The Natural Environment
6.3 Approaches a) The approach to Osmotherley from the A19 winds uphill with wide grass verges and a mixed planting of hedges, trees and wild flowers (with daffodils in the Springtime). The installation of kerbstones all the way up and the close mowing of verges outside some properties has resulted in a slightly more urban look. b) The approach from the North comes up a steep bank from Swainby at Scarth Nick, past Sheepwash and Cod Beck reservoir with open moorland giving way to farmland. The Eastern approach comes down from the moors past farms and joins up with the road coming from Thimbleby. All these roads are relatively unimproved and have mature trees to the East and South, mixed hedgerows and banks with a good selection of wild flowers. c) The Cod Beck flows through the reservoir and down the valley, past several once-active mills, now all
converted to dwellings. There is a good supply of public footpaths and some bridleways.
6.4 Trees and flora a) The primary species of trees in the area are: oak, ash, beech, sycamore, alder, birch and rowan, with some larch, lime, bird cherry, holly and horse chestnut. Many other varieties have been planted in gardens and field edges. Within Osmotherley itself there are mature limes, horse chestnut, rowan, birch, cherry, field maple, prunus and walnut. b) About one hundred different wild flowers have been recorded in the area. c) Although most agricultural land is not intensively cultivated, modern farming practices have resulted in a reduction of meadow and hedgerow species.
Bluebells above Thimbleby
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Osmotherley and Thimbleby Village Design Statement