Drybrook Plantation

Wood, Forest in Staffordshire South Staffordshire

England

Drybrook Plantation

Shropshire Union Canal - Stretton Aqueduct The Stretton Aqueduct carries the Shropshire Union Canal over the A5 Watling Street. It was constructed by Thomas Telford in 1832 at which time this stretch of the canal was known as the Birmingham and Liverpool Junction Canal. It is 30' (9.1 m) over the A5 road, though originally not quite as tall as in 1961–62, the road under it was lowered by c.4' (1.2 m) to allow taller vehicles to pass beneath.
It is EH Grade II listed <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1039259" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1039259">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>
See also <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7163556">SJ8710 : Shropshire Union Canal - A5 from Stretton Aqueduct</a> and for the view from the A5, see for example <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1785449">SJ8710 : Stretton Aqueduct for the Liverpool and Birmingham Canal</a>
Shropshire Union Canal - Stretton Aqueduct Credit: Rob Farrow

Drybrook Plantation is a picturesque woodland located in Staffordshire, England. Situated in the heart of the county, this forested area covers a sprawling expanse of approximately 500 acres, making it a significant natural heritage site in the region.

The plantation is primarily composed of various species of deciduous trees, including oak, beech, and birch, which create a diverse and vibrant ecosystem. The woodland floor is blanketed with an array of native flora, such as bluebells, wild garlic, and ferns, adding to its natural beauty.

Drybrook Plantation is a haven for wildlife, offering shelter and sustenance to a wide range of species. Birdwatchers will be delighted to spot various avian inhabitants, including woodpeckers, buzzards, and tawny owls. The forest also attracts mammals like foxes, badgers, and deer, making it an ideal spot for wildlife enthusiasts and nature photographers.

The plantation offers several walking trails, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquil atmosphere while enjoying the stunning scenery. These paths wind through the woodland, providing opportunities to explore its hidden corners and discover the rich biodiversity it holds. The forest also features designated picnic areas, perfect for families and groups to relax and enjoy a meal amidst the natural surroundings.

As a testament to its ecological significance, Drybrook Plantation is protected and managed by Staffordshire County Council. The council ensures the preservation of the woodland and its inhabitants, promoting sustainable practices and maintaining the delicate balance of the ecosystem.

Overall, Drybrook Plantation in Staffordshire is a captivating woodland that offers visitors a chance to connect with nature. Its abundant flora and fauna, coupled with its well-maintained trails, make it a must-visit destination for those seeking solace in the beauty of the outdoors.

