Birch trees in January Finsthwaite and woodlands rising from the south-west shore of Windermere were under the aegis of Furness Abbey, vital to its wealth and economy. With coppicing, pit-steads for charcoal burning, and iron mines, quarrying, corn-mills and granges. And a bark-peeler's hut.
Great Knott Wood is now managed by the Woodland Trust who tell the story of woodland management, history and natural history.
Great Knott Wood is now managed by the Woodland Trust who tell the story of woodland management, history and natural history.
There is much to explore and discover. On this beautiful January day a woodland aesthetic is my focus. The light was wonderful. We climbed steeply beside Waterside Knott, to Pennington Lodge Tower, then on toward Finsthwaite and its lovely church. Sheep grazed in pastures where rocky knolls were topped with trees. At this season downy birch are especially beautiful. Ravens croaked from high in a pine tree and nuthatch were vocal.
I hope to see Great Knott Wood in springtime, to return to Finsthwaite Church and to visit the museum at Stott Park Bobbin Mill.
How can she claim the day was inspirational and be so mundane in the writing of it- you may ask. Before I wrote the morning-after blog I edited images, studied the map, read the Woodland Trust Website, referred to English Heritage on Furness Abbey, etc. etc. - and simply ran out of steam. The secret, I find, is to leave it and return to it rather later when thoughts have had time to mature.
I hope to see Great Knott Wood in springtime, to return to Finsthwaite Church and to visit the museum at Stott Park Bobbin Mill.
How can she claim the day was inspirational and be so mundane in the writing of it- you may ask. Before I wrote the morning-after blog I edited images, studied the map, read the Woodland Trust Website, referred to English Heritage on Furness Abbey, etc. etc. - and simply ran out of steam. The secret, I find, is to leave it and return to it rather later when thoughts have had time to mature.
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