Blackbank Wood

Wood, Forest in Staffordshire Staffordshire Moorlands

England

Blackbank Wood

Harston Wood Harston Wood, a nature reserve of Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. The start of the footpath through the wood. — Harston Wood Credit: David Weston

Blackbank Wood is a captivating forest located in Staffordshire, England. Spanning an area of approximately 100 acres, this woodland is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike. The wood is situated in close proximity to the village of Alton and is easily accessible by both car and foot.

Upon entering Blackbank Wood, visitors are greeted by a dense canopy of trees, predominantly consisting of native species such as oak, birch, and beech. These majestic trees provide shelter and a serene atmosphere, making it an ideal habitat for a variety of wildlife. The forest floor is adorned with a rich carpet of mosses, ferns, and wildflowers, adding to the natural beauty of the surroundings.

The wood boasts an extensive network of footpaths, allowing visitors to explore and immerse themselves in the tranquil ambiance. The paths wind through the forest, offering glimpses of hidden streams and tranquil ponds along the way. There are also designated picnic areas and benches where visitors can rest and appreciate the peaceful setting.

Blackbank Wood holds a significant historical value, with evidence of human activity dating back to the Neolithic period. Remnants of ancient earthworks and burial mounds can still be observed within the woodland, providing a fascinating insight into the area's past.

Overall, Blackbank Wood is a captivating haven of natural beauty and historical significance. Its lush greenery, diverse wildlife, and peaceful atmosphere make it an ideal destination for those seeking solace in nature or a scenic walk through Staffordshire's enchanting woodlands.

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Blackbank Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.040998/-1.9506517 or Grid Reference SK0349. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Harston Wood

Harston Wood, a nature reserve of Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. The start of the footpath through the wood.

David Weston

Tramroad through Harston Wood

The line of a former tramroad, looking west, downhill along a steady incline. The tramroad carried limestone from quarries at Caldon Low, westwards to Froghall Wharf at the end of the Caldon Canal.

David Weston

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

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

Woodcutters Row, Foxt

Adjacent to the steep road up from Froghall to Foxt is a terrace of cottages called Woodcutters Row including, at the east end, the former pub seen here. See also SK0248 : The Woodcutters' Arms and Woodcutters Row which suggests the pub ceased to be operational sometime in the 1960s.

Stephen McKay

Entering Foxt

The Staffordshire village of Foxt, high above the Churnet Valley, has an unusual name of Olde English origin. This is the approach heading up the hill from Froghall.

Stephen McKay

New Cottages, Foxt

These terraced houses look as they should belong in an industrial town rather than on the edge of a tiny village in the Staffordshire hills. Still, they enjoy a spectacular view down into the valley.

Stephen McKay

The Fox & Goose, Foxt

The Fox & Goose seems an appropriate name for this attractive pub in the village of Foxt. It has spectacular views across the Churnet valley.

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

Hetty's Tea Shop, Froghall Wharf

Hetty's Tea Shop is located in this beautifully restored canalside warehouse at Froghall. Upstairs there is a holiday apartment. The building dates from the early 19th century and is grade II listed.

Stephen McKay

Hetty's Tea Shop, Froghall Wharf

The towpath terrace water huts are part of Hetty's Tea Shop in this restored canalside warehouse by bridge 55. Customers are extremely unlikely to see any boats here, however; craft that are able to pass through Froghall Tunnel would turn off and head for the Uttoxeter Canal basin.

Stephen McKay