Moat Covert

Wood, Forest in Staffordshire Stafford

England

Moat Covert

Shropshire Union Canal In Shelmore Wood. — Shropshire Union Canal Credit: Andrew Abbott

Moat Covert, located in Staffordshire, is a picturesque woodland area known for its natural beauty and rich historical significance. Covering an area of approximately 200 acres, this enchanting forest is a popular destination for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

The woodland is characterized by its dense canopy of ancient oak, beech, and ash trees, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere. The forest floor is adorned with an array of wildflowers, ferns, and mosses, making it a haven for various species of flora and fauna.

Moat Covert is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including deer, foxes, badgers, and a variety of bird species. Nature enthusiasts can often be seen exploring the forest, observing and photographing the abundant wildlife.

In addition to its natural beauty, Moat Covert holds significant historical importance. The name "Moat Covert" refers to the remains of a medieval moated manor house that once stood in the area. Visitors can still see the remnants of the moat, which add an intriguing element to the forest's charm.

Throughout the centuries, the woodland has been used for various purposes, including timber production, hunting, and even as a hiding place during times of conflict. Today, Moat Covert is primarily a protected nature reserve, managed by local authorities to preserve its natural heritage.

Visitors to Moat Covert can enjoy a range of activities, such as hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking. The forest is crisscrossed by well-maintained trails, allowing visitors to explore its beauty at their own pace.

Overall, Moat Covert in Staffordshire offers a magical escape into nature, where history and natural beauty seamlessly intertwine.

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Moat Covert Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.806713/-2.3052911 or Grid Reference SJ7923. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Shropshire Union Canal

In Shelmore Wood.

Andrew Abbott

Stop gate, south end of Shelmore embankment

If the embankment was breached, the flow of water would pull the gate shut. This stops a much longer stretch of the canal from emptying and reduces the size of the flood below the breach.

Christine Johnstone

Norbury Road sunshine and cloud

Sunlight highlights the hedge while black clouds beyond bring heavy showers to some.

roger geach

Shropshire Union Canal

View from the High Bridge.

Richard Webb

A muddy field

Silage has just been taken off this field, and vehicle movements have made things muddy. A lone tree in the middle of a field is often a sign that there was once a hedge there.

Richard Webb

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'.

Row17

A 'Millennium Stone' on Grubb Street

Row17

Lane to Norbury

Row17

Workshops at Norbury Junction

Row17

Shropshire Union Canal - just north of Norbury

Row17

Woodland near the Shropshire Union Canal

Row17

Arable fields east of Norbury, Staffordshire

Seen from the Shropshire Union Canal, the woodland ahead is Little Campions; that by the right edge is Moat Covert.

Roger Kidd

Arable fields east of Norbury, Staffordshire

Seen from the Shropshire Union Canal, the woodland at the right edge is known as Little Campions. Straight ahead and more distant are Gorsey Covert and Ball's Rough, on the skyline.

Roger Kidd

Across the fields to Norbury Manor

The main manor house, and barn conversions, at Norbury.

Richard Law

Norbury Manor house

A fine Georgian style manor house, built using much of the masonry from the ruined 14th century house that originally stood within the nearby moat.

Richard Law

The original location of Norbury Manor

The square platform within this moat was the base for the 14th century Norbury Manor. It was built by Ralph le Botiller in the early 1300s, and sold to one Thomas Skrymsher in 1521. In the 1700s, it changed hands again, passing to George Anson of Shugborough in Staffs, but was in a generally poor state of repair by that time, and fell into disuse soon after. Demolition followed in the 1800s, and much of the masonry was re-used to build the current house a couple of hundred yards away SJ7923 : Norbury Manor house (Info from the on-site signage by Natural England)

Richard Law