Blackbank Wood

Wood, Forest in Cumberland Carlisle

England

Blackbank Wood

Sheep in a field near Gretna Sheep grazing on the English side of the border. — Sheep in a field near Gretna Credit: David Dixon

Blackbank Wood is a pristine forest located in the county of Cumberland, England. Spread across an area of approximately 500 acres, it is renowned for its natural beauty and rich biodiversity. The wood is situated near the village of Blackbank, nestled within the picturesque countryside of Cumberland.

The woodland is predominantly composed of mature trees, including oak, beech, and birch, which create a dense canopy overhead. The forest floor is covered in a thick layer of leaf litter, providing a habitat for a diverse range of plant and animal species. Bluebells, wild garlic, and ferns are just a few examples of the flora that flourish in this enchanting woodland.

Blackbank Wood is home to a variety of wildlife, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. Bird species such as woodpeckers, owls, and thrushes can be spotted throughout the year, while deer and foxes roam the forest in search of food. Additionally, the wood is known for its population of red squirrels, which have become increasingly rare in other parts of the country.

Several walking trails wind through the woodland, allowing visitors to explore its beauty at their own pace. These paths lead to scenic viewpoints, hidden streams, and peaceful clearings, offering a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Overall, Blackbank Wood is a cherished gem in Cumberland, offering a haven for wildlife and a place of serenity for those who venture into its enchanting realm.

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Blackbank Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.999973/-3.0172072 or Grid Reference NY3567. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Sheep in a field near Gretna

Sheep grazing on the English side of the border.

David Dixon

High Gaitle Caravan Park

The entrance to the High Gaitle Caravan Park situated on the A6071 at Longtown.

Steve Houldsworth

Green Mill Road

Entrance to Green Mill Road off the A6071 Longtown.

Steve Houldsworth

Drainage ditch

Situated off the A6071 on the left just past Green Mill Road as you head towards Gretna Green.

Steve Houldsworth

Gateway A6071

What looks like a gateway to a logging track situated off the A6071. Woodland has recently been cleared from this site.

Steve Houldsworth

Course of old railway south of Gretna

This appears on hardly any maps, but a 1" OS map of 1925 shows a single track railway leaving the Gretna branch at about the right-hand edge of this view. It passes under the West Coast main line and south of Gretna village, where a couple of establishments of some sort are served. It then eventually joins up with the Glasgow and South Western line west of Eastriggs, about where the current military junction is. This was a military railway serving the widely spread areas of the WWI Gretna ordnance factory.

Robin Webster

Bus shelter at junction to Blackbank from A6071

Roger Templeman

Benchmark on Plump Bridge

Ordnance Survey cut mark benchmark levelled at 13.748m above Newlyn Datum verified 1974

Roger Templeman

Northern parapet of Plump Bridge beside old road at approach to Plumpe Farm

There is an Ordnance Survey benchmark NY3368 : Benchmark on Plump Bridge on the road face of the parapet at its far end

Roger Templeman

Royal Bank of Scotland milepost on north side of road west of Plumpe Farm

The post indicates Gretna Green 1, Gretna 1½, Carlisle 11, on National Cycle Network Route 7

Roger Templeman

Benchmark on top of milestone indicating 11 miles to Carlisle

Ordnance Survey pivot benchmark levelled at 26.651m above Newlyn Datum verified 1974.

Roger Templeman

Carlisle 11 milestone on north side of road west of Mill Hill

There is an Ordnance Survey benchmark NY3367 : Benchmark on top of milestone indicating 11 miles to Carlisle on top of the milestone

Roger Templeman

Gretna Loaning heading towards Longtown at Mill Hill

There is an old milestone NY3367 : Carlisle 11 milestone on north side of road west of Mill Hill on the verge at the left hand side of the image

Roger Templeman

Sheep in field between minor road east of Mill Hill and A6071

Roger Templeman

Sheep and tree in field between Gretna Loaning and Borders east of Mill Hill

Luke Shaw

Sark Bridge taking old road over River Sark at Scotland / England border

Ordnance Survey documents indicate that a benchmark was levelled at 51.106 feet above Liverpool Datum during the 1GL Carlisle to Sark Bridge, through Longtown Survey of 1844-1845 on the left hand parapet of the bridge. The surveyor's description was 'No. 32 Bolt in North pier of Sark Bridge, at boundary of England and Scotland ; 2.18 ft. below mark on top of battlement'

Roger Templeman

View towards Plumpe Farm from road at England/Scotland border

Ordnance Survey records indicate that the Sark Bridge Tollhouse was on the left hand side of the road here. It had a benchmark levelled at 43.639 feet above Liverpool Datum during the Carlisle to Sark Bridge, Through Longtown 1GL Survey of 1844/5. The surveyor's description was 'No. 31. Mark on front of Sark Bridge Toll-house ; 1.71 ft. above surface'. It was also Mark No. 8. on the Longtown to Port Patrick 1GL Survey. There is no longer a building here.

Roger Templeman