Hag Wood

Wood, Forest in Staffordshire South Staffordshire

England

Hag Wood

Bridleway east of Bishopswood in Staffordshire Here the bridleway from Ivetsey Bank Road leads north-east towards Top Barn Farm (formerly Black Ladies Cottages). At least one map, and local addresses, name the bridleway behind the camera as Sandy Lane. The weather was dull and cold all morning, but brightened up (briefly) soon after this.
Bridleway east of Bishopswood in Staffordshire Credit: Roger Kidd

Hag Wood, located in Staffordshire, is a picturesque forest renowned for its natural beauty and diverse wildlife. Spread over an area of approximately 300 acres, this enchanting wood is a favorite destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike.

Hag Wood is characterized by a dense canopy of towering trees, predominantly oak and beech, which create a serene and tranquil environment. The forest floor is adorned with a vibrant carpet of bluebells, wild garlic, and ferns during the spring, adding to the area's charm and allure.

The wood is home to a wide range of wildlife, making it a haven for animal lovers and bird watchers. Various species of birds, including owls, woodpeckers, and thrushes, can be spotted among the treetops. Small mammals such as squirrels, rabbits, and foxes are also common sightings within the woodland.

For those looking to explore, Hag Wood offers a network of well-maintained trails and paths, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature and experience the tranquility of the forest. The wood also boasts a small picnic area, providing a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Hag Wood is not only a haven for nature enthusiasts but also serves as an important ecological site, playing a vital role in maintaining the local ecosystem. The wood is part of a larger conservation area, ensuring its protection for generations to come.

Overall, Hag Wood in Staffordshire is a captivating forest that offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking solace in nature. With its breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife, it is undoubtedly a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Hag Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.68582/-2.2210422 or Grid Reference SJ8509. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bridleway east of Bishopswood in Staffordshire Here the bridleway from Ivetsey Bank Road leads north-east towards Top Barn Farm (formerly Black Ladies Cottages). At least one map, and local addresses, name the bridleway behind the camera as Sandy Lane. The weather was dull and cold all morning, but brightened up (briefly) soon after this.
Bridleway east of Bishopswood in Staffordshire
Here the bridleway from Ivetsey Bank Road leads north-east towards Top Barn Farm (formerly Black Ladies Cottages). At least one map, and local addresses, name the bridleway behind the camera as Sandy Lane. The weather was dull and cold all morning, but brightened up (briefly) soon after this.
Pasture by Ivetsey Bank Farm in Staffordshire North of Bishopswood.
Pasture by Ivetsey Bank Farm in Staffordshire
North of Bishopswood.
Ivetsey Bank Road north of Bishopswood in Staffordshire Looking north towards the A5 Watling Street near Ivetsey Bank. Ivetsey Bank Farm buildings can be seen to the right of the road.
Ivetsey Bank Road north of Bishopswood in Staffordshire
Looking north towards the A5 Watling Street near Ivetsey Bank. Ivetsey Bank Farm buildings can be seen to the right of the road.
Farmland and woodland north of Bishopswood, Staffordshire Looking north-east from Ivetsey Bank Road.
Farmland and woodland north of Bishopswood, Staffordshire
Looking north-east from Ivetsey Bank Road.
Gateway to Belvide Reservoir ***Access to the site is restricted to members and permit holders of the West Midland Bird Club***

Belvide is a 180-acre canal feeder reservoir constructed in 1834 to supply the nearby Shropshire Union Canal. Birdwatching interest in the site did not awaken until the 1920s, but it is now regarded as one of the top sites in the Midlands. Owned by the Canal & Rivers Trust (formerly British Waterways), the site is leased to and managed by the West Midland Bird Club. It is scheduled as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) under the stewardship of Natural England. Integral to the reserve is a 3 ha tract of broad-leaved woodland which is owned by the Club.

Websites:
West Midland Bird Club <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk/belvide-reserve/4587485182" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk/belvide-reserve/4587485182">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>
Belvide News <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://belvidenews.wordpress.com" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://belvidenews.wordpress.com">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>
Daily bird sightings <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.surfbirds.com/community-blogs/Belvide84/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/community-blogs/Belvide84/">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>
Gateway to Belvide Reservoir
***Access to the site is restricted to members and permit holders of the West Midland Bird Club*** Belvide is a 180-acre canal feeder reservoir constructed in 1834 to supply the nearby Shropshire Union Canal. Birdwatching interest in the site did not awaken until the 1920s, but it is now regarded as one of the top sites in the Midlands. Owned by the Canal & Rivers Trust (formerly British Waterways), the site is leased to and managed by the West Midland Bird Club. It is scheduled as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) under the stewardship of Natural England. Integral to the reserve is a 3 ha tract of broad-leaved woodland which is owned by the Club. Websites: West Midland Bird Club LinkExternal link Belvide News LinkExternal link Daily bird sightings LinkExternal link
Belvide Reservoir from the west end ***Access to the site is restricted to members and permit holders of the West Midland Bird Club***

Belvide is a 180-acre canal feeder reservoir constructed in 1834 to supply the nearby Shropshire Union Canal. Birdwatching interest in the site did not awaken until the 1920s, but it is now regarded as one of the top sites in the Midlands. Owned by the Canal & Rivers Trust (formerly British Waterways), the site is leased to and managed by the West Midland Bird Club. It is scheduled as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) under the stewardship of Natural England. Integral to the reserve is a 3 ha tract of broad-leaved woodland which is owned by the Club.

