NORTHUMBERLAND WILDLIFE TRUST
[Northern England]
Nearest Town: Haydon Bridge
OS Map: NY791620 (OS 50 000 Sheets 86 and 87)
This 19ha SSSI and AONB is one of the best areas of ancient semi-natural woodland in Northumberland.
Location and access: Note – the suspension bridge is closed for repair until further notice and so access to the site is via Allenbanks.
5 km south-west of Haydon Bridge, at the confluence of the Kingswood Burn with the River Allen, near Plankey Mill. Car parking is available at Plankey Mill, where the farmer may make a charge. Access is via a suspension bridge across the River Allen and may not suit all visitors. Alternatively, there is a National Trust car park 1.5 km downstream at Allenbanks where a charge is payable.
This is one of the best areas of ancient semi-natural woodland in the county. The site is a mixed deciduous wood with a diverse field layer. Ash dominates some of the site, although oak and birch are most common in the acidic areas, whilst beech is invading some areas. Standing dead wych elm trees, the victims of Dutch elm disease, play host to a variety of invertebrates. Yew and alder are amongst other tree species found here. The field layer contains many species typical of ancient woodland, such as ramsons, woodruff and dog’s mercury, although bluebells are curiously absent. The rare grass Festuca altissima can also be found. There is a typical woodland bird fauna including pied flycatcher and great spotted woodpecker. Mammals include red squirrel, roe deer and dormouse.