Holystone Burn Woods

Holystone Burn Woods is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) within Northumberland National Park in Northumberland, England. It is located near the village of Holystone. The protected area includes part of the valley along which flows the stream called Holystone Burn. Part of the protected area is managed by the Northumberland Wildlife Trust.

1. Details

Holystone Burn Woods is a woodland that has grown from an ancient coppice. Tree species include sessile oak and pedunculate oak. On dry ridges, silver birch is present. Rowan and sallow is also present. Dry ridges also have heather, bell-heather, crowberry and petty whin. The eastern section of the woodland is dominated by juniper. A section of mire habitat contains the insectivorous herb called butterwort. Moss species include Leucobryum glaucum and Polytrichum commune. Lichen species include Alectoria fuscecens, Usnea subfloridana, Mycoblastus sanguineus and Thelotrema lepadinum. The juniper pug moth has been seen in large numbers. In total, 186 species of moths and butterflies have been recorded on this site.

1. Land ownership

Most of the land within Holystone Burn Woods SSSI is owned by the Forestry Commission. A small section near the boundary with the Otterburn Training Area is owned by the Ministry of Defence.

1. References

Nearby Places View Menu

Holystone North Wood

Holystone North Wood is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in Northumberland National Park, Northumberland, England. It is located near the village of Holystone. The woodland was historically an oak coppice.

Hiking National Park

Holystone, Northumberland

Holystone is a small village and former civil parish, now in the parish of Harbottle, in Northumberland, England. It lies on the edge of (and just within) the Northumberland National Park on the north bank of the River Coquet. A significant landmark is Holy Well, traditionally the site of early Christian baptisms, and the source of Holystone's water supply. In 1951 the parish had a population of 71. In the early 12th century Holystone became the home of a priory of Augustinian Canonesses. The priory buildings were demolished during the reformation in 1541. In 1903, Newcastle upon Tyne-based architect Frank West Rich purchased Dues Hill Grange and 3000 acres of land in Holystone, which he subsequently renovated.

Church Historic Site

Sharperton

Sharperton is a small settlement and former civil parish, now in the parish of Harbottle, in Northumberland, England. Sharperton is the site of a deserted medieval village, which was documented as having 14 taxpayers in 1296, and described as having two short rows of dwellings in 1632. There was also a bastle (fortified farmhouse) here. In 1951 the parish had a population of 36.

Historic Site Landmark

Harbottle

Harbottle is a village and civil parish in Northumberland, England about 10 miles (16 km) south-east of the Scottish border, in the southeastern part of the Cheviot Hills and inside Northumberland National Park. The village is the site of Harbottle Castle built by order of Henry II. Now in ruins, the castle was constructed by the Umfraville family to protect against invaders from Scotland.

Castle Historic Site