Websites:
West Midland Bird Club <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk/belvide-reserve/4587485182" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk/belvide-reserve/4587485182">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>
Belvide News <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://belvidenews.wordpress.com" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://belvidenews.wordpress.com">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>
Daily bird sightings <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.surfbirds.com/community-blogs/Belvide84/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/community-blogs/Belvide84/">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>
Belvide Reservoir from the west end
***Access to the site is restricted to members and permit holders of the West Midland Bird Club*** Belvide is a 180-acre canal feeder reservoir constructed in 1834 to supply the nearby Shropshire Union Canal. Birdwatching interest in the site did not awaken until the 1920s, but it is now regarded as one of the top sites in the Midlands. Owned by the Canal & Rivers Trust (formerly British Waterways), the site is leased to and managed by the West Midland Bird Club. It is scheduled as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) under the stewardship of Natural England. Integral to the reserve is a 3 ha tract of broad-leaved woodland which is owned by the Club. Websites: West Midland Bird Club LinkExternal link Belvide News LinkExternal link Daily bird sightings LinkExternal link
Doorway on path to Hawkshutts Hide ***Access to the site is restricted to members and permit holders of the West Midland Bird Club***

Belvide is a 180-acre canal feeder reservoir constructed in 1834 to supply the nearby Shropshire Union Canal. Birdwatching interest in the site did not awaken until the 1920s, but it is now regarded as one of the top sites in the Midlands. Owned by the Canal & Rivers Trust (formerly British Waterways), the site is leased to and managed by the West Midland Bird Club. It is scheduled as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) under the stewardship of Natural England. Integral to the reserve is a 3 ha tract of broad-leaved woodland which is owned by the Club.

Websites:
West Midland Bird Club <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk/belvide-reserve/4587485182" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk/belvide-reserve/4587485182">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>
Belvide News <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://belvidenews.wordpress.com" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://belvidenews.wordpress.com">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>
Daily bird sightings <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.surfbirds.com/community-blogs/Belvide84/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/community-blogs/Belvide84/">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>
Doorway on path to Hawkshutts Hide
***Access to the site is restricted to members and permit holders of the West Midland Bird Club*** Belvide is a 180-acre canal feeder reservoir constructed in 1834 to supply the nearby Shropshire Union Canal. Birdwatching interest in the site did not awaken until the 1920s, but it is now regarded as one of the top sites in the Midlands. Owned by the Canal & Rivers Trust (formerly British Waterways), the site is leased to and managed by the West Midland Bird Club. It is scheduled as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) under the stewardship of Natural England. Integral to the reserve is a 3 ha tract of broad-leaved woodland which is owned by the Club. Websites: West Midland Bird Club LinkExternal link Belvide News LinkExternal link Daily bird sightings LinkExternal link
Hawkshutts Hide ***Access to the site is restricted to members and permit holders of the West Midland Bird Club***

Belvide is a 180-acre canal feeder reservoir constructed in 1834 to supply the nearby Shropshire Union Canal. Birdwatching interest in the site did not awaken until the 1920s, but it is now regarded as one of the top sites in the Midlands. Owned by the Canal & Rivers Trust (formerly British Waterways), the site is leased to and managed by the West Midland Bird Club. It is scheduled as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) under the stewardship of Natural England. Integral to the reserve is a 3 ha tract of broad-leaved woodland which is owned by the Club.

Websites:
West Midland Bird Club <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk/belvide-reserve/4587485182" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk/belvide-reserve/4587485182">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>
Belvide News <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://belvidenews.wordpress.com" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://belvidenews.wordpress.com">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>
Daily bird sightings <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.surfbirds.com/community-blogs/Belvide84/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/community-blogs/Belvide84/">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>
Hawkshutts Hide
***Access to the site is restricted to members and permit holders of the West Midland Bird Club*** Belvide is a 180-acre canal feeder reservoir constructed in 1834 to supply the nearby Shropshire Union Canal. Birdwatching interest in the site did not awaken until the 1920s, but it is now regarded as one of the top sites in the Midlands. Owned by the Canal & Rivers Trust (formerly British Waterways), the site is leased to and managed by the West Midland Bird Club. It is scheduled as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) under the stewardship of Natural England. Integral to the reserve is a 3 ha tract of broad-leaved woodland which is owned by the Club. Websites: West Midland Bird Club LinkExternal link Belvide News LinkExternal link Daily bird sightings LinkExternal link
View from Hawkshutts Hide The artificial island is intended to attract gulls and terns to nest, as well as being a resting place for passage waders. Sadly the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) had devastating effects on gull and tern populations in the UK in 2023, and all the Black-headed Gulls nesting on this island had abandoned their nests by mid-April, with 3 freshly dead birds noted.
View from Hawkshutts Hide
The artificial island is intended to attract gulls and terns to nest, as well as being a resting place for passage waders. Sadly the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) had devastating effects on gull and tern populations in the UK in 2023, and all the Black-headed Gulls nesting on this island had abandoned their nests by mid-April, with 3 freshly dead birds noted.
Track to Hawkshutts Farm This track running south from Watling Street (A5) to Hawkshutts Farm is also the route of a public bridleway. Belvide Reservoir bird reserve lies off to the right of the photo.
Track to Hawkshutts Farm
This track running south from Watling Street (A5) to Hawkshutts Farm is also the route of a public bridleway. Belvide Reservoir bird reserve lies off to the right of the photo.
Track to Hawkshutts Farm This track running south from Watling Street (A5) to Hawkshutts Farm is also the route of a public bridleway. Belvide Reservoir bird reserve lies off to the left of the photo.
Track to Hawkshutts Farm
This track running south from Watling Street (A5) to Hawkshutts Farm is also the route of a public bridleway. Belvide Reservoir bird reserve lies off to the left of the photo.
Belvide Reservoir from the west end ***Access to the site is restricted to members and permit holders of the West Midland Bird Club***

