Bowstrings Wood

Wood, Forest in Cumberland Eden

England

Bowstrings Wood

Repurposed telephone box in Gamblesby With the ubiquity of the mobile phone, telephone boxes all over the UK have become redundant though many have found new uses. As here in Gamblesby, a storage location for defibrillators is a common one. — Repurposed telephone box in Gamblesby Credit: Trevor Littlewood

Bowstrings Wood is a picturesque forest located in Cumberland, a county in the northwest of England. Covering an area of approximately 500 acres, it is a well-preserved and diverse woodland that offers a haven for both wildlife and nature enthusiasts alike.

The wood is primarily composed of mixed deciduous trees, including oak, birch, and beech, which create a rich and vibrant canopy. The forest floor is adorned with a variety of wildflowers, ferns, and mosses, adding to its natural beauty.

Bowstrings Wood is crisscrossed by a network of well-maintained walking trails, allowing visitors to explore and discover its hidden treasures. These trails lead to several viewpoints that offer stunning vistas of the surrounding countryside, making it an ideal destination for hikers and photographers.

The forest is home to a wide range of wildlife, including deer, foxes, squirrels, and a plethora of bird species. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the opportunity to spot woodland birds such as woodpeckers, owls, and various songbirds. The wood also provides important habitats for rare and endangered species, contributing to its ecological significance.

Bowstrings Wood is managed by the local forestry commission, ensuring its preservation and sustainability. Visitors can enjoy the wood's serene atmosphere and natural wonders throughout the year, as it undergoes transformations with each season.

Overall, Bowstrings Wood is a captivating forest that offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its diverse flora and fauna, well-marked trails, and breathtaking views, it is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts seeking solace in the heart of Cumberland.

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Bowstrings Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.732887/-2.6061398 or Grid Reference NY6137. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Repurposed telephone box in Gamblesby

With the ubiquity of the mobile phone, telephone boxes all over the UK have become redundant though many have found new uses. As here in Gamblesby, a storage location for defibrillators is a common one.

Trevor Littlewood

Public way leaving Gamblesby

The walled lane leaves Gamblesby and heads almost exactly to the east, climbing to meet the A686. Here, the 'public way', (which on OS mapping uses the map symbol for a byway), is emerging from overarching trees.

Trevor Littlewood

Grassy way separating fields near Gamblesby

The fields both appear to be of stubble so presumably the growth in them not an intended crop. The red tinge is due to extensive amounts of red leg - Persicaria maculosa.

Trevor Littlewood

Across the green at Melmerby

If travelling east on the A686 from Penrith, Melmerby is the last village in the Vale of Eden before the long climb to Hartside Cross. The view is east across the village green with the western flank of the Pennines in the background.

Gordon Hatton

Church of St John the Baptist, Melmerby

Not a very interesting looking church from the outside, and Pevsner [Buildings of England - Cumberland & Westmorland] describes it in just 7 lines, but even he seemed unsure if most of the building is of 1849 or 1895.

Gordon Hatton