Mere Eye Covert

Wood, Forest in Staffordshire Stafford

England

Mere Eye Covert

Former Fisher's Lock, Shrewsbury and Newport Canal Credit: David Martin

Mere Eye Covert is a woodland area located in Staffordshire, England. Spanning over a vast expanse, it is a remarkable natural haven nestled within the heart of the county. The woodland is situated near the village of Mere, which adds to its charm and accessibility.

The forest boasts a diverse range of tree species, including oak, ash, and beech, which create an enchanting canopy overhead. The lush undergrowth is home to an array of flora, such as bluebells, foxgloves, and wood sorrel, which bloom in vibrant colors throughout the seasons.

Mere Eye Covert is not only a picturesque landscape but also a thriving ecosystem. The woodland provides a sanctuary for various wildlife species, including deer, badgers, and a multitude of bird species. It is a popular spot for birdwatching enthusiasts, who come to admire the resident species and the migratory birds that pass through during different times of the year.

The woodland is also a haven for nature enthusiasts and hikers. It offers a network of well-maintained trails that wind through the forest, providing opportunities for leisurely walks and invigorating hikes. Along the trails, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views, discover hidden streams, and listen to the serene sounds of nature.

Mere Eye Covert is not only a natural treasure but also an important part of Staffordshire's heritage. The woodland has been preserved and protected for generations, ensuring its beauty and ecological significance remain intact for years to come.

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Mere Eye Covert Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.781508/-2.3504219 or Grid Reference SJ7620. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Former Fisher's Lock, Shrewsbury and Newport Canal

David Martin

Lily pads on the former Shrewsbury and Newport Canal

David Martin

Willow tree and houses across the Shrewsbury & Newport Canal

The tree is assumed to be a 'weeping willow', Salix babylonica, or at least some variant or hybrid of it. The canal was abandoned by stages through the 20th. century but the section through Newport has been restored to an extent as it passes through the town.

Trevor Littlewood

Shrewsbury & Newport Canal heading north-east

The Shrewsbury & Newport Canal has been partly restored as it passes through Newport but more as a feature in a linear park than as a navigable canal. Here the canal is seen to the north of the main part of the town, heading towards Meretown.

Trevor Littlewood

A41 Newport bypass in cutting

Peter Whatley

A41 approaching the A519 roundabout

Peter Whatley

A41 north of the A519 roundabout

Peter Whatley

Blacklane Bridge, Newport Branch, Shropshire Union Canal, 1965

In 1965 this abandoned canal looked as if only a little work could restore it. Sadly this is far from the case now. The bushes and mound on the right must have been bulldozed into the canal which is now level with the fields, and the lock beyond the bridge has gone, although the bridge survives, apparently in good condition. This was bridge 5 on the branch, and oddly carries Cliffs Lane, not Black Lane.

Robin Webster

Forton nursery

Clearly the village's former school house, this now serves as a children's nursery. It was opened in 1972.

Richard Law

Forton Hall

A Jacobean house, dating from 1665, and given a Grade II* listing in Link

It was built by Edwin Skrymsher of Eccleshall, who also had SJ7719 : Aqualate Hall erected.

Richard Law

The old canal heading for Norbury Junction

After falling into disuse before the 1960s, this branch of the Shropshire Union canal that ran from Norbury Junction through to Trench, Wappenshall and the East Shropshire coalfield, has now been filled in. I find this rather sad.

Richard Law

Bridleway gate and fence south of Sutton

Yes, it was as muddy as it looks, the cattle in the fields here had seen to that.

Richard Law

There's no avoiding it...

Try as we might (and Daft Dog didn't try very hard), walking through here on the bridleway means that you're going to get filthy. All good fun.

Richard Law

The west side of Thistleyfield Covert

These cattle are responsible for some fine muddy stretches in the field to the left, but this end of it seemed rather more grassy.

Richard Law

Bridleway on the south side of Thistleyfield Covert

This area borders part of the Aqualate Mere National Nature Reserve, which surrounds the mere itself. It's leased from the estate by Natural England, and has a network of bridleways providing access around the reserve.

Richard Law

Bridleway heading towards Aqualate Mere

Daft Dog remains on the lead, as the next field holds a flock of sheep that he's not yet spotted.

Richard Law

Bridleway alongside Thistleyfield Covert

A good bridleway runs right along the south side of the wood, fairly firm underfoot/tyre/hoof. The same cannot be said of the same bridleway further west approaching Forton, which is a proper mud-fest in places at this time of year.

Richard Law

Bridleway bridge near New Guild

Although barely visible due to the undergrowth, and the fact that much of it has been washed out & collapsed, a traditional arched packhorse bridge crosses this tiny stream.

Richard Law

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Mere Eye Covert is located at Grid Ref: SJ7620 (Lat: 52.781508, Lng: -2.3504219)

Administrative County: Staffordshire

District: Stafford

Police Authority: Staffordshire