Stone Plantation

Wood, Forest in Staffordshire Stafford

England

Stone Plantation

Driveway and path to Ellerton Grange Credit: Row17

Stone Plantation is a picturesque woodland located in the county of Staffordshire, England. Situated near the town of Stone, the plantation covers an area of approximately 100 hectares and is known for its dense woodland and diverse range of plant and animal species.

The plantation is primarily composed of a mixture of deciduous and coniferous trees, creating a rich and vibrant landscape throughout the year. Towering oak, beech, and birch trees dominate the woodland, providing a habitat for a variety of wildlife including deer, foxes, and numerous bird species.

Walking through the plantation, visitors can enjoy a network of well-maintained footpaths that wind their way through the trees, allowing for peaceful and scenic walks. These paths provide an opportunity to explore the plantation's natural beauty and observe its inhabitants in their natural habitat.

Stone Plantation also holds historical significance, with remnants of an ancient stone circle still visible within its boundaries. This archaeological feature adds an air of mystery and intrigue to the woodland, attracting history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

The plantation is easily accessible, with a car park and visitor facilities available on-site. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and photography.

Overall, Stone Plantation in Staffordshire is a haven of natural beauty and tranquility, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the wonders of the woodland and experience the rich biodiversity that thrives within its boundaries.

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Stone Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.833798/-2.380055 or Grid Reference SJ7426. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Driveway and path to Ellerton Grange

Row17

Shropshire Union Canal near Shebdon, Staffordshire

Shebdon Bridge (No 44) is ahead, which carries the lane from Tunstall.

Roger Kidd

Shebdon Bridge south-east of Knighton, Staffordshire

Shebdon Bridge (No 44) carries the lane from Tunstall. Private long-term moorings on the right are by Shebdon Farm. Past the bridge, the Shropshire Union Canal continues towards another embankment. About five hundred metres ahead on the left is The Wharf Inn* at the base of the embankment. The sign on the bridge advertises it. The current Google satellite hybrid image incorrectly labels Batchacre Park Cottage (no road access) as The Wharf Inn. *update: closed 2013.

Roger Kidd

Moorings by the pub at Shebdon, Staffordshire

Here the Shropshire Union Canal has been built on another tree covered embankment. The Wharf Inn is at the base of the embankment here, down a stepped path through the trees. The current Google satellite hybrid image incorrectly labels Batchacre Park Cottage (no road access) as The Wharf Inn. SJ7526 : The Wharf Inn Pub, Shebdon Update: The Wharf Inn closed permanently in 2013.

Roger Kidd

Buzzard near Shebdon Wharf, Staffordshire

This bird of prey was keeping an eye on the canal and the fields behind the trees.

Roger Kidd

Shropshire Union canal at Knighton, Staffordshire

Knighton Bridge (No 46) carries a bridleway and farm track.

Roger Kidd

Private driveway

Row17

Biking the dog, near Cheswardine, Shropshire

Well "walking the dog" would seem to be a wild inaccuracy, and I do try to make my descriptions reliable. This is at Black Flat Bridge, No 47 across the Shropshire Union Canal, on a dull morning in October.

Roger Kidd

Premier Foods Knighton Wharf Adbaston

I don't know how old the information is but the Knighton factory reportedly produces around 29,000 tonnes of powder per annum. Main brands include Cadbury's Drinking Chocolate, Highlights, Marvel, Angel Delight, Birds Custard Powder, Hartley's powder Jelly and others. In 1660 Knighton was exempted from the payment of all civil and military taxes. Cadburys’ built a milk processing factory at Knighton in 1911, attracted by the rates exemption. Cadbury operated the wharf up to the 1960s and the exemption from rates for Knighton continued as late as the 1970s although this also meant that not all local public services were supplied to the village.

Jo and Steve Turner

Bridge 46 and the Shroppy

Just west of Knighton, the minor bridge 46 carries a farm track, and gives pedestrian access to the towpath, which is currently closed off at the adjacent road bridge 45.

Richard Law

Knighton road bridge (45) on the Shroppy

Access from the road bridge to the (rather muddy) towpath is closed off at the moment, so a quick stroll along a field edge to the adjacent bridge 46 is required.

Richard Law

Canal milepost at Knighton

A cast iron milepost, one of several along this length of the cut; the next one to the northwest is SJ7327 : Canal milepost at Park Heath

Richard Law

Shroppy canal at Knighton

A section of the canal coming out of Knighton cutting, and heading towards the Black Flat bridge in the distance.

Richard Law

Black Flat bridge (no 47) on the Shroppy

Richard Law

The Knighton Wood straight

Between Knighton cutting and the woods ahead, the canal here cuts a dead straight course across the countryside of Staffordshire. The border with Shropshire is just on the far side of the woods.

Richard Law

In Knighton Wood

An area that used to provide superb fishing - small roach, perch and gudgeon aplenty in the 1980s, with the chance of a decent bream or carp once in a while. It'd be interesting to have a warm afternoon back here with half a pint of pinkies and some bloodworm.

Richard Law