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Drybrook Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.680733/-2.2052043 or Grid Reference SJ8609. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Shropshire Union Canal - Stretton Aqueduct The Stretton Aqueduct carries the Shropshire Union Canal over the A5 Watling Street. It was constructed by Thomas Telford in 1832 at which time this stretch of the canal was known as the Birmingham and Liverpool Junction Canal. It is 30' (9.1 m) over the A5 road, though originally not quite as tall as in 1961–62, the road under it was lowered by c.4' (1.2 m) to allow taller vehicles to pass beneath.
It is EH Grade II listed <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1039259" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1039259">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>
See also <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7163556">SJ8710 : Shropshire Union Canal - A5 from Stretton Aqueduct</a> and for the view from the A5, see for example <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1785449">SJ8710 : Stretton Aqueduct for the Liverpool and Birmingham Canal</a>
Shropshire Union Canal - Stretton Aqueduct
The Stretton Aqueduct carries the Shropshire Union Canal over the A5 Watling Street. It was constructed by Thomas Telford in 1832 at which time this stretch of the canal was known as the Birmingham and Liverpool Junction Canal. It is 30' (9.1 m) over the A5 road, though originally not quite as tall as in 1961–62, the road under it was lowered by c.4' (1.2 m) to allow taller vehicles to pass beneath. It is EH Grade II listed LinkExternal link See also SJ8710 : Shropshire Union Canal - A5 from Stretton Aqueduct and for the view from the A5, see for example SJ8710 : Stretton Aqueduct for the Liverpool and Birmingham Canal
Shropshire Union Canal - A5 from Stretton Aqueduct Looking due east along the A5 (Roman Watling Street) from Telford's 1832 aqueduct.
See also <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7163551">SJ8710 : Shropshire Union Canal - Stretton Aqueduct</a>
For the opposite view (from the A5, looking up at the aqueduct) see for example <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1785449">SJ8710 : Stretton Aqueduct for the Liverpool and Birmingham Canal</a>
Shropshire Union Canal - A5 from Stretton Aqueduct
Looking due east along the A5 (Roman Watling Street) from Telford's 1832 aqueduct. See also SJ8710 : Shropshire Union Canal - Stretton Aqueduct For the opposite view (from the A5, looking up at the aqueduct) see for example SJ8710 : Stretton Aqueduct for the Liverpool and Birmingham Canal
Aqueduct from the canal Grade II listed. Listing number 1039259. Aqueduct dated 1832. Thomas Telford Engineer. Cast iron box girder span, blue brick abutments with stone dressings. Single segmental arch below girders, taken to concave abutments with roll moulded stone string at springing level and bounded by engaged stone columns, taken up above corbelled stone towpath coping and ornamental cast iron parapet railings to slightly domed cappings. Cast inscription in centre panel of beam reads 'Birmingham and Liverpool Canal Thos'.
Aqueduct from the canal
Grade II listed. Listing number 1039259. Aqueduct dated 1832. Thomas Telford Engineer. Cast iron box girder span, blue brick abutments with stone dressings. Single segmental arch below girders, taken to concave abutments with roll moulded stone string at springing level and bounded by engaged stone columns, taken up above corbelled stone towpath coping and ornamental cast iron parapet railings to slightly domed cappings. Cast inscription in centre panel of beam reads 'Birmingham and Liverpool Canal Thos'.
Boats moored at Stretton Wharf On the Shropshire Union Canal.
Boats moored at Stretton Wharf
On the Shropshire Union Canal.
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.
Stretton Aqueduct, Shropshire Union Canal The text on the iron trough aqueduct proclaims this to be the Birmingham and Liverpool [Junction] Canal, which ran from Nantwich to Autherley Junction outside Wolverhampton and later became part of the Shropshire Union system.  The name of the engineer Thomas Telford is below.  Telford also engineered the turnpike road that passes beneath it, the A5 London to Holyhead road.
Stretton Aqueduct, Shropshire Union Canal
The text on the iron trough aqueduct proclaims this to be the Birmingham and Liverpool [Junction] Canal, which ran from Nantwich to Autherley Junction outside Wolverhampton and later became part of the Shropshire Union system. The name of the engineer Thomas Telford is below. Telford also engineered the turnpike road that passes beneath it, the A5 London to Holyhead road.
Stretton Aqueduct, Shropshire Union Canal (detail) The text on the iron trough aqueduct proclaims this to be the Birmingham and Liverpool [Junction] Canal, which ran from Nantwich to Autherley Junction outside Wolverhampton and later became part of the Shropshire Union system.  The name of the engineer Thomas Telford is below.  Telford also engineered the turnpike road that passes beneath it, the A5 London to Holyhead road.
Stretton Aqueduct, Shropshire Union Canal (detail)
The text on the iron trough aqueduct proclaims this to be the Birmingham and Liverpool [Junction] Canal, which ran from Nantwich to Autherley Junction outside Wolverhampton and later became part of the Shropshire Union system. The name of the engineer Thomas Telford is below. Telford also engineered the turnpike road that passes beneath it, the A5 London to Holyhead road.
Watling Street north of Brewood in Staffordshire This is the A5 Watling Street, looking west towards Telford and Shrewsbury from the Shropshire Union Canal aqueduct. Before the M54 motorway was built this was a busy and sometimes congested trunk road.
Watling Street north of Brewood in Staffordshire
This is the A5 Watling Street, looking west towards Telford and Shrewsbury from the Shropshire Union Canal aqueduct. Before the M54 motorway was built this was a busy and sometimes congested trunk road.
Farmland by Watling Street in Staffordshire This is the A5 Watling Street, looking west towards Telford and Shrewsbury from the Shropshire Union Canal aqueduct near Stretton. Before the M54 motorway was built this was a busy and sometimes congested trunk road.
Aquaduct Cottage is on the left. (Yes, aquaduct).
Farmland by Watling Street in Staffordshire
This is the A5 Watling Street, looking west towards Telford and Shrewsbury from the Shropshire Union Canal aqueduct near Stretton. Before the M54 motorway was built this was a busy and sometimes congested trunk road. Aquaduct Cottage is on the left. (Yes, aquaduct).
Watling Street [A5], from Stretton Aqueduct The aqueduct railings could do with a repaint. The former Roman road is also a civil parish boundary here - Brewood & Coven to the left/south, Lapley, Stretton & Wheaton Aston to the right/north.
Watling Street [A5], from Stretton Aqueduct
The aqueduct railings could do with a repaint. The former Roman road is also a civil parish boundary here - Brewood & Coven to the left/south, Lapley, Stretton & Wheaton Aston to the right/north.
Boatyard at Stretton Wharf On the Shropshire Union canal, just north of Stretton Aqueduct over the A5.
Boatyard at Stretton Wharf
On the Shropshire Union canal, just north of Stretton Aqueduct over the A5.
Stretton Aqueduct Telford's Birmingham & Liverpool Junction Canal crosses his Holyhead Road here, but encroaching vegetation mars the view of this fine structure.
Stretton Aqueduct
Telford's Birmingham & Liverpool Junction Canal crosses his Holyhead Road here, but encroaching vegetation mars the view of this fine structure.
Holyhead Road Looking down on road traffic from Stretton Aqueduct. Overgrown vegetation and poor decorative order appear to be a bit of a theme on this major canal route, which is a shame and a disgrace.
Holyhead Road
Looking down on road traffic from Stretton Aqueduct. Overgrown vegetation and poor decorative order appear to be a bit of a theme on this major canal route, which is a shame and a disgrace.
Stretton Wharf Stretton Wharf with a number of more interesting boats.
Stretton Wharf
Stretton Wharf with a number of more interesting boats.
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
Show me another place!

Drybrook Plantation is located at Grid Ref: SJ8609 (Lat: 52.680733, Lng: -2.2052043)

Administrative County: Staffordshire

District: South Staffordshire

Police Authority: Staffordshire

What 3 Words

///tell.nudge.stone. Near Brewood, Staffordshire

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 52.680733,-2.2052043
Oakley Farm
Naptan AtcoCode: 3800C605700
Naptan Bearing: E
Naptan BusStopType: CUS
Naptan CommonName: Oakley Farm
Naptan Indicator: Adj
Naptan Landmark: Oakley Farm
Naptan Street: Kiddemore Green Rd
Naptan Verified: no
Public Transport: platform
Source: naptan_import
Lat/Long: 52.6768932/-2.2053828
Oakley Farm
Naptan AtcoCode: 3800C605701
Naptan Bearing: W
Naptan BusStopType: CUS
Naptan CommonName: Dog Cottage
Naptan Indicator: Adj
Naptan Landmark: Dog Cottage
Naptan Street: Kiddemore Green Rd
Naptan Verified: no
Public Transport: platform
Source: naptan_import
Lat/Long: 52.6768924/-2.2058117
Restaurant
The Oakley
Lat/Long: 52.6767748/-2.2033234
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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