Little Hills Wood

Wood, Forest in Staffordshire Staffordshire Moorlands

England

Little Hills Wood

Diesel Train, Churnet Valley Railway Credit: Brian Deegan

Little Hills Wood is a picturesque forest located in Staffordshire, England. Covering an area of approximately 50 acres, it offers a serene and captivating natural landscape that attracts both locals and tourists alike.

The wood is primarily composed of a diverse range of tree species, including oak, beech, and birch, which create a dense and enchanting canopy. Walking through the wood, visitors are greeted by a carpet of vibrant wildflowers, adding to the beauty and tranquility of the surroundings.

Little Hills Wood is home to a variety of wildlife, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. Common sightings include squirrels, rabbits, and various species of birds, such as woodpeckers and thrushes. Visitors may also come across occasional deer, adding to the sense of natural wonder.

There are several well-marked trails throughout the wood, allowing visitors to explore its hidden gems at their own pace. These trails lead to charming picnic spots and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Additionally, there are designated areas for camping and barbecues, providing opportunities for overnight stays and outdoor gatherings.

Little Hills Wood is easily accessible, with a car park located nearby and public transportation options available. The wood is open to the public year-round, offering different experiences throughout the seasons, from stunning autumn foliage to the vibrant awakening of spring.

Overall, Little Hills Wood in Staffordshire presents a captivating natural retreat, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its beauty and biodiversity make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking solace in nature.

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Little Hills Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.057745/-2.0105824 or Grid Reference SJ9951. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Diesel Train, Churnet Valley Railway

Brian Deegan

Footbridge over a stream which flows into the River Churnet

Eirian Evans

Footpath into Chase Wood

Part of Consall Woodlands, a 479 acre nature reserve.

Eirian Evans

Angling on the Churnet

A lone angler set up by the river

Eirian Evans

Lime kilns at Consall Forge

Early 19th Century lime kilns, set on the side of the Caldon Canal which used lime supplied from Caldon Low via the canal. They are Grade II listed

Eirian Evans

Narrowboat on the Caldon Canal

The Caldon Branch of the Trent and Mersey Canal was completed in December 1778, and opened in 1779, specifically as a transport facility for the limestone quarries at Cauldon, near Froghall. In 1797 a secondary branch was built from the original Hazelhurst Locks to Leek. By 1811 a further extension from Froghall led to Uttoxeter, a further 13 miles, but only lasted until 1845. By 1849 a railway had been built, some of the track using the former canal bed. This was also the fate of part of the original canal near Endon. A major rebuild and rerouting process near Endon resulted in the raising of the level, and three locks being replaced by the three chamber staircase at Hazelhurst Wood near Denford by 1800. A further major rebuild near Hazelhurst was completed by 1841. This included abandoning the troublesome staircase, and creating three single new locks on another new cut, which led to a reusing of part of the original 1778 route, which then passed under a new aqueduct to accommodate the Leek Branch. Thus Hazelhurst Junction was relocated. That is an awful lot of expensive rethinking within the short time frame of just 63 years! Due mainly to railways taking most of the trade, the canal became little used and almost unnavigable by the early 1960s. The canal was reopened in 1974 following enormous amounts of work instigated by the Caldon Canal Society, its volunteers, and the British Waterways Board. The current seventeen miles from Etruria to Froghall are a particularly attractive canal for cruising, despite the seventeen locks ... well that isn't too many, is it? ;-) Link

Link

Jonathan Hutchins

Consall Forge

These early 19th-century lime kilns are Grade II listed, see Link

Jonathan Hutchins

Consall Woods RSPB reserve

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

Jonathan Hutchins

Path through Consall Woods

Jonathan Hutchins

Chase Wood

Part of Consall Woods RSPB reserve.

Jonathan Hutchins

Bluebells in Chase Wood

Jonathan Hutchins

Consall Forge

Consall Forge is tucked away in the wooded Churnet Valley. The Churnet Valley Railway crosses the Caldon Canal here, with the Black Lion pub in the background.

Martin Clark

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