Bridge Yeat Wood

Wood, Forest in Lancashire South Lakeland

England

Bridge Yeat 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

Bridge Yeat Wood is a charming and picturesque woodland located in the county of Lancashire, England. Situated near the village of Bridge Yeat, this tranquil forest covers an area of approximately 50 acres.

The wood is predominantly composed of native broadleaf trees such as oak, ash, birch, and beech, creating a rich and diverse habitat for a variety of wildlife. The dense canopy provides a sheltered environment for numerous bird species, including woodpeckers, nuthatches, and tawny owls. Additionally, small mammals like squirrels and hedgehogs are commonly spotted scurrying among the undergrowth.

A network of well-maintained footpaths weaves its way through the wood, allowing visitors to explore its natural beauty at their own pace. These paths vary in difficulty, catering to both casual walkers and more experienced hikers. Along the way, visitors can enjoy the soothing sounds of trickling streams and the sight of wildflowers that bloom during the spring and summer months.

Bridge Yeat Wood is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers, providing a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The wood offers opportunities for activities such as birdwatching, photography, and simply immersing oneself in the tranquility of nature.

Managed by a local conservation organization, the wood is well-preserved and cared for, ensuring its continued beauty and ecological importance for future generations. With its lush vegetation, abundant wildlife, and serene atmosphere, Bridge Yeat Wood is truly a hidden gem in the Lancashire countryside.

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Bridge Yeat Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.303344/-3.1642506 or Grid Reference SD2490. 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

Woodland path near Latter Rigg

Adrian Taylor

Road Junction

P Gaskell

Ringhouse Farm and Cottages, Lake District

This is Ringhouse Farm and its associated cottages which are available for rent (google 'em for details). Ideally situated for access to the south lakes and beyond and plenty of walks from the farm if you don't feel like getting into the car.

andy