Old Lane Wood

Wood, Forest in Staffordshire South Staffordshire

England

Old Lane Wood

Vikings aground Hire boat fleet laid up for the winter
Vikings aground Credit: David Long

Old Lane Wood is a picturesque woodland located in Staffordshire, England. It covers an area of approximately 100 acres and is situated within the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The wood is characterized by its diverse range of tree species, including oak, birch, beech, and pine, which create a vibrant and ever-changing landscape throughout the seasons.

The woodland is home to a rich variety of wildlife, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers. Visitors can often spot deer, foxes, squirrels, and a wide array of bird species, including woodpeckers and owls. The tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty of Old Lane Wood make it an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat or a leisurely stroll.

The wood offers several marked trails and footpaths, allowing visitors to explore its hidden corners and enjoy the stunning views. There are also designated picnic areas and benches, providing opportunities for visitors to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Additionally, Old Lane Wood is well-maintained, with clear signposting and information boards to guide visitors and provide insight into the local flora and fauna.

The woodland holds historical significance, with evidence of human activity dating back to the Neolithic period. It is believed to have been used for timber production and charcoal making in the past. Today, Old Lane Wood serves as an important nature reserve and recreational area, attracting both locals and tourists alike.

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Old Lane Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.675986/-2.1375773 or Grid Reference SJ9008. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Vikings aground Hire boat fleet laid up for the winter
Vikings aground
Hire boat fleet laid up for the winter
Former Church on Watling Street Well-known pottery on the A5 at Gailey. Formerly a church.
Former Church on Watling Street
Well-known pottery on the A5 at Gailey. Formerly a church.
Engleton Hall
Engleton Hall
Gailey Wharf Where the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal crosses the A5
Gailey Wharf
Where the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal crosses the A5
About to turn right at Gailey Island
About to turn right at Gailey Island
Croft Farm, Croft Lane, Gailey
Croft Farm, Croft Lane, Gailey
Holiday makers on the Staffs & Worcs
Holiday makers on the Staffs & Worcs
Bullocks - Across the River Penk The footpath crossing the River Penk opened into a field full of frisky bullocks. Given the way they had scampered about as I walked up towards the bridge I decided that crossing their field was perhaps not a very good idea.
Bullocks - Across the River Penk
The footpath crossing the River Penk opened into a field full of frisky bullocks. Given the way they had scampered about as I walked up towards the bridge I decided that crossing their field was perhaps not a very good idea.
Approaching Gailey Wharf, Staffordshire On the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal (opened fully in 1772) there are forty-three locks (forty-five if you don't fancy the deep wide locks at Stourport) including one here at Gailey. The formerly busy A5 road crosses the bridge by the lock. A busy narrowboat hire company operates from here, and often moors many boats side by side, making the way very narrow if any other boats are moored on the towpath side. The yellow boat is one of theirs.
Approaching Gailey Wharf, Staffordshire
On the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal (opened fully in 1772) there are forty-three locks (forty-five if you don't fancy the deep wide locks at Stourport) including one here at Gailey. The formerly busy A5 road crosses the bridge by the lock. A busy narrowboat hire company operates from here, and often moors many boats side by side, making the way very narrow if any other boats are moored on the towpath side. The yellow boat is one of theirs.
Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal approaching Gailey Lock On the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal (opened fully in 1772) there are forty-three locks (forty-five if you don't fancy the deep wide locks at Stourport). Here at Gailey (called "top lock" presumably as a reference to a sequence of four well spaced locks down to Rodbaston just under a mile away) the lock drops the water level by 8ft 6in (2.6 metres). An unusual round castellated tower was formerly a toll keeper's office. The (formerly) very busy A5 road crosses the bridge by the lock buildings ahead.
Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal approaching Gailey Lock
On the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal (opened fully in 1772) there are forty-three locks (forty-five if you don't fancy the deep wide locks at Stourport). Here at Gailey (called "top lock" presumably as a reference to a sequence of four well spaced locks down to Rodbaston just under a mile away) the lock drops the water level by 8ft 6in (2.6 metres). An unusual round castellated tower was formerly a toll keeper's office. The (formerly) very busy A5 road crosses the bridge by the lock buildings ahead.
The Spread Eagle, Gailey Public house with large garden on the crossroads of the A449 and A5 at Gailey.
The Spread Eagle, Gailey
Public house with large garden on the crossroads of the A449 and A5 at Gailey.
Round house at Gailey Lock Round house for the wharfinger at Gailey, built by the canal company so that he could have a good view up and down the canal. This is the only surviving example of a canal round house on this canal. <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/details/default.aspx?id=271762" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/details/default.aspx?id=271762">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>
Round house at Gailey Lock
Round house for the wharfinger at Gailey, built by the canal company so that he could have a good view up and down the canal. This is the only surviving example of a canal round house on this canal. LinkExternal link
A449 approaching Gailey roundabout Ahead, the intersection of the A449 and A5.  In pre-motorway days, a very important junction.
A449 approaching Gailey roundabout
Ahead, the intersection of the A449 and A5. In pre-motorway days, a very important junction.
Gailey roundabout
Gailey roundabout
Somerford Bridge, Clay Gates Rd The river Penk is just out of sight behind the grass.
Somerford Bridge, Clay Gates Rd
The river Penk is just out of sight behind the grass.
Entering Brewood from Somerford Bridge
Entering Brewood from Somerford Bridge
Across Horse Paddocks to Brewood
Across Horse Paddocks to Brewood
Sparrows End Lane-Somerford Lane Crossroads Looking across the crossroads is the entrance to Somerford Hall.
Sparrows End Lane-Somerford Lane Crossroads
Looking across the crossroads is the entrance to Somerford Hall.
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Old Lane Wood is located at Grid Ref: SJ9008 (Lat: 52.675986, Lng: -2.1375773)

Administrative County: Staffordshire

District: South Staffordshire

Police Authority: Staffordshire

What 3 Words

///defaults.spoons.heartened. Near Coven, Staffordshire

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