Jubliee Class Locomotive 45562 Alberta.

The video that follows is a short one taken on the 29th February 2020. I also took 3 images from the video which can be seen below. 

On the day I was out for a walk through North Dean a woodland that stretchers along the valley from Copley to West Vale and up towards Greetland and Norland. The main railway line between Brighouse and Sowerby Bridge runs along the bottom of the woods and whilst out for my wonder I was made aware that a steam train was due to run along the line shortly, so I decided to set up along the line from the bridge that crossers the River Calder, arriving just as the Train was approaching from Greetland Junction. I had enough time to set up my action camera facing east and my phone facing west near to the track but a safe distance away, I didn't want to become a safety issue. 

The end result is the short video below, which can be seen here or on YouTube.

I can't push the point enough that although it may look close to the railway at no point was I anywhere near the trackbed. The following were taken from the footage and can be seen on Clickasnap.

Clicking any picture should open a link in another window to a un-watermarked version on Clickasnap.

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A Winter's Walk Through North Dean Woods

North Dean Woods, nestled on the fringes of Greetland within the Calderdale region, offer a captivating glimpse into the evolution of British woodland. Stretching from the meandering River Calder's valley floor to the elevated terrain beneath Norland, these woods are a living tapestry woven with centuries of ecological and human history. On a crisp December day in 2017, following a delicate snowfall of a few inches, I embarked on a journey through this enchanting landscape, capturing its serene beauty with my Nikon D3300. This blog post delves into the nuances of this walk, reflecting on the historical significance and natural beauty encountered along the way.

A Journey Through Time and Terrain:

My exploration began at Wilson Bridge, a crossing point adjacent to the venerable St. Stephen's Church. This starting point itself speaks volumes about the intertwined relationship between community and nature in this region. The church, a silent sentinel, has witnessed the woods' transformation over generations.

The ascent through the woods along North Dean Road revealed the characteristic features of a typical British woodland. This landscape is a mosaic of deciduous trees, likely including oak, beech, and ash, reflecting the region's temperate climate and fertile soils. The recent snowfall accentuated the skeletal forms of these trees, highlighting their intricate branching patterns and the stark contrast between the white blanket and the dark, textured bark.

Ecological Insights:

North Dean Woods, like many similar woodlands, are a vital habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna. The understory, though obscured by the snow, would typically host a variety of shrubs, ferns, and wildflowers, contributing to the woodland's biodiversity. The interplay of light and shadow, even under the overcast winter sky, reveals the complex ecological dynamics at play.

The proximity to the River Calder is a crucial factor in the woodland's ecosystem. The river's influence extends beyond its immediate banks, providing moisture and nutrients that support the surrounding vegetation. Furthermore, the river corridor acts as a vital pathway for wildlife, connecting fragmented habitats and facilitating species movement.

Historical Footprints:

The paths winding through North Dean Woods are not merely routes for recreational walkers; they are historical arteries that have connected communities for centuries. These pathways, often following ancient routes, reflect the human interaction with the landscape. The presence of features like Wilson Bridge and Donkey Bridge, near Pickwood Lane, hints at the historical significance of these routes for trade, travel, and local commerce.

The gradual transition from the valley floor to the higher elevations mirrors the historical land use patterns in the region. The lower slopes, closer to the river, would have been traditionally used for agriculture and grazing, while the higher elevations, more challenging to cultivate, would have remained predominantly woodland. This stratification of land use reflects the adaptive strategies of past communities in utilizing the available resources.

Winter's Silent Beauty:

The snowfall transformed the woods into a tranquil winter wonderland. The muffled sounds, the pristine white surfaces, and the delicate patterns created by the snow on the branches and leaves created a sense of serenity and isolation. The frozen landscape offered a unique perspective on the woodland's structure and form, revealing details that are often obscured by the lush foliage of summer.

The photographs captured on that day, serve as a visual record of this ephemeral beauty. They document the interplay of light and shadow, the textures of the bark and snow, and the overall atmosphere of the winter woodland.

Conclusion:

A walk through North Dean Woods is more than just a pleasant stroll; it's a journey through time and nature. The woodland's historical significance, ecological diversity, and serene beauty make it a valuable asset to the Calderdale region. The winter landscape, with its blanket of snow, offers a unique perspective on this timeless environment, revealing the enduring connection between humans and the natural world. These woods, like countless others across Britain, are a testament to the enduring legacy of our natural heritage.

