Salt Baths Covert

Wood, Forest in Worcestershire Malvern Hills

England

Salt Baths Covert

Path into Croome Park The entrance path from the car park and reception into Croome Park. — Path into Croome Park Credit: Philip Halling

Salt Baths Covert, located in Worcestershire, England, is a picturesque woodland area known for its natural beauty and historical significance. Nestled within the larger Wood, Forest region, Salt Baths Covert offers visitors a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The covert is characterized by its dense cover of trees, predominantly consisting of oak, beech, and birch. These ancient woodlands provide a haven for a diverse array of flora and fauna, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers. Bluebells, primroses, and wild garlic carpet the forest floor during spring, creating a serene and colorful atmosphere.

The area's name, Salt Baths Covert, is derived from its historical association with salt production. In the past, this covert was home to salt pans, where brine was evaporated to extract salt. These salt baths played a crucial role in the local economy, attracting trade and industry to the region.

Today, Salt Baths Covert offers a range of recreational activities for visitors. The forest is crisscrossed with walking trails, allowing hikers and walkers to explore the enchanting woodland at their own pace. Additionally, the area is a popular spot for birdwatching, with species such as woodpeckers, tawny owls, and various migratory birds being spotted throughout the year.

Salt Baths Covert is not only a natural treasure but also a place of historical significance, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a blend of nature and heritage.

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Salt Baths Covert Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.090049/-2.1567235 or Grid Reference SO8943. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Path into Croome Park

The entrance path from the car park and reception into Croome Park.

Philip Halling

Dry Arch Bridge, Croome Park

View through the Dry Arch Bridge on a cold and frosty January day.

Philip Halling

Tree in Croome Park

Tree reflected in the partially frozen lake in Croome Park.

Philip Halling

View from the Grotto

The lake in Croome Park viewed from within the Grotto.

Philip Halling

Frozen lake

Frozen lake in Croome Park, Croome Court can be seen through the trees.

Philip Halling

Frozen lake in Croome Park

Trees reflected in the frozen lake in Croome Park. Croome Court can be seen in the background.

Philip Halling

The old main road

The old A4104 has now become a parking lot and storage space at this end. Still a right of way, but barely accessible over a large mound of earth.

Trevor Rickard

Landing strip near Woodmancote

This marker denotes the eastern end of the private grass landing strip to the north of the village. Large barns serving as hangars on the left. The Malvern Hills in the distance (the Worcestershire Beacon is just above the wind sock). See SO9043 : Landing strip near Woodmancote for the reverse view.

Trevor Rickard

Path to woodland near Porter's Ashbed

Looking north-west to an isolated wood near the Defford airfield. The landowner kindly allows access to this wood and several other private paths nearby. The public footpath ends at the corner of the wood, but a sign there reads "Visitors are permitted to enjoy this space, so long as dogs are kept under control and no wildlife, timber or flora are disturbed. No horse riding or motor vehicles please". I found the area most relaxing and at this time of year there are bluebells flowering in the wood.

Trevor Rickard

Seat at the end of the landing strip

At the west end of the light aircraft landing strip is a seat with a view across flat farmland to the Malvern Hills.

Trevor Rickard

Landing strip near Woodmancote

View east from the end of the grass runway. The large barns serving as hangars are beyond the oilseed rape crop on the right. See SO9143 : Landing strip near Woodmancote for the other end of the strip.

Trevor Rickard

Track north of Woodmancote

Heading north to the landing strip hangars just behind the farmhouse.

Trevor Rickard

Slip road at Elm Lodge Farm

Somewhat unusually, a dedicated east to south slip road exists at the junction of the A4104 and Bourne Road.

Peter Whatley

Bourne Road

Peter Whatley

Bourne Road and adjoining farmland

Peter Whatley

Defford radio telescope

The satellite receiving dish can also be seen in SO9044 : The former Defford airfield and radio telescope, which gives historical background about the airfield. On the left is a remaining radome. Viewed from the railway line between Bromsgrove and Tewkesbury.

Derek Harper