Batchacre Wood

Wood, Forest in Staffordshire Stafford

England

Batchacre Wood

Stile on footpath to Leawood Credit: Row17

Batchacre Wood is a picturesque woodland located in Staffordshire, England. Covering an area of approximately 100 acres, this enchanting forest offers a serene and tranquil retreat for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

The wood is primarily composed of broad-leaved trees, including oak, ash, and beech, which create a dense canopy, providing shade and shelter to the diverse flora and fauna that call this woodland home. The forest floor is adorned with a rich carpet of bluebells and wildflowers during the spring, adding a burst of color and fragrance to the surroundings.

Visitors to Batchacre Wood can enjoy a variety of activities, such as walking, cycling, and birdwatching. The woodland boasts a network of well-maintained trails, allowing visitors to explore its hidden gems and discover its natural wonders. The peaceful atmosphere and the soothing sound of birdsong provide a perfect backdrop for relaxation and contemplation.

Wildlife enthusiasts will be delighted to spot a range of native species, including deer, foxes, badgers, and a plethora of bird species. The wood is especially renowned for its birdlife, with sightings of woodpeckers, owls, and various songbirds being common.

Batchacre Wood is well-connected to the surrounding area, with convenient access points and ample parking facilities. It offers a wonderful opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse oneself in the beauty of nature. Whether visiting for a leisurely stroll, a family picnic, or simply to enjoy the serenity of the woods, Batchacre Wood is a true gem of Staffordshire's natural landscape.

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Batchacre Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.823415/-2.3689827 or Grid Reference SJ7525. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Stile on footpath to Leawood

Row17

Arable field near Shebdon, Staffordshire

Seen from the Shropshire Union Canal.

Roger Kidd

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

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

OS benchmark - Newport Road bridge

An OS cutmark on the wall of the bridge over the Shropshire Union Canal; originally levelled at 106.88m above Ordnance Datum Newlyn.

Richard Law

OS benchmark & rivet - Knighton canal bridge

An OS rivet in the parapet of the accommodation bridge carrying the bridleway to Kingswell; originally levelled at 106.75m above Ordnance Datum Newlyn.

Richard Law

The Shroppy, east of Knighton

A fine, sunny March day to walk up the canal for lunch.

Richard Law

Heading for Shebdon

Walking along the towpath of the Shroppy towards the former Wharf Inn at Shebdon (it closed in 2013)

Richard Law

The former Wharf Inn

Don't be fooled by the signage on the wall; the Wharf is no more a public house, having closed in 2013, and planning permission is in hand to convert to a private residence.

Richard Law

Canal milepost at Shebdon

A replacement milepost (cast in 2006, it says at the base of the pillar), but very much in the style of others along the Shropshire Union canal such as SJ7426 : Canal milepost at Knighton & SJ7128 : Canal milepost at Little Soudley

Richard Law