Bel’s Wood Christmas 2020


Purchase complete and so the project starts. But for now I am allowing myself to fall in love with the land and just enjoy it. Here is a brief introduction.


Where: Crosthwaite, Cumbria 6 miles west of Kendal - 15minute drive away

Size: 7.86 hectares or 11 football pitches. Roughly its 400m x 200m with a height difference of 40m from the minor road to the highest point.


Woodland type: It is rough unmanaged land which would be described as either wood pasture or upper oak woodland but is dominated by gorse and bracken with some oaks well established amongst rocky outcrops. There are silver birches along the stream running through the site. The presence of deer and gorse will prevent further trees becoming established and I am yet to spot a conifer on site although the neighbouring land has them. Introducing Scots Pines would tip the balance in favour of red squirrels. These will need protection.







Terrain: I am still discovering more areas each time I visit. The stream is a delight - the sound it makes as it meanders and cascades through the wood is lovely. There are rocky outcrops to sit on to enjoy being there and with the trees being bare at this time of year, the sun penetrates and I have been there at night when the moon has thrown broken reflections off the water.








There are some lovely flat areas like terraces which would be great for camping and star gazing.  There are different rocky outcrops which can offer protection from the wind whatever the direction. These need to have the bracken bashed to keep it accessible in summer and is a good place to start with managing the site. For now though - I will just enjoying being there and getting to know what is there.



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