Broadoak Wood

Wood, Forest in Staffordshire Staffordshire Moorlands

England

Broadoak Wood

Footbridge over River Churnet Consall Woods is an RSPB Nature Reserve in Staffordshire. 194ha in area, the site was formally an industrial valley, now occupied by mixed woodland and various water features. Link to RSPB website: <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/consall-woods/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/consall-woods/">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> — Footbridge over River Churnet Credit: Philip Cornwall

Broadoak Wood is a stunning woodland located in Staffordshire, England. Spanning over a vast area, this ancient forest is a haven for nature enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility amidst the lush greenery. It is situated near the town of Stafford, making it easily accessible for visitors.

The wood is characterized by its diverse range of tree species, including oak, birch, beech, and pine. The towering trees create a dense canopy, allowing only dappled sunlight to filter through, creating a magical atmosphere. The forest floor is covered in a thick layer of moss, ferns, and wildflowers, providing a picturesque setting for visitors to explore.

Broadoak Wood is also home to a variety of wildlife, making it a popular spot for birdwatchers and animal lovers. Visitors may spot woodland birds such as woodpeckers, owls, and various small songbirds. The wood is also inhabited by mammals like deer, foxes, and rabbits, adding to the natural beauty and charm of the area.

There are several walking trails and paths that wind their way through the wood, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the peaceful surroundings. These trails vary in length and difficulty, catering to all levels of fitness and hiking experience. For those seeking a more leisurely visit, there are also designated picnic areas and benches where one can relax and admire the tranquil ambiance.

Overall, Broadoak Wood is a magnificent woodland that offers visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. With its diverse flora and fauna, it provides an ideal setting for nature lovers to explore, relax, and reconnect with the natural world.

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Broadoak Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.024862/-2.0177901 or Grid Reference SJ9847. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Footbridge over River Churnet

Consall Woods is an RSPB Nature Reserve in Staffordshire. 194ha in area, the site was formally an industrial valley, now occupied by mixed woodland and various water features. Link to RSPB website: Link

Philip Cornwall

Meadow and Derelict Building on banks of River Churnet

Philip Cornwall

Waiting shelter, Consall station, 1978

Famously cantilevered out over the Caldon Canal. The station had closed in 1965 and the platform on the canal side had been dismantled. Somehow the shelter survived. The canal is very narrow along this length by the railway. Maps suggest that it was narrowed when the railway was built partly over it.

Robin Webster

Old Train Stored near Consall Station

Next to the Canal between the pub and Station, it is stored on the unused track.

Brian Deegan

Bridge 52, Caldon Canal

Bridge 52 carries the towpath across the canal, changing from the left to the right hand side.

Stephen McKay

Caldon Canal below Flint Mill Lock

The canal curls round towards Froghall on the final stretch from Etruria. The building on the right is part of Consall Flint Mill, built in the 1830s to supply ground flint for use in the Potteries ceramic industry. The mill ceased production around 1970.

Stephen McKay

The Black Lion, Consall Forge

In the heart of the Churnet Valley, with the Churnet Valley Railway line passing between it and the Caldon Canal. The railway station is about 100 yards away.

Eirian Evans

View down the Caldon Canal

Looking towards Consall Station on the Churnet Valley Railway line

Eirian Evans

Consall Station from the Caldon Canal towpath

A preserved railway line near Leek in Staffordshire, running from Froghall up the valley to Cheddleton with one intermediate stop at Consall, and (since 2011) on an extension to a former quarry at Cauldon Low, where as of 2012 there is no station. The society has plans to connect to the national network at Stoke-on-Trent. The lines were originally constructed by the North Staffordshire Railway (the "Knotty"). According to one writer, "the buildings on the Churnet Valley line are of local stone, straightforwardly neo-Tudor, and effective" [Lloyd & Insall, "Railway Station Architecture", David & Charles 1978, p.17].

Eirian Evans

Black Lion Inn, Consall Forge

In the heart of the Churnet Valley, with the Churnet Valley Railway line (left) passing between it and the Caldon Canal

Eirian Evans

Consall Station

Jonathan Hutchins

Information board about Consall Station waiting shelter

The shelter itself is here Link

Jonathan Hutchins

Consall Station waiting shelter

An information board about the shelter is here Link

Jonathan Hutchins

Large Pond at Consall Woods Nature Reserve

Philip Cornwall

Consall Woods

Philip Cornwall

Far Kingsley Banks

Heavy bracken on slope leading up to footpath at Far Kingsley Banks

Philip Cornwall

Consall Hall

Consall Hall was first built in 1810 (as “New Hall”) by an industrialist but has been substantially modified throughout since, including since 1958 when the site was inherited by the previous owner, William Podmore OBE, who spent the next 50 years creating the gardens with lakes, follies and summer houses.

Eric Marsh