Hadrian's Wood
Location
Hadrian's Wood is situated on the north eastern side of
Carlisle. There is limited on street car parking off Beech
Grove.
There is also pedestrian access off Larch Drive and along
Tarraby Lane (please see the map, link at the bottom of this
page).
Facilities
Hadrian's Wood is well connected to Knowefield Wood by excellent footpath links,
although it may get muddy in places.
For a good circular walk you can park at the hammer head at the
northern most end of Beech Grove and walk through Hadrian's Wood to
Tarraby Lane. Then head southwards along the Lane to the footpath
link to Larch Drive and into Knowefield Wood. Through Knowefield
and back onto Beech Grove.
History
Hadrian's Wood is so named because of its proximity to Hadrian's
Wall. However, the Ordnance Survey Map of 1926 shows that the area
lies within what was once Knowefield Nurseries.
Hadrian's Wood in its entirety lays within what was once
Knowefield Nurseries. If you look closely you may see traces of the
old Nursery there still in the landscape. To this day there are
still some remnants of the old hedgerows which once formed the old
field boundaries of Knowefield Nursery. Certainly Beech Grove was
one of the main thoroughfares through the 150 acre nursery.
To the east is
Tarraby Lane. This narrow hedge lined track runs north east from
Beech Grove to the small hamlet of Tarraby, where there once stood
Drawdykes Castle.
Running alongside Tarraby Lane is Hadrian's Wall. All that
remains of the Wall is a long and narrow tract of open land
bordered by fences and hedgerows.
It is tempting to imagine that Tarraby Lane was used by people
in Roman times as a supply route perhaps, for the various garrisons
along the wall. It may have provided a safer route for other
travellers too, with the Wall adjacent offering partial shelter
from the elements.
Habitat and Wildlife
The site is an important woodland, providing a haven for
wildlife in what is now a built up area.
We will manage the woodland to increase its diversity and to
help restock by under-planting.
See also Knowefield Wood and Map of Knowefield Wood and
Hadrian's Wood