Highshutt Wood

Wood, Forest in Staffordshire Staffordshire Moorlands

England

Highshutt Wood

Old Milestone, Threapwood Head Cast iron post by the B5032, in parish of ALTON (STAFFORDSHIRE MOORLANDS District), by hedge, on North side of road. Cochrane iron casting, erected by the County Council in the 20th century.

Inscription reads:-
: ALTON 2½ / DENSTONE 4½ / ELLASTONE 6¼ / ASHBOURNE 11 : : ALTON / PARISH : : CHEADLE 2 :
Maker:- Cochrane &amp; Co, Dudley. :

Milestone Society National ID: ST_ABCD11 — Old Milestone, Threapwood Head Credit: Ivan Clare

Highshutt Wood is a picturesque woodland located in Staffordshire, England. Covering an area of approximately 40 acres, it is nestled in the heart of the county, near the town of Rugeley. The wