Blakeleybank Wood

Wood, Forest in Staffordshire Staffordshire Moorlands

England

Blakeleybank Wood

Car or Boat, Caverswall Quarry Credit: Brian Deegan

Blakeleybank Wood is a serene and captivating woodland located in Staffordshire, England. Spanning over a vast area, this enchanting forest offers a tranquil retreat for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike. The wood is situated in close proximity to the village of Blakeley, surrounded by picturesque countryside and rolling hills.

As visitors step into the woodland, they are immediately greeted by a rich tapestry of flora and fauna. Towering oak and beech trees dominate the landscape, their branches interwoven to create a canopy that filters sunlight and casts beautiful shadows on the forest floor. The forest is also home to a diverse array of plant species, including bluebells, wild garlic, and wood anemones that carpet the ground in vibrant hues during the springtime.

Blakeleybank Wood is not only a haven for plant life but also provides a sanctuary for numerous woodland creatures. Birdsong fills the air as various species, such as woodpeckers, robins, and thrushes, make their homes in the tall trees. Squirrels scurry playfully along the branches, while deer cautiously explore the undergrowth, adding to the sense of wilderness and natural beauty that the wood exudes.

The wood offers an extensive network of walking trails that wind their way through the forest, allowing visitors to amble through the peaceful surroundings and soak in the tranquility. These trails range in difficulty, catering to both casual strollers and seasoned hikers. Along the paths, there are designated picnic areas where visitors can take a break and enjoy a packed lunch amidst the scenic beauty.

Blakeleybank Wood is a true gem of Staffordshire, beckoning nature enthusiasts to immerse themselves in its serene ambiance and discover the wonders that lie within its verdant embrace.

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Blakeleybank Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.988318/-2.0551796 or Grid Reference SJ9643. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Car or Boat, Caverswall Quarry

Brian Deegan

Caverswall Village

Situated on the outskirts of Stoke on Trent Caverswall is a quiet village centred around this square and village stocks.

Phil Eptlett

St Peter's Church, Caverswall

Built approx. 350 years ago.

Phil Eptlett

Cookshill

The Auctioneers Arms, Cookshill near Stoke on Trent.

Phil Eptlett

The Red Lion At Boundary

John Cartlidge

Dilhorne trig

Iain Macaulay

Dilhorne Colliery

This small colliery was an outlier to the main North Staffordshire coalfield around the Potteries and was always situated in a rural setting. Despite closure in the 60s, many of the original colliery buildings have survived, partly due to having been occupied by a chemical firm that operated the site until very recently. The colliery was also used as the base for the Foxfield Light Railway SJ9744 : Foxfield Light Railway at Dilhorne Colliery, 1970 until it developed its current headquarters at Caverswall. The line was the rail link from the colliery to the main British Rail network. Since the move to Caverswall, the Foxfield Railway has not operated passenger services to the colliery site, terminating short at Dilhorne Park. In recent years work has been proceeding to bring the rest of line up to standard again, and passenger services are due to recommence to Dilhorne Colliery in 2007. As part of the regeneration of the site, Heritage Lottery funding has been made avaialble for refurbishment of parts of the colliery site, including the main headgear. This is particularly interesting in being of reinforced concrete construction which was always a rarity.

Alan Murray-Rust

Dilhorne Colliery Station

Work in progress (June 2006) on the new terminus of the Foxfield Light Railway. This was the original terminus and headquarters of the railway before its move to Caverswall, after which the service to the colliery site was discontinued. heritage lottery grants have bee obtained for redevelopment of the colliery site, including refurbishment of some of the colliery buildings and structures. The main headgear structure on the right has already benefited from this.

Alan Murray-Rust

Foxfield Light Railway at Dilhorne Colliery, 1970

A shot taken during the early days of the Foxfield Light Railway, for comparison with those of the present day SJ9744 : Dilhorne Colliery. This was at the time the railway's operating centre, using many of the sidings in the former colliery area. These have since been removed, basically leaving only the main line. Several of the colliery buildings visible in this picture no longer exist, and the spoil heap has been landscaped.

Alan Murray-Rust

Dilhorne Methodist Church

Dilhorne Methodist Church in Godleybrook was built in 1816. It is part of the Cheadle Methodist Circuit.

Ian Calderwood

Farm Crossing on the Foxfield Steam Railway

The Foxfield Railway was built in 1892-1893 to provide a link to the national railway network for the Foxfield Colliery. It is now a preserved steam railway run by the Foxfield Light Railway Society.

Ian Calderwood

Crossing Gate on the Foxfield Steam Railway

The Foxfield Railway was built in 1892-1893 to provide a link to the national railway network for the Foxfield Colliery. It is now a preserved steam railway run by the Foxfield Light Railway Society.

Ian Calderwood

Forsbrook Cemetery

The first burial at this relatively modern cemetery was in December 1903.

Jerry Evans

Callow Hill Farm

Jerry Evans

Farmland near Field House

Jerry Evans

Foxfield Railway south of Caverswall Road crossing

The railway was built in 1892-3 to connect Foxfield colliery to the outside world. The colliery closed in 1965. The railway is now operated by enthusiasts most weekends May to October.

Jerry Evans