Balehill Plantation

Wood, Forest in Durham

England

Balehill Plantation

Presser Pumping Station near the top of Bale Hill Consett Water Company established in 1859 merged and became the Weardale and Consett Water Company in 1902. Some time late in the 19th or early 20th century one of the two former companies had taken over the engine house of closed Derwent Lead Mines and developed this Grade II Listed pumping house to supply water to Consett. It is reported that they started paying rent to the estate in 1902 and the rent in 1911 was £360. — Presser Pumping Station near the top of Bale Hill Credit: Jo and Steve Turner

Balehill Plantation is a picturesque woodland located in Durham, England. Situated near the village of Wood, this forested area covers an expansive land area and is known for its diverse range of plant and animal species. The plantation is nestled in the heart of the Durham countryside, providing a tranquil and serene environment for visitors to enjoy.

The woodland is predominantly made up of native tree species such as oak, beech, and ash, creating a stunning canopy that stretches for miles. The plantation is carefully managed to ensure the preservation of its natural beauty and ecological balance. This includes regular tree maintenance, controlled burns, and the removal of invasive species.

Balehill Plantation offers a variety of recreational activities for nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers. There are well-maintained trails that wind through the forest, allowing visitors to explore the woodland and appreciate its natural wonders. The plantation is also popular among birdwatchers, as it attracts a wide range of bird species including woodpeckers, owls, and various migratory birds.

With its close proximity to the village of Wood, Balehill Plantation is easily accessible to both locals and tourists. The forest provides a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, making it a popular destination for nature walks, picnics, and family outings.

Overall, Balehill Plantation in Durham is a captivating woodland that showcases the beauty of nature. Its lush greenery, diverse wildlife, and well-maintained trails make it a cherished natural asset in the region.

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Balehill Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.833831/-2.0638129 or Grid Reference NY9548. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Presser Pumping Station near the top of Bale Hill

Consett Water Company established in 1859 merged and became the Weardale and Consett Water Company in 1902. Some time late in the 19th or early 20th century one of the two former companies had taken over the engine house of closed Derwent Lead Mines and developed this Grade II Listed pumping house to supply water to Consett. It is reported that they started paying rent to the estate in 1902 and the rent in 1911 was £360.

Jo and Steve Turner

Newbiggin Hall and Birkside Farm from Bale Hill

The Reverend Daniel Capper sold up Newbiggin and Hunstanworth estate by auction in London on 1st August 1865. The sales brochure describes the mansion house of Newbiggin as the jewel in the estate crown. Rev Capper had recently spent £30,000 on new farm buildings, the latest water power machinery and rebuilding the estate cottages "with four rooms each". Kelly's Directory 1894 tells us it is owned by Edward Joicey esq. J.P. Pevsner documents that the house was rebuilt in Neo-classical style in 1906 after a fire of 1904 from a Latin inscription on the west wall. Reports indicate it has been a First World War sanatorium, a turkey farm and hotel and was more recently owned by a member of the Arabian royal family who stays a couple of times a year for the grouse shooting.

Jo and Steve Turner

View to East High House Farm from Bale Hill

Jo and Steve Turner

Hunstanworth from Bale Hill

Hunstanworth is one of the 'Thankful Villages' (a term popularised by the writer Arthur Mee in the 1930s) that suffered no fatalities during the Great War of 1914-1918. The unusual patterns in the roof tiles was a creation of architect Samuel Sanders Teulon who had been commissioned by Reverend Daniel Capper, landowner who would stay in Newbiggin Hall during the grouse shooting season, to build a new church, school, reading room, shop and workers' terraced cottages in 1863. The distinctive diamond-patterned, steep-pitched roofs and Victorian Gothic detail make Hunstanworth unique among the villages of the North Pennines. Closure of the local lead mines in the 1880s diminished the 800 strong population (778 in 1861) to just 200 by 1901. The population of the village in 2011 was 116. John Marius Wilson's Imperial Gazetteer of England and Wales of 1870-72 informs us that "the church was rebuilt in 1865, at a cost of £2,500".

Jo and Steve Turner