Blakeshall Common

Wood, Forest in Worcestershire Wyre Forest

England

Blakeshall Common

Footpath across a field, near Cookley There is a public footpath across this field, although it isn&#039;t immediately obvious quite where the footpath is. It leads to the popular Kingsford Forest Park, which is a nice place for walking, riding and other outdoor pursuits. In the distance can be seen some industrial buildings, which are on the edge of the village of Cookley.

<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2340802">SO8480 : Signpost by Debdale Bridge, Staffs &amp; Worcs Canal, near Cookley</a>. — Footpath across a field, near Cookley Credit: P L Chadwick

Blakeshall Common is a picturesque woodland area located in Worcestershire, England. Covering approximately 200 acres, it is a part of the larger Blakeshall Forest and is known for its natural beauty and diverse wildlife.

The common is primarily composed of ancient woodland, with a variety of tree species such as oak, birch, and ash dominating the landscape. The dense canopy provides a haven for numerous bird species, including woodpeckers, owls, and various songbirds. The forest floor is adorned with a rich carpet of wildflowers, ferns, and mosses, creating a vibrant and enchanting atmosphere.

Blakeshall Common is also home to a number of animal species. Roe deer are often spotted wandering through the woods, while badgers, foxes, and rabbits can be seen going about their daily activities. The area is particularly known for its population of red squirrels, which are a rare sight in many parts of the country.

The common is crisscrossed by a network of footpaths and trails, making it a popular destination for walkers, nature enthusiasts, and photographers. Visitors can explore the woodlands at their leisure, soaking in the tranquility and beauty of the surroundings. In addition, there are several picnic areas and benches scattered throughout the common, providing the perfect opportunity to sit back, relax, and appreciate the natural wonders on display.

Blakeshall Common is a true haven for nature lovers, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its diverse flora and fauna, combined with its idyllic setting, make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking solace in nature.

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Blakeshall Common Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.431546/-2.2586543 or Grid Reference SO8281. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Footpath across a field, near Cookley

There is a public footpath across this field, although it isn't immediately obvious quite where the footpath is. It leads to the popular Kingsford Forest Park, which is a nice place for walking, riding and other outdoor pursuits. In the distance can be seen some industrial buildings, which are on the edge of the village of Cookley. SO8480 : Signpost by Debdale Bridge, Staffs & Worcs Canal, near Cookley.

P L Chadwick

Seat in Horseshoe Meadow, near Cookley

Horseshoe Meadow is part of Cookley Playing Fields, which is an area open to the public to enjoy. There is a path from near the seat, which leads down to a path by the Staffs & Worcs Canal, on the opposite side to the towpath.

P L Chadwick

Footpath across Horseshoe Meadow, near Cookley

The footpath goes to the Village Hall and car park, with a branch leading off and descending to Debdale Lock, on the nearby Staffs & Worcs Canal. The meadow, which is part of Cookley Playing Fields, is not treated with chemicals or artificial fertilisers. It supports more than fifty species of wildflowers, grasses and associated wildlife.

P L Chadwick

Footpath near Staffs & Worcs Canal, near Cookley

The footpath climbs here, with the canal below and to its left. SO8380 : Public footpath up to Cookley Playing Fields, near Cookley.

P L Chadwick

Factory buildings by the Staffs & Worcs Canal, Cookley

There have been industrial buildings here since an ironworks was built on this site, as early as about 1650, by John Knight. That has long gone, but other industrial buildings followed in the 19th century, but most of what is here now dates from 1935. The buildings are still in use today. SO8480 : Looking towards a factory arm of the Staffs & Worcs Canal near Cookley. SO8480 : Entrance to a factory arm of the Staffs & Worcs Canal near Cookley.

P L Chadwick

Looking towards a factory arm of the Staffs & Worcs Canal near Cookley

The canal towpath goes over the hump back bridge in the distance. This crossed the start of a short factory arm, which no longer exists. It served an old ironworks, which closed in 1887. The site has had various industrial uses since then, and most of the existing buildings date from 1935. Some of these can be seen in this view. SO8480 : Factory buildings by the Staffs & Worcs Canal, Cookley. SO8480 : Entrance to a factory arm of the Staffs & Worcs Canal near Cookley.

P L Chadwick

Entrance to a factory arm of the Staffs & Worcs Canal near Cookley

On the left was the entrance to a factory arm, which used to allow barges to pass into the ironworks which once stood here. Now the arm is blocked off immediately under the bridge, and on the other side is a factory yard with no visible trace of the former arm of the canal. The ironworks closed in 1887. The current buildings on the site are still in industrial use. SO8480 : Looking towards a factory arm of the Staffs & Worcs Canal near Cookley. SO8480 : Factory buildings by the Staffs & Worcs Canal, Cookley.

P L Chadwick

Factory buildings by the Staffs & Worcs Canal, Cookley

Just around the corner, is the western entrance to Cookley Tunnel. SO8480 : Factory buildings by the Staffs & Worcs Canal, Cookley.

P L Chadwick

Staffs & Worcs Canal near Cookley

The white building in the distance is the former lock keeper's cottage at Debdale Lock.

P L Chadwick

Debdale lock meadow near Cookley

The white building is the former lock keeper's cottage at Debdale Lock, on the adjacent Staffs & Worcs Canal. There is a public footpath across this field to the lock, with access there to the towpath, and a path up to Cookley Playing Fields and the Village Hall.

P L Chadwick