Decoy Wood

Wood, Forest in Staffordshire Stafford

England

Decoy Wood

Staffordshire Greenway Old abandoned railway, now a cycleway — Staffordshire Greenway Credit: Rob Bainbridge

Decoy Wood is a picturesque forest located in the county of Staffordshire, England. Stretching over an area of approximately 100 acres, it is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.

The woodland is characterized by its diverse range of tree species, including oak, birch, and beech. These trees provide a vibrant canopy, creating a tranquil and immersive environment for visitors. Decoy Wood is also home to a variety of wildlife, such as deer, foxes, and rabbits, making it an ideal spot for wildlife spotting and photography.

The forest offers a network of well-maintained footpaths that wind their way through the enchanting landscape. These paths provide visitors with the opportunity to explore the wood at their own pace, allowing for leisurely strolls or more vigorous hikes. Along the way, visitors can enjoy the serene ambiance and take in the natural beauty of the surroundings.

For those seeking a more immersive experience, Decoy Wood provides designated camping areas. Here, visitors can set up tents and spend the night under the starry sky, surrounded by the peaceful sounds of nature.

Decoy Wood is conveniently located near the town of Stafford, making it easily accessible for both local residents and tourists. The forest is a popular destination for families, couples, and solo adventurers alike, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Overall, Decoy Wood in Staffordshire is a picturesque and serene woodland that offers a delightful escape into nature. With its diverse flora and fauna, well-maintained footpaths, and camping facilities, it provides a perfect setting for outdoor exploration and relaxation.

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Decoy Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.7768/-2.3307273 or Grid Reference SJ7719. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Staffordshire Greenway

Old abandoned railway, now a cycleway

Rob Bainbridge

Sign and stile to a public footpath

Row17

Bridleway to Pollymoor Farm

Row17

Pollymoor Farm junction from A518

John Firth

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

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

Bridleway through the woods

This woodland floor is a riot of bluebells in the spring.

Richard Law

Aqualate Mere

Or, rather more accurately, a distant view of the mere. From the north side, it's actually quite hard to get to, as the mere is very shallow generally, and the shore is marshy for a long way out. So it's a case of wade, or put up with a distant view. The mere itself is an Ice Age relic, a large kettle hole that formed when a remnant piece of the glacial icesheet remained embedded in the till, melting more slowly than the surrounding glacier. When it finally disappeared, it left a depression in the land which has been filled with water ever since.

Richard Law

The bridleway back towards Forton

Dry and pleasant at this end where it runs through the Nature Reserve and adjacent to the woods; it's rather a quagmire in places towards Forton.

Richard Law

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.

Richard Law

The bridge over the Wood Brook

Richard Law

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

Richard Law

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Decoy Wood is located at Grid Ref: SJ7719 (Lat: 52.7768, Lng: -2.3307273)

Administrative County: Staffordshire

District: Stafford

Police Authority: Staffordshire