Whympney Wood

Wood, Forest in Staffordshire Staffordshire Moorlands

England

Whympney Wood

Car or Boat, Caverswall Quarry Credit: Brian Deegan

Whympney Wood is a picturesque forest located in Staffordshire, England. Covering an area of approximately 100 acres, it is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The wood is characterized by its diverse range of trees, including oak, birch, and beech, which create a stunning canopy during the summer months.

The wood is home to a wide variety of wildlife, making it an ideal spot for birdwatching and animal spotting. Visitors may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of deer, foxes, squirrels, and a variety of bird species. The tranquil atmosphere and peaceful surroundings provide a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Numerous walking trails crisscross the wood, allowing visitors to explore its beauty at their own pace. The paths are well-maintained and easy to navigate, making it suitable for people of all ages and abilities. Along the way, there are benches and picnic areas where visitors can take a break and enjoy the serenity of the forest.

Whympney Wood is also a popular spot for educational visits and school trips. The woodland offers a unique opportunity for children to learn about the natural environment and the importance of conservation. Educational programs and guided tours are available to enhance the learning experience.

Overall, Whympney Wood in Staffordshire is a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts, offering a peaceful retreat amidst beautiful surroundings. Whether it's a leisurely stroll or an educational adventure, this forest provides an escape into nature's embrace.

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Whympney Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.994266/-2.0404527 or Grid Reference SJ9744. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Car or Boat, Caverswall Quarry

Brian Deegan

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

Old Engine Farm

The area around this farm was extensively mined for coal. In the 1770s, two Newcomen-type steam engines, known as "fire engines", were built to pump water from a nearby mine.

Ian Calderwood

Little Bank Top Farm

Ian Calderwood

Summerhill House

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

Houses at Boundary from Commonside

Jerry Evans

Fishing lakes

In the background are the massed products of the nearby JCB factory.

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