Himley Plantation

Wood, Forest in Staffordshire South Staffordshire

England

Himley Plantation

Shopping Precinct, Wall Heath Credit: Mick Malpass

Himley Plantation is a picturesque woodland area located in Staffordshire, England. Spanning over 200 acres, it is considered one of the county's largest and most beautiful forests. The plantation is nestled in the heart of the Himley Hall Estate, which boasts a rich history dating back to the 18th century.

The woodland is primarily composed of deciduous trees, including oak, birch, and beech, which provide a lush and vibrant canopy throughout the year. These trees create a serene and tranquil atmosphere, making Himley Plantation a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The plantation features a network of well-maintained footpaths and trails, allowing visitors to explore the area at their own pace. These paths meander through the forest, offering stunning views of wildflowers, wildlife, and a variety of bird species that call the plantation home.

Himley Plantation offers a haven for wildlife, providing a natural habitat for deer, foxes, badgers, and numerous species of birds. Birdwatchers can spot woodpeckers, owls, and various songbirds throughout the year, while the lucky visitors may even catch a glimpse of the elusive kingfisher along the plantation's streams.

In addition to its natural beauty, Himley Plantation also offers recreational activities such as walking, jogging, and picnicking. The plantation's tranquil setting makes it an ideal spot for families to relax and enjoy a day out in nature.

With its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and rich history, Himley Plantation is a cherished and well-preserved woodland gem that continues to captivate both locals and tourists alike.

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Himley Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.519281/-2.192012 or Grid Reference SO8791. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Shopping Precinct, Wall Heath

Mick Malpass

Cross Street, Wall Heath

Mick Malpass

View over Gates and Barriers on the Mile Flat

These barriers in the gateways are there to prevent unlawful access. In the distance is Swindon to the right and Camp Hill to the left.

Mick Malpass

St Andrew's Church Wall Heath

St Andrew's United Reformed church Wall Heath.

Nigel Cliff

The Old Bush (1), Swindon Road, Hinksford

Judging by the large number of cars in the car park, this is quite a popular pub. It was built in the mid to late 1930's and replaced an older pub of the same name, dating from 1874 or earlier. That pub was adjacent to the nearby Staffs & Worcs Canal, and was then demolished. The new pub was apparently designed with a ship's bridge in mind, based on the luxury liner the Queen Mary, which was launched in September 1934. A second pub was also rather similarly designed. This was the Nautical William, on the Kidderminster to Bridgnorth road at Alveley. This is now a residential home for the elderly. The Old Bush should not be confused with the pub of the same name, in the village of Swindon, Staffs, which is only a mile or two away. SO8689 : The Old Bush (2), Swindon Road, Hinksford. SO8689 : The Old Bush (3) - sign, Swindon Road, Hinksford.

P L Chadwick

The Old Bush (2), Swindon Road, Hinksford

A large 1930's pub, which also does food. SO8689 : The Old Bush (1), Swindon Road, Hinksford. SO8689 : The Old Bush (3) - sign, Swindon Road, Hinksford.

P L Chadwick

The Old Bush (3) - sign, Swindon Road, Hinksford

The sign, on the edge of the car park adjacent to the road, shows two Roman soldiers on horseback. They appear to be outside a building with a bush attached. The Romans, who ruled the areas now known as England and Wales for almost 400 years, built long straight roads. Along these were built tavernae, from which our word tavern is derived. These tavernae supplied food, drink and overnight accommodation. Tavernae were required to display branches of evergreens outside, so as to identify themselves. This symbolised Bacchus, the Greek god of wine. From this was derived probably the earliest pub name the Bush, or more often the Old Bush or the Holly Bush, and similar names. It is believed that the old saying, "a good wine needs no bush", refers to these early names. SO8689 : The Old Bush (1), Swindon Road, Hinksford. SO8689 : The Old Bush (2), Swindon Road, Hinksford.

P L Chadwick

Hicksford Sub Station

Gordon Griffiths

Hinksford Water Works

The South Staffordshire pumping station next to the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal.

Gordon Griffiths

Hinksford Bridge View

The view from the bridge down the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal.

Gordon Griffiths

Hinksford Approach

The Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal near Hinksford Bridge.

Gordon Griffiths

Hinksford Stile

The view of the path towards Swindon.

Gordon Griffiths

Blaze Park bus turning circle, Wall Heath

This large turning circle, on Enville Road in Wall Heath close to the western extremity of Dudley Metropolitan Borough, is seen here occupied by one of National Express West Midlands' small fleet of DAF DB250/Optare Spectras that migrated to Wolverhampton a couple of years ago. It has paused here on its way from its home town to the Merry Hill Centre on the 255; during the day, about half of the journeys on this route operate only between Merry Hill and here, while the 205 from Blackheath via Dudley town centre also terminates here.

Richard Vince