near Brookside. The benchmark marks a height of 11.0246m above mean sea level (Ordnance Datum Newlyn) last verified in 1972 (location photograph SD2389 : Lane entrance near Brookside).

Adrian Taylor

Carter Ground

Mick Garratt

Road bridge

Road bridge over the River Lickle near Hartley Ground

Alexander P Kapp

High Aulthwaite Side

Alexander P Kapp

Road bridge

This bridge spans the old Broughton-in-Furness to Coniston Railway about 2 miles NE of Broughton

Alexander P Kapp

Dismantled railway

Looking SE towards Broughton-in-Furness along the old Broughton-in-Furness to Coniston Railway

Alexander P Kapp

Is this the way forward

Is this trying to tell us something about the price of electricity? Somebody makes the effort to install solar panels to power their equipment which is attached to a power line. I wonder if they sell the surplus (if any) to the National Grid

Alexander P Kapp