Hazles Wood

Wood, Forest in Staffordshire Staffordshire Moorlands

England

Hazles 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

Hazles Wood is a charming woodland located in the county of Staffordshire, England. Covering an area of approximately 50 acres, this enchanting forest offers visitors a peaceful retreat and a chance to immerse themselves in nature's beauty.

The wood is predominantly made up of deciduous trees, such as oak, birch, and beech, which create a stunning canopy during the summer months. The forest floor is carpeted with a diverse range of flora, including bluebells, wild garlic, and foxgloves, adding a burst of color to the surroundings.

There are several well-marked trails that wind through the wood, providing ample opportunity for walkers and hikers to explore the area. These paths offer a mix of terrains, from gentle slopes to steeper inclines, catering to all fitness levels. Along the way, visitors may encounter wildlife such as deer, foxes, and a variety of bird species, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

Hazles Wood also boasts a small stream that meanders through the forest, adding to the tranquility of the setting. The sound of running water provides a soothing backdrop for those seeking a moment of relaxation or meditation.

For families, there is a designated picnic area, complete with benches and tables, where visitors can enjoy a meal amidst the natural surroundings. Additionally, the wood has a children's play area, providing entertainment for younger visitors.

Overall, Hazles Wood in Staffordshire is a charming and picturesque forest that offers a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its diverse flora and fauna, well-maintained trails, and peaceful ambiance, it is a perfect destination for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat.

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Hazles Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.029942/-1.9899092 or Grid Reference SK0048. 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

Froghall Wharf

The end of the Caldon Canal. The lock in the foreground leads to the canal basin.

David Weston

Lime kilns at Froghall Wharf

Lime kilns, long disused, near the canal wharf.

David Weston

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

End of Caldon Canal, Froghall Wharf, 1978

Looking from the extreme end back towards the partly derelict warehouse. This was later restored with some alteration, it is a grade II listed building.

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

Churnet Valley 2021 Christmas Polar Express

Brian Deegan

Kingsley & Froghall trains

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].

Ralph Greig

Bridge 52, Caldon Canal

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

Stephen McKay

Cherryeye Bridge, Caldon Canal

Presumably the Cherryeye name comes from the unusual shape of the bridgehole. This furthest stretch of the Caldon Canal east of Flint Mill Lock is exceptionally narrow and is similar in some respects to the Llangollen Canal west of Trevor.

Stephen McKay

Caldon Canal, Froghall

Lattice Cottage overlooks the Caldon Canal, near its end just west of Froghall Tunnel.

Stephen McKay

Froghall Tunnel, Caldon Canal

Froghall Tunnel is only 76 yards (69 metres) long but its very low profile means that it is an impenetrable obstacle to most modern narrowboats. To ensure boats do not enter and then get stuck there is a profile gauge hanging over the tunnel mouth. Another gauge is provided at Flint Mill Lock to give boaters forewarning so oversized boats should not get this far.

Stephen McKay

Kingsley & Froghall Station

The southern terminus of the Churnet Valley Railway looks immaculate in the late afternoon sunshine although things are not quite what they seem. Firstly, although this might look like a country station, it was built to serve an area of heavy industry with limekilns and a copper works nearby (the latter did not close until 2014). After closure, the station buildings were demolished in 1968 and the new building is a replica using some original material. It was opened in 2004 by Pete Waterman, the well-known record producer and railway enthusiast.

Stephen McKay

Kingsley & Froghall Station - running in board

Interestingly, the Churnet Valley Railway has chosen to use replica LMS signs for the running in boards (the larger signs used at the ends of the platforms, a practice largely discontinued on the modern railway) rather than the later British Railways style. The LMS usually angled these slightly outwards and that has been done at the other end of the platform.

Stephen McKay

Kingsley & Froghall Station

This second platform at Kingsley & Froghall was restored by the Churnet Valley Railway in 2008 to include the replica waiting shelter. The overall effect has been to create an authentic period feel. Perhaps only the 'volunteers needed' banner could not have been part of the scene 70 years ago.

Stephen McKay

Moorings at Froghall

Some things defy understanding. Here at Froghall a canal basin has been restored capable of taking several full sized boats on the tiny stretch of what remains of the Uttoxeter canal. The moorings are excellent. But there is a huge snag. The only way boats can get here is to navigate the height restricted Froghall Tunnel - so it is only accessible to a small proportion of the craft currently using the canal network. Unsurprisingly on this May morning there was not a boat in site.

Stephen McKay

Lime kiln at Froghall

This is one of a set of lime kilns close to Froghall Wharf believed to date from the 1880s. The kilns are set into a retaining wall 50 metres in length and 12 metres high.

Stephen McKay

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Hazles Wood is located at Grid Ref: SK0048 (Lat: 53.029942, Lng: -1.9899092)

Administrative County: Staffordshire

District: Staffordshire Moorlands

Police Authority: Staffordshire