Smithfield Coppice

Wood, Forest in Shropshire

England

Smithfield Coppice

Kingsley Farm from the west Credit: Richard Law

Smithfield Coppice is a picturesque woodland located in the heart of Shropshire, England. Spanning over 100 acres, it is a haven for nature enthusiasts and a popular destination for outdoor activities. The coppice is situated just a few miles outside the town of Much Wenlock and is easily accessible by car or public transport.

The woodland is predominantly composed of a mix of broadleaf trees such as oak, beech, and birch, creating a diverse and vibrant ecosystem. The dense canopy provides a sheltered environment for a variety of wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and deer. Visitors can spot a wide range of bird species, from woodpeckers to owls, making it a haven for birdwatchers.

The coppice offers a network of well-maintained walking trails, allowing visitors to explore the woodland at their own pace. These trails wind through the towering trees, providing breathtaking views and opportunities to observe the flora and fauna up close. Along the way, there are designated picnic spots and benches where visitors can rest and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings.

In addition to its natural beauty, Smithfield Coppice also holds historical significance. It was once used as a source of timber for the local community, and remnants of the old charcoal pits can still be found scattered throughout the woodland. These remnants serve as a reminder of the coppice's past and add to its charm.

Overall, Smithfield Coppice is a treasure trove of natural beauty and historical significance. Whether you are seeking a peaceful walk, a birdwatching adventure, or simply a place to connect with nature, this woodland is a must-visit destination in Shropshire.

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Smithfield Coppice Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.559869/-2.4238078 or Grid Reference SO7195. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Kingsley Farm from the west

Richard Law

"Yes, dad, you called?"

Barkley comes charging back down the footpath in response to a whistle; there can't have been any pheasants around at that moment.

Richard Law

Kingsley Farm from the north east

Richard Law

On the footpath towards Nordley

At this point, the path is a reasonably well-marked affair; this is not so true further northeast.

Richard Law

Footpath back towards Cross Lane Heads

Little effort had been made to maintain this path through the crop - Daft Dog and I were forced to wade, thigh deep in my case, through the wet crop. Great fun. All the stiles and gates are in place, but the path is rarely used.

Richard Law

Footpath to Nordley

A rather overgrown (overplanted) path on the edge of a field near Nordley.

Richard Law

Best of luck with THIS stile...

The stile's there, and quite new. What isn't so obvious in the photo is the 3-strand barbed wire fence that completely blocks it. Daft Dog went under the rickety gate, and I climbed it, as I didn't much fancy lacerating my legs.

Richard Law

Rosemary Cottage, Nordley

Richard Law

Bridleway down to the two Binnals

The white-ish building on the right is Little Binnal, with the farm of Great Binnal just off to the left .

Richard Law

Bridleway heading for Nordley

Just a field-edge path, but apparently fairly well used by the local horse riders.

Richard Law

B4373, Nordley

Bridgnorth to Broseley road.

Richard Webb

Farmland near Haughton, Shropshire

Roger Kidd

Through a gate to a field

Row17

Pendlestone Mills

Also known as Fort Pendlestone. Originally there was a corn mill on the site but this is a more recent cotton mill. It was originally water powered but was later supplemented by a vertical steam engine of Yorkshire build. The late George Watkins photographed this in 1953 but it's long gone. The Mills are rather fine but squeezed in beside the road and currently fenced off. Need I say they are being adaptively reused, although it seems to have been ongoing for a couple of years.

Chris Allen