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Registered Charity
1071012
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At the historic and beautiful Bolton Abbey Estate.
10 March 2005
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The estate is owned by the Duke of
Devonshire and is a mix of grouse moor, enclosed farmland and woodlands of
broadleaf and coniferous trees totalling about 30,000 acres. For
generations, the Dukes of Devonshire, have placed great emphasis upon the
preservation and enhancement of the landscape of the Estate. It is the
combination of natural beauty, woodlands, open countryside, river access and
history that forms the main attraction for the 500,000 or so visitors who
come to the Estate each year.
Everyone welcome but please book so that we know you will be joining us and
can let you know if the arrangements change at short notice. Click on the
booking form button above. If the form doesn’t work please send in an email
to the ancient tree forum with your contact details via this web site.
Meet at the Cavendish Pavilion grid ref SE 077 553 at 10 for 10.30 am. Don’t
forget your packed lunch |
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The theme of the visit is education and we will discuss with Roy Lingard,
Head Forester the possibility of helping him to set up an ancient tree trail
for the public. Some of the oldest oaks on the estate are situated on
pasture land adjacent to Waterfall Cottage. This area was originally a deer
park surrounded by high walls. The oaks are estimated to be 400 to 500 years
old and were much damaged during the storm of 1836. These oak are a very
important part of the overall treescape of the estate and are recognised by
the estate as part of a valuable but declining habitat nationally.
We also plan to visit the largest and most important broadleaf woodland on
the estate: Strid Wood. Designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest by
English Nature in 1985 because it is the largest example of acidic oak
woodland in the Yorkshire Dales. The wood is particularly important for
lichens. It is the best lichen wood in Yorkshire and several species are
very local in distribution and nationally rare.
We also hope to see something of the Valley of Desolation is situated in the
upper reaches of Posforth Gill. The valley was so named after a great storm
occurred over Barden Fell in 1836. Strong winds, torrential rain, lightning
and flash floods caused great damage leaving many of the original oaks
uprooted. Over the past 164 years, the signs of damage have disappeared as
natural regeneration in part has taken place. A few oak trees and rotting
logs are the most obvious remains of a beautiful wooded valley.
Finally there is the opportunity to visit the Laund Oak. A really ancient
tree thought to be 6-700 years old.
For more details about the Bolton Abbey Estate
click here
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