Birch-Hill Coppice

Wood, Forest in Worcestershire Malvern Hills

England

Birch-Hill Coppice

Shelsley Watermill (1), Shelsley Walsh This impressive three storey watermill is on a milling site dating back to 1308, although the brick shell of the current mill is just over 200 years old. However some of the internal machinery and the timber frame is believed to date from around 1700. The mill was grinding animal feed up to about 1923, after which it was neglected and left to decay. The fortunate effect of that was that the equipment was left in situ. It has now been restored by the hard work of the volunteers of the Shelsley Water Mill Society, a registered charity, who have been working on the mill since about 2006.

The mill is on land owned by the Winnington Estate, and in an area leased to the Midland Automobile Club. This is the group that runs the famous motor sports events at Shelsley Walsh, and from whom most of the mill society&#039;s volunteers are drawn. The mill is not normally open to the public, but the Society have a website which gives further details.

<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2408824">SO7263 : Shelsley Watermill (2) - waterwheel, Shelsley Walsh</a>.
<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2408846">SO7263 : Shelsley Watermill (3) - waterwheel, Shelsley Walsh</a>.
<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2935900">SO7263 : Shelsley Watermill (4) - waterwheel, Shelsley Walsh</a>.
<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2935917">SO7263 : Shelsley Watermill (5) - part of interior, Shelsley Walsh</a>.
<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2935942">SO7263 : Shelsley Watermill (6) - waterwheel, Shelsley Walsh</a>.
<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2935960">SO7263 : Shelsley Watermill (7) - waterwheel, Shelsley Walsh</a>.
<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2935987">SO7263 : Shelsley Watermill (8) - south end of stable block, Shelsley Walsh</a>.
<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2936011">SO7263 : Shelsley Watermill (9) - part of interior of stable block, Shelsley Walsh</a>.
<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2936060">SO7263 : Shelsley Watermill (10) - stable block, Shelsley Walsh</a>.

Links to further photos, please see:- <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2937795">SO7263 : Shelsley Watermill (11) - stable block, Shelsley Walsh</a>. — Shelsley Watermill (1), Shelsley Walsh Credit: P L Chadwick

Birch-Hill Coppice is a picturesque woodland located in Worcestershire, England. Spread over an area of approximately 100 acres, it is a captivating example of a traditional coppice woodland.

The coppice is predominantly made up of birch trees, hence its name, but it also boasts a diverse range of other tree species, including oak, ash, and beech. These trees have been meticulously managed and harvested over the years, resulting in a dense and vibrant forest with a rich understorey of shrubs, ferns, and wildflowers.

The woodland is a haven for wildlife, providing a sanctuary for a variety of species. Bird enthusiasts will be delighted by the presence of songbirds such as robins, blackbirds, and thrushes, while larger birds of prey like buzzards and owls can occasionally be spotted too. Mammals such as foxes, badgers, and deer also call this woodland home, and their tracks can often be found crisscrossing the forest floor.

Walking through the coppice, visitors are treated to a tranquil and enchanting experience. Sunlight filters through the canopy, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. The air is filled with the fresh scent of the woodland, and the sounds of rustling leaves and chirping birds create a soothing symphony.

Birch-Hill Coppice is a popular destination for nature lovers and hikers alike. It offers a network of well-maintained trails, allowing visitors to explore its beauty at their own pace. The woodland also serves as an educational resource, with guided tours and workshops available to learn about the importance of sustainable woodland management and conservation efforts.

Overall, Birch-Hill Coppice is a true gem of Worcestershire, combining natural beauty, biodiversity, and educational value in one stunning location.

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Birch-Hill Coppice Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.281896/-2.4055819 or Grid Reference SO7264. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Shelsley Watermill (1), Shelsley Walsh

This impressive three storey watermill is on a milling site dating back to 1308, although the brick shell of the current mill is just over 200 years old. However some of the internal machinery and the timber frame is believed to date from around 1700. The mill was grinding animal feed up to about 1923, after which it was neglected and left to decay. The fortunate effect of that was that the equipment was left in situ. It has now been restored by the hard work of the volunteers of the Shelsley Water Mill Society, a registered charity, who have been working on the mill since about 2006. The mill is on land owned by the Winnington Estate, and in an area leased to the Midland Automobile Club. This is the group that runs the famous motor sports events at Shelsley Walsh, and from whom most of the mill society's volunteers are drawn. The mill is not normally open to the public, but the Society have a website which gives further details. SO7263 : Shelsley Watermill (2) - waterwheel, Shelsley Walsh. SO7263 : Shelsley Watermill (3) - waterwheel, Shelsley Walsh. SO7263 : Shelsley Watermill (4) - waterwheel, Shelsley Walsh. SO7263 : Shelsley Watermill (5) - part of interior, Shelsley Walsh. SO7263 : Shelsley Watermill (6) - waterwheel, Shelsley Walsh. SO7263 : Shelsley Watermill (7) - waterwheel, Shelsley Walsh. SO7263 : Shelsley Watermill (8) - south end of stable block, Shelsley Walsh. SO7263 : Shelsley Watermill (9) - part of interior of stable block, Shelsley Walsh. SO7263 : Shelsley Watermill (10) - stable block, Shelsley Walsh. Links to further photos, please see:- SO7263 : Shelsley Watermill (11) - stable block, Shelsley Walsh.

