Fernylee Wood

Wood, Forest in Staffordshire Staffordshire Moorlands

England

Fernylee Wood

In the nature reserve A little bit of a meadow near the valley bottom. — In the nature reserve Credit: Malcolm Neal

Fernylee Wood is a picturesque woodland located in Staffordshire, England. Covering an area of approximately 100 acres, this enchanting forest is a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers.

The wood is characterized by its dense canopy of ancient oak, beech, and ash trees, which provide a haven for a diverse range of flora and fauna. It is home to numerous woodland birds, including the great spotted woodpecker, tawny owl, and goldcrest. The forest floor is carpeted with bluebells and wild garlic in spring, creating a breathtaking sight for visitors.

Fernylee Wood offers a range of walking trails, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore its natural beauty. The paths wind through the woodland, leading to a tranquil pond and a small stream that meanders through the heart of the forest. These water features attract an array of wildlife, including dragonflies, frogs, and even the occasional deer.

The wood is also rich in history, with remnants of an ancient stone circle and a Roman road still visible within its boundaries. These historical features add a sense of intrigue and wonder to the woodland, inviting visitors to imagine the stories that have unfolded within its leafy embrace over the centuries.

As a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Fernylee Wood is carefully managed to preserve its ecological importance. The wood is open to the public year-round, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquility and beauty of this natural oasis. Whether for a leisurely stroll, birdwatching, or simply to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Fernylee Wood is a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts seeking solace in the heart of Staffordshire.

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Fernylee Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.074212/-2.0203631 or Grid Reference SJ9852. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

In the nature reserve

A little bit of a meadow near the valley bottom.

Malcolm Neal

The Pond in Coombes Valley

The pond looked very shallow and the bed of it looked fractured as tough it had completely dried out some time earlier in the year.

Malcolm Neal

A stream in Coombes Valley

The stream is running towards me as I stand on the footbridge at the very bottom of Coombes Valley

Malcolm Neal

Looking out of the reserve

Looking across a field just outside the Nature Reserve with the woods behind me.

Malcolm Neal

The woods of Coombes Valley

Looking across the valley of the RSPB Nature Reserve shows just how heavily wooded the valley is.

Malcolm Neal

At the entrance to Ashenhurst Hall

Ashenhurst Hall was demolished in 1954

Neil Theasby

Countryside south of Ashenhurst

Neil Theasby

Stream running towards Ashenhurst

Ralph Mills

Combes Valley

Bench at the point where the footpath crosses Combes Brook. A bird hide overlooking a pond is nearby.

Dave Dunford

Descending to Combes Brook

Sharp final descent on the public footpath through RSPB Combes Valley reserve.

Dave Dunford

Combes Brook

Looking downstream from the footbridge. An RSPB bird hide stands behind the photographer. I'd have liked to have found and photographed the Horsley Stone and Buttermilk Spring marked on the map, but they lie within a private area of the reserve.

Dave Dunford

Footpath over Combes Brook

On the footpath at the southern end of RSPB Combes Valley reserve.

Dave Dunford

Combes Brook

Looking upstream from the footbridge on the more southerly of the two footpaths crossing the RSPB Combes Valley reserve.

Dave Dunford

Ferny Hill

The summit of Ferny Hill from the footpath that crosses it; little sign of any ferns these days, though the northeastern side was covered in heather and scrub.

Dave Dunford

Pond bench

Located next to the pond on Coombes Valley Nature Reserve and tightly surrounded by a wooden fence, this is one of several beautifully carved benches scattered around the reserve- each one depicting the wildlife found there. This one has Dragonflies flying amongst Reedmace plants. See also SK0053 : Leaf bench and SK0053 : Riverside bench. Coombes Valley Nature Reserve is owned and managed by the RSPB. Located in a glacial valley running down from the moorlands to the Churnet valley, it is a fantastic mix of habitats- broadleafed and conifer woodlands, meadows and pastures, streams and a fair sized brook, ponds and scrubland. It is home to a very wide variety of birds, flowers and invertebrates. A lot of the original woodland was felled in the 1920's and 1930's so, apart from fragments of mature woodland that have survived, most of the trees are semi-mature or newly planted. For more information see Link

Jonathan Kington

Leek Tunnel, Caldon Canal, Leek Branch, 1978

The west end of the narrow but high tunnel, 120 m long. We went through to the then limit of navigation, where a dredger and barge and what they were removing were blocking further progress - see SJ9754 : Last bridge on the Leek Branch, 1978 - and had to reverse back, including through the tunnel, because there was nowhere to wind. There is a big pool at this end of the tunnel, fortunately.

Robin Webster

Waterwheel, Cheddleton Flint Mill, 1978

One of two here, this powers the South Mill. The North Mill is just off to the right, fed from the same mill stream off the River Churnet. Looking from by the tail race of the undershot wheels.

Robin Webster