Thrift Coppice

Wood, Forest in Shropshire

England

Thrift Coppice

A diverted footpath The marked path to the east of this point has been extinguished due to an expansion of the clay workings/gravel pit further east, and the path now comes down this field into the valley of the Dean Brook. — A diverted footpath Credit: Richard Law

Thrift Coppice is a picturesque woodland located in the county of Shropshire, England. Situated near the village of Much Wenlock, this ancient woodland covers an area of approximately 60 hectares (148 acres). The coppice takes its name from the Old English word "thrift," meaning "woodland clearing."

The woodland is predominantly made up of mixed deciduous trees, including oak, ash, birch, and beech, creating a diverse and vibrant landscape throughout the year. The forest floor is adorned with a rich variety of wildflowers, such as bluebells, primroses, and wood anemones, adding a burst of color to the woodland in spring.

Thrift Coppice is a haven for wildlife, providing a natural habitat for numerous species. The woodland is home to a diverse range of bird species, including woodpeckers, nuthatches, and tawny owls. It is also a thriving habitat for mammals like foxes, badgers, and squirrels. Visitors may be lucky enough to spot these creatures as they explore the woodland.

The coppice is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and photographers who are drawn to its natural beauty and tranquility. There are several well-maintained footpaths that wind through the woodland, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the peaceful surroundings. The woodland is also part of the wider Wenlock Edge, a prominent limestone escarpment that stretches for over 15 miles and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Thrift Coppice is managed by the Forestry Commission, ensuring its preservation and accessibility for future generations to enjoy.

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Thrift Coppice Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.589934/-2.4546385 or Grid Reference SO6999. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

A diverted footpath

The marked path to the east of this point has been extinguished due to an expansion of the clay workings/gravel pit further east, and the path now comes down this field into the valley of the Dean Brook.

Richard Law

Deserted cottage at Darley

There's not much but luck holding this place together - the roof's leaking and all the windows and doors are long gone. It's basically just a sheep shelter, and has never had gas, electricity, a mains water supply or vehicular access.

Richard Law

In the Dean Brook valley

Looking up the valley of the Dean Brook, with Honeypot Coppice on the left. The stones in the foreground appear to be the remnants of an unidentifiable building, possibly associated with the old cottage SO6899 : Deserted cottage at Darley a couple of hundred yards away.

Richard Law

Footbridge across the Dean Brook

Richard Law

Footbridge below the old cottage

The original line of the footpath previously used this bridge, but since the path's been diverted a little to the west due to expansion of the clay workings above, this is now visited less often.

Richard Law

Derelict farm buildings above the Dean Brook

The ruins of a couple of field barns, one of rough stone and the other brick-built, in a field on the south side of the valley.

Richard Law

Abandoned farm at Darley

This substantial farmhouse, with a scattering of outhouses nearby, lies abandoned in the woods near Darley. It looks in reasonable condition from a distance, but once close up, the cracks appear, and some of them are big enough to let daylight right through walls.

Richard Law

The abandoned farmhouse at Darley

Richard Law

Pheasant pens at Honeypot houses

A large pen for pheasant-rearing, apparently attached to Rudgewood Farm or a nearby smallholding. The dog was VERY interested in the inhabitants of this...

Richard Law

Footpath into the woods - Honeypot Coppice

This has the look and feel of quite an old right of way; it leads down towards the Dean Brook valley, and a couple of abandoned farm buildings.

Richard Law

Footpath in the corner of a field, Linleygreen

The path west of here runs across open fields, before diving into a 'green lane' complete with bluebells, just where the new waymarker sits at the top of the copse.

Richard Law

An old green lane near Linleygreen

Part of the footpath network, this old lane with a stone retaining wall on the right, is now so little used that the bluebells are coming up along its whole length and width.

Richard Law

Footpath at the edge of Thrift Coppice

Thrift Coppice runs into Birch Wood as you walk east; both lie on the steep southern bank of the Dean Brook valley.

Richard Law

The Pheasant (1), Britons Lane, Linley Brook

The Pheasant, or Pheasants Inn as it is often called, is a rural pub of traditional character. Real ale is available, as well as food, and the pub has bar billiards. Other photos:- SO6797 : The Pheasant (2), Britons Lane, Linley Brook. SO6797 : The Pheasant (3) - sign, Britons Lane, Linley Brook. SO6897 : The Pheasant (4) - sign, Britons Lane, Linley Brook.

P L Chadwick

The Pheasant (2), Britons Lane, Linley Brook

An attractive rural pub in the small rather scattered village of Linley Brook. Back in 2004, there was an application to convert the pub into residential use, but this was not accepted, and today it remains in use as a pub. More photos:- SO6797 : The Pheasant (1), Britons Lane, Linley Brook.

P L Chadwick

The Pheasant (3) - sign, Britons Lane, Linley Brook

The Pheasant has two pub signs. This one is attached to the front of the building. The other, of a different design, is on a post in the car park. More photos:- SO6797 : The Pheasant (1), Britons Lane, Linley Brook.

P L Chadwick

The Pheasant (4) - sign, Britons Lane, Linley Brook

This sign, gradually being enveloped by a neighbouring tree, is at the far end of the car park of the Pheasant pub. It is on top of a post. Another sign, of a different design, is to be found attached to the front of the pub. More photos:- SO6797 : The Pheasant (1), Britons Lane, Linley Brook.

P L Chadwick