The Frances Cole Wood

Wood, Forest in Staffordshire Stafford

England

The Frances Cole Wood

Roadside 'greasy spoon' Look closely at the person in the 'cafe' and you will see him providing an unusual 'welcome' sign. I was going to purchase a buttie but not after that 'comment'.
Roadside 'greasy spoon' Credit: Row17

The Frances Cole Wood is a forest located in Staffordshire, England. It is known for its sprawling woodlands and picturesque scenery, attracting nature enthusiasts and hikers alike. Covering an area of approximately 500 acres, the wood is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.

The wood is primarily composed of deciduous trees, such as oak, beech, and birch, which provide a stunning display of vibrant colors during the autumn season. The dense foliage creates a tranquil and secluded atmosphere, making it a popular spot for those seeking peace and serenity.

A network of well-maintained walking trails crisscrosses through the forest, allowing visitors to explore its natural beauty. These trails cater to various levels of difficulty, from leisurely strolls to more challenging hikes. Along the way, one may catch glimpses of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and a variety of bird species.

The Frances Cole Wood is also home to a number of historical landmarks and archaeological sites. Ruins of ancient buildings and remnants of old settlements can be found scattered throughout the area, providing a glimpse into the region's rich history.

Visitors to the wood can enjoy a range of recreational activities, such as picnicking, birdwatching, and photography. Additionally, the wood offers educational programs and guided tours, allowing visitors to learn more about the forest's ecological significance and conservation efforts.

Overall, the Frances Cole Wood in Staffordshire is a haven for nature lovers, offering a blend of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and recreational opportunities.

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The Frances Cole Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.798751/-2.3345573 or Grid Reference SJ7722. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Roadside 'greasy spoon' Look closely at the person in the 'cafe' and you will see him providing an unusual 'welcome' sign. I was going to purchase a buttie but not after that 'comment'.
Roadside 'greasy spoon'
Look closely at the person in the 'cafe' and you will see him providing an unusual 'welcome' sign. I was going to purchase a buttie but not after that 'comment'.
A 'Millennium Stone' on Grubb Street
A 'Millennium Stone' on Grubb Street
Workshops at Norbury Junction
Workshops at Norbury Junction
Shropshire Union Canal - just north of Norbury
Shropshire Union Canal - just north of Norbury
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bridleway through the woods This woodland floor is a riot of bluebells in the spring.
Bridleway through the woods
This woodland floor is a riot of bluebells in the spring.
A track down to the lane A farm track, but also a part of the bridleway network that runs around the northern side of the Aqualate Park and mere.
A track down to the lane
A farm track, but also a part of the bridleway network that runs around the northern side of the Aqualate Park and mere.
The bridge over the Wood Brook
The bridge over the Wood Brook
Wood Brook A small stream that rises over to the NE near Norbury Junction, and flows into Aqualate Mere in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/SJ7720">SJ7720</a>. An old packhorse bridge crosses it in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3230830">SJ7720 : Bridleway bridge near New Guild</a>
Wood Brook
A small stream that rises over to the NE near Norbury Junction, and flows into Aqualate Mere in SJ7720. An old packhorse bridge crosses it in SJ7720 : Bridleway bridge near New Guild
Guild Lane, or Via Devana Part of the old, Roman, route from Colchester to Chester ('Deva'), where it passes through the fertile lowlands of west Staffordshire. <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Via_Devana" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Via_Devana">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Guild Lane, or Via Devana
Part of the old, Roman, route from Colchester to Chester ('Deva'), where it passes through the fertile lowlands of west Staffordshire. LinkExternal link
Show me another place!

The Frances Cole Wood is located at Grid Ref: SJ7722 (Lat: 52.798751, Lng: -2.3345573)

Administrative County: Staffordshire

District: Stafford

Police Authority: Staffordshire

What 3 Words

///gliding.cupcake.devoured. Near Newport, Shropshire

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The Frances Cole Wood

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Located within 500m of 52.798751,-2.3345573
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