Geograph - photograph every grid square

This part of Wallsend Dene probably began life as more open and scrubby land, but at some point it became enclosed as land for Wallsend Hall. The dene would have appealed to the landscaper's eye, as it was the fashion in the late 18th and early 19th centuries to create rugged, dramatic, picturesque gardens to be privately enjoyed by the most desirable houses. The dene was very secluded with no through roads, it provided water to manipulate for picturesque weirs, streams and bridges, plus bank sides to create rich tree belts and romantic woodland walks, and south facing slopes to exploit for sunny lawns, orchards and kitchen gardens. It would all have been laid out to be viewed and used from the hall plus its veranda, brow-top walk and summerhouse. ('The Green, Wallsend Conservation Area Character Appraisal' North Tyneside Council October 2006). Whilst not original, this bridge, which spans the original weir, is similar to the one that stood here when the area was first laid out. These days, the dene is enjoyed by the general public. For a selection of detailed free to download walking routes in the area visit Link