Belvide is a 180-acre canal feeder reservoir constructed in 1834 to supply the nearby Shropshire Union Canal. Birdwatching interest in the site did not awaken until the 1920s, but it is now regarded as one of the top sites in the Midlands. Owned by the Canal & Rivers Trust (formerly British Waterways), the site is leased to and managed by the West Midland Bird Club. It is scheduled as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) under the stewardship of Natural England. Integral to the reserve is a 3 ha tract of broad-leaved woodland which is owned by the Club.

Websites:
West Midland Bird Club <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk/belvide-reserve/4587485182" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk/belvide-reserve/4587485182">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>
Belvide News <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://belvidenews.wordpress.com" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://belvidenews.wordpress.com">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>
Daily bird sightings <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.surfbirds.com/community-blogs/Belvide84/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/community-blogs/Belvide84/">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>
Belvide Reservoir from the west end
***Access to the site is restricted to members and permit holders of the West Midland Bird Club*** Belvide is a 180-acre canal feeder reservoir constructed in 1834 to supply the nearby Shropshire Union Canal. Birdwatching interest in the site did not awaken until the 1920s, but it is now regarded as one of the top sites in the Midlands. Owned by the Canal & Rivers Trust (formerly British Waterways), the site is leased to and managed by the West Midland Bird Club. It is scheduled as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) under the stewardship of Natural England. Integral to the reserve is a 3 ha tract of broad-leaved woodland which is owned by the Club. Websites: West Midland Bird Club LinkExternal link Belvide News LinkExternal link Daily bird sightings LinkExternal link
Looking across to the Hawkshutts Hide ***Access to the site is restricted to members and permit holders of the West Midland Bird Club***

Belvide is a 180-acre canal feeder reservoir constructed in 1834 to supply the nearby Shropshire Union Canal. Birdwatching interest in the site did not awaken until the 1920s, but it is now regarded as one of the top sites in the Midlands. Owned by the Canal & Rivers Trust (formerly British Waterways), the site is leased to and managed by the West Midland Bird Club. It is scheduled as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) under the stewardship of Natural England. Integral to the reserve is a 3 ha tract of broad-leaved woodland which is owned by the Club.

Websites:
West Midland Bird Club <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk/belvide-reserve/4587485182" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk/belvide-reserve/4587485182">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>
Belvide News <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://belvidenews.wordpress.com" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://belvidenews.wordpress.com">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>
Daily bird sightings <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.surfbirds.com/community-blogs/Belvide84/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.surfbirds.com/community-blogs/Belvide84/">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>
Looking across to the Hawkshutts Hide
***Access to the site is restricted to members and permit holders of the West Midland Bird Club*** Belvide is a 180-acre canal feeder reservoir constructed in 1834 to supply the nearby Shropshire Union Canal. Birdwatching interest in the site did not awaken until the 1920s, but it is now regarded as one of the top sites in the Midlands. Owned by the Canal & Rivers Trust (formerly British Waterways), the site is leased to and managed by the West Midland Bird Club. It is scheduled as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) under the stewardship of Natural England. Integral to the reserve is a 3 ha tract of broad-leaved woodland which is owned by the Club. Websites: West Midland Bird Club LinkExternal link Belvide News LinkExternal link Daily bird sightings LinkExternal link
Footpath To Wheaton Aston
Footpath To Wheaton Aston
Footpath To Wheaton Aston
Footpath To Wheaton Aston
House on Offoxey Road, Bishops Wood
House on Offoxey Road, Bishops Wood
Housing Association Bungalows, Bishops Wood
Housing Association Bungalows, Bishops Wood
Ivetsey Bank Farm
Ivetsey Bank Farm
Show me another place!

Hag Wood is located at Grid Ref: SJ8509 (Lat: 52.68582, Lng: -2.2210422)

Administrative County: Staffordshire

District: South Staffordshire

Police Authority: Staffordshire

What 3 Words

///protect.jabs.bookshop. Near Wheaton Aston, Staffordshire

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Located within 500m of 52.68582,-2.2210422
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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