The Waggonways and Sundial country park

Principally a place to post photographs my side interest is edgelands created by the demise of Industrialisation and the reclamation of derelict land. How long would it take for nature to reclaim the land. Plants have the ability to grow in the most diverse and inhospitable enviroments and often this is a greater attraction as a enviroment for a wider range of wildlife than the open countryside.     Originally laid down in the 17th century the waggonways were used to transport coal by horse drawn cart across the Northern coalfield and were later converted to steam during the historic Stephenson trials. They are now utilised as cycle and pathways and are part of an extensive network stretching around North Tyneside and other 'reclaimed' industrial areas.  Long straight paths with no focal point, ideal corridors for the passage of birds, animals and insects are not so enticing for the human whether on bike or foot and like motorways are used to zip people from a to b, Percy main to Backworth and back again. too many covert cameras too many suspicious eyes on someone not on a bike, jog, dog walk, route march or trudge to work.          

Much better are the side paths, leafed lanes, not so extensive that lead off into distances and are worth a detour and explore away from paranoia and the sanctuary and bustle of greenery.

Crackling and fizzing in the drizzle overhead power lines mark the skyline in a way thats difficult to ignore. The Sundial park as its locally known, a reclaimed rubbish tip, is ringed by roads and office blocks but it is possible to get lost in quiet corners.