The historic woodland at Allen Banks was given to the National Trust in 1942 by the Bowes-Lyon family and has a long and varied history. The 'Wilderness Walks' were created between 1830 and 1860 to provide a wild contrast to the formal parkland and gardens surrounding Ridley Hall; they include bridges across the River Allen, flights of stone stairs from the river bank to the higher parts of the woods, an artificial pond, seats and several scenic viewpoints along the valley. Today, the woodland remains a peaceful place to walk and observe the natural world.
The River Allen near Raven CragMy interest focused again on some the plant life:
Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum)
Common Spotted Orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii)
Enchanter's Nightshade (Circaea lutetiana)
Beech nuts (Fagus sylvatica)Despite my best endeavours, I am unable to positively identify the following but I think this plant is Common St. John's Wort
(Hypercium perforatum) ...
And this is the seed head of a Rough Hawkbit
(Leontondon hispidus) ...
Further information about Allen Banks can be found
here