P L Chadwick

Shelsley Watermill (2) - waterwheel, Shelsley Walsh

The present cast iron waterwheel was ordered from Turtons of Kidderminster in October 1851. It was restored in 2007, and now has a mixture of both old and new steel buckets. More about the mill:- SO7263 : Shelsley Watermill (1), Shelsley Walsh.

P L Chadwick

Shelsley Watermill (3) - waterwheel, Shelsley Walsh

This external overshot waterwheel dates from 1851, and was restored in 2007. More about the mill:- SO7263 : Shelsley Watermill (1), Shelsley Walsh.

L S Wilson

Court House, Shelsley Walsh

This Grade II listed building is believed to have originally been a court or manor house, but has also served as a farmhouse. Originally it was surrounded by a moat. Parts date from the 16th century and other parts from the 17th, 18th & 19th centuries. There is some timber framing in the older parts. Photographed from the grounds of the nearby Shelsley Watermill.

P L Chadwick

St. Andrew's Church (1), Shelsley Walsh

Mainly constructed from local tufa, a variety of limestone. The nave is Norman, and the chancel 13th century, but with all windows renewed at a later date. There was what Pevsner & Brooks (Buildings of Worcestershire) described as a "distinctively quirky restoration" by George Truefitt in 1859. This resulted in the addition of the pyramid-roofed timber bell-turret and north porch. He was also responsible for painting the boarded ceiling light blue, with violet stars. Unfortunately the church was closed, so it wasn't possible to photograph this remarkable feature! SO7262 : St. Andrew's Church (2), Shelsley Walsh. SO7262 : St. Andrew's Church (3) - north porch, Shelsley Walsh.

P L Chadwick

St. Andrew's Church (2), Shelsley Walsh

The church grounds are very attractive, and beautifully kept. Other photos of the church:- SO7262 : St. Andrew's Church (1), Shelsley Walsh.

L S Wilson

St. Andrew's Church (3) - north porch, Shelsley Walsh

This porch was one of the additions made in 1859 by George Truefitt, as part of his "restoration" of the church. There is unfortunately a reflection from the camera lens iris in this photograph. Other photos of the church:- SO7262 : St. Andrew's Church (1), Shelsley Walsh.

P L Chadwick

The Bridge Hotel, Stanford Bridge

The building on the left is The Bridge Hotel, which these days is more a pub with restaurant than an hotel. Indeed, on their website, there is no mention of accommodation, so maybe this is no longer offered. The building is early 19th century, with a late 19th century brick and half-timbered facade. The large and much altered building on the right was, in the past, a village store and post office. Prior to that, it seems to have been the 19th century mill belonging to Mill Farm.

P L Chadwick

The Shelsleys Village Hall, Shelsley Beauchamp

The hall serves the residents of the three villages of Shelsley Beauchamp, Shelsley Kings and Shelsley Walsh. As can be seen, the hall has recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.

P L Chadwick

Shelsley Walsh Watermill

Powered by an 1851 overshot waterwheel that was restored in 2007 and is open on National Mills Open Weekend and on the dates of the hill climbs held at this venue.

Chris Allen

Entrance to the Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb

Hosted by the Midland automobile Club and one of the oldest continuous motorsport venues in the world.

Chris Allen

Shelsley Watermill (4) - waterwheel, Shelsley Walsh

Another view of the waterwheel. More photographs of the mill and wheel see:- SO7263 : Shelsley Watermill (1), Shelsley Walsh.

P L Chadwick

Shelsley Watermill (5) - part of interior, Shelsley Walsh

The shaft is original, and was made from a single piece of oak more than 300 years ago. The two millstones are on either side of it, but hidden inside wooden boxes called tuns. These are replacements because the originals, made of softwood, were very badly worm-eaten. Unfortunately the lack of an extra wide angle lens means this view is rather restricted. More photographs of the mill and wheel see:- SO7263 : Shelsley Watermill (1), Shelsley Walsh.

P L Chadwick

Shelsley Watermill (6) - waterwheel, Shelsley Walsh

Another view of the waterwheel. More photographs of the mill and wheel see:- SO7263 : Shelsley Watermill (1), Shelsley Walsh.

P L Chadwick

Shelsley Watermill (7) - waterwheel, Shelsley Walsh

Another view of the restored waterwheel. More photographs of the mill and wheel see:- SO7263 : Shelsley Watermill (1), Shelsley Walsh.

L S Wilson

Shelsley Watermill (8) - south end of stable block, Shelsley Walsh

The stable block became part of the mill complex. A line shaft ran the length of the stable block, which was connected so that it could take power from the waterwheel. Some of the machinery for this can be seen in this view. The line shaft was used to drive more machinery to process animal feed. The machines survive, have been restored and are in the stable. More photographs of the mill and wheel see:- SO7263 : Shelsley Watermill (1), Shelsley Walsh.

P L Chadwick

Shelsley Watermill (9) - part of interior of stable block, Shelsley Walsh

The stable block serves as both a display area and a workshop. More photographs of the mill and wheel see:- SO7263 : Shelsley Watermill (1), Shelsley Walsh.

P L Chadwick

Stratstone Restaurant, Shelsley Walsh

This fairly new restaurant forms part of the Shelsley Walsh motor sport complex. The restaurant building is available for weddings, dinner parties and various business uses. It looks as if it was probably converted from a stable block.

P L Chadwick

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Birch-Hill Coppice is located at Grid Ref: SO7264 (Lat: 52.281896, Lng: -2.4055819)

Administrative County: Worcestershire

District: Malvern Hills

Police Authority: West Mercia