Murrel's Wood

Wood, Forest in Staffordshire Staffordshire Moorlands

England

Murrel's Wood

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 &quot;Knotty&quot;). According to one writer, &quot;the buildings on the Churnet Valley line are of local stone, straightforwardly neo-Tudor, and effective&quot; [Lloyd &amp; Insall, &quot;Railway Station Architecture&quot;, David &amp; Charles 1978, p.17]. — Kingsley & Froghall trains Credit: Ralph Greig

Murrel's Wood is a picturesque forest located in Staffordshire, a county in the West Midlands region of England. Covering an area of approximately 100 acres, this wood is a captivating natural haven that offers visitors a serene and peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The woodland is known for its diverse range of tree species, including oak, beech, and birch, which create a vibrant and colorful landscape throughout the year. The forest floor is blanketed with a variety of wildflowers during the spring and summer months, adding to the beauty of the surroundings.

Murrel's Wood is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers, providing ample opportunities for walking, hiking, and birdwatching. The well-maintained trails wind their way through the forest, offering visitors the chance to explore and discover its hidden treasures.

The wood is also home to a rich array of wildlife, making it a must-visit location for nature lovers. Squirrels scamper through the trees, and birdsong fills the air, creating a harmonious symphony of natural sounds.

For those seeking a peaceful retreat or a place to relax, Murrel's Wood is the perfect destination. The tranquil atmosphere and breathtaking scenery make it an ideal spot for picnics, photography, or simply unwinding amidst nature's beauty.

Overall, Murrel's Wood in Staffordshire is a captivating natural gem, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of an ancient forest and experience the wonders of the British countryside.

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Murrel's Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.005547/-1.9577705 or Grid Reference SK0245. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

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

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

Steam Train TKh 2944 "Hotspur" Taking On Water, Froghall Station

Works Number - 2944 Build Date - 1952 Builder - Fablok, Chrzanów Wheel Arrangement - 0-6-0T Link

Brian Deegan

Highshutt entrance to Hawksmoor NT

Hawksmoor is an ancient steep-sided oak woodland

Jonathan Hutchins

Path through Hawksmoor NT

Hawksmoor is an ancient steep-sided oak woodland east of Cheadle in Staffordshire towards Oakamoor. It is managed by the National Trust. The habitat attracts specialised bird species such as Wood Warbler and Pied Flycatcher.

Jonathan Hutchins

Car parking for Hawksmoor NT

'Limited parking for approx. 6 cars' states the National Trust website, and this is it. However even more limited off-road parking is possible at Highshutt further west outside the entrance shown here Link

Jonathan Hutchins

Path through Hawksmoor NT

Jonathan Hutchins

Froghall Station

Kingsley and Froghall station on the Churnet Valley Railway in Staffordshire.

Martin Clark

Les Oakes's Place

This remarkable structure was built from salvaged materials by scrap dealer Les Oakes. It incorporates doors, windows, and name stones from demolished buildings, and was described as "agricultural" to avoid having to get planning permission. This and other buildings on the site house a vast collection of vintage memorabilia, including horse-drawn vehicles from around the country. Sadly Mr Oakes was killed in a road accident in 2000, but his sons maintain the tradition of the business as "architectural reclamation".

S Parish

Door, Les Oakes's Place

A doorway salvaged from a pub, typical of the material used by scrap dealer Les Oakes to construct a building to house his vast collection of memorabilia. The door leads nowhere.

S Parish

View from Hawksmoor Reserve (NT)

George Mahoney

The Wedding Special

0-6-0 Saddle Tank hauls the Wedding Special from Froghall Station

George Mahoney

Whiston Methodist Church

The inscription over the large window reads "Primitive Methodist Centenary Church 1907 1908". The centenary being the foundation of Primitive Methodism only 30 km away on SJ8557 Mow Cop in 1807. Not to be confused with SK4489 : Whiston Methodist Church, Nr Rotherham / SK4489 : Methodist Church in Whiston, Nr Rotherham..

Roger W Haworth

The Miners Rest

on the corner of Froghall Road and Hammersley Hayes Road just outside Cheadle Staffordshire

Roger W Haworth

Blacksmiths Arms

39 Shawe Park Road, Kingsley Holt, Staffordshire

Roger W Haworth

Greendale Cottages

Right on the eastern edge of the square (in fact the far end of the terrace is in SK0443). A plaque on the end wall reads "These cottages built for brass and copper workers were given to the National Trust in 1987 by the late Mrs. M. C. Aldridge who loved Hawksmoor and the surrounding countryside". There is also a Victorian postbox in the wall.

Dave Dunford

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Murrel's Wood is located at Grid Ref: SK0245 (Lat: 53.005547, Lng: -1.9577705)

Administrative County: Staffordshire

District: Staffordshire Moorlands

Police Authority: Staffordshire