The pictures were taken with a Nikon d3300 SLR camera on the 29th December 2017. Clicking any picture below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Taken at the bottom of North Dean Road, I had just crossed the River Calder via
Wilson Bridge and passed St Stephens Church.

The copley valley and railway viaducts viewed from North Dean

This lane looks up towards Pickwood Scar, Norland. I'd not long since passed
over Donkey Bridge

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All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Unearthing the Whispers of Donkey Bridge

Nestled within the verdant embrace of Maple Dean Clough, near Norland, West Yorkshire, lies a silent sentinel of a bygone era: Donkey Bridge. More than just a simple crossing, this unassuming structure whispers tales of packhorse trains, arduous journeys, and the enduring spirit of the Pennine landscape.

Finding Donkey Bridge is a treasure hunt in itself. It's a secret passage, a hidden gateway between Copley and Norland, demanding a touch of adventurous spirit. From Copley, the ascent along North Dean Road, culminating in a sharp hairpin bend, marks the trailhead. A woodland path, beckoning towards Norland, conceals the bridge's approach. Alternatively, from Norland, the journey begins at the end of Pickwood Lane, where a steep, cobbled path, often obscured by nature's exuberance, plunges down to the clough.

This cloak of secrecy is part of Donkey Bridge's charm. In summer, a verdant tapestry of overgrowth conceals its details, creating an almost mystical atmosphere. Winter, however, transforms the path into a slippery, icy challenge, a testament to the harsh realities faced by those who traversed it centuries ago.

But Donkey Bridge is more than just a picturesque obstacle. It's a tangible link to the past, a surviving fragment of an ancient packhorse route that connected the villages of Copley and Norland, and served as a vital artery to larger settlements beyond. These routes, predating modern roads, were the lifelines of the region, facilitating trade and communication across the rugged terrain.

Imagine the scene: sturdy packhorses, laden with goods, their hooves echoing on the cobbled path, their breath clouding in the crisp Pennine air. These were the workhorses of their time, carrying everything from wool and textiles to essential supplies. The bridge, a crucial point in their journey, allowed them to safely navigate the challenging terrain of Maple Dean Clough.

While the modern wooden planks of Donkey Bridge offer a safe passage today, it's the ancient stone supports that truly capture the imagination. These weathered sentinels, shrouded in a cloak of moss and vegetation, speak of centuries of resilience. Their robust construction, despite the relentless passage of time and the harsh elements, testifies to the skill and craftsmanship of those who built them.

Delving deeper into the history, one can imagine the evolution of this crossing. For generations, a bridge has spanned this clough, adapting to changing needs and materials. The original stone supports, likely hewn from local gritstone, would have formed the bedrock of the crossing. Over time, the wooden elements, susceptible to decay, would have been repeatedly replaced, each iteration reflecting the prevailing techniques and resources.

The overgrown nature of the site adds another layer of intrigue. It allows us to glimpse the bridge as it might have appeared in less manicured times, when nature held greater sway. The moss-covered stones and the encroaching vegetation create a sense of timelessness, a feeling of stepping back into a forgotten era.

Visiting Donkey Bridge is more than just a walk in the woods. It's an opportunity to connect with the past, to trace the footsteps of those who came before us, and to appreciate the enduring beauty of the Pennine landscape. It's a reminder that even in our fast-paced world, there are still hidden gems waiting to be discovered, whispers of history waiting to be heard.

To truly appreciate Donkey Bridge, consider:

• Exploring the surrounding landscape: Take time to explore the wider Maple Dean Clough, imagining the lives of those who lived and worked in this area.
• Researching packhorse routes: Learn more about the history of packhorse trails in the Pennines and their significance to the region's development.
• Visiting other historical sites: Combine your visit to Donkey Bridge with other historical sites in the area, such as the nearby villages of Copley and Norland, to gain a deeper understanding of the region's past.
• Taking photographs: Capture the beauty and atmosphere of Donkey Bridge and its surroundings, preserving a record of your journey.
• Visiting at different times of the year: See how the bridge and its surroundings change with the seasons, from the lush greenery of summer to the stark beauty of winter.

Donkey Bridge is a testament to the enduring power of history and the beauty of the natural world. By taking the time to explore this hidden gem, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of our past and the enduring spirit of the Pennine landscape.

The total of 6 pictures were taken on the 8th March 2014 using a Polaroid is2132 Bridge Camera. Clicking any image should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Thanks for looking and please take a moment to share and follow me on social media and check out my portfolio on Photo4Me via the link below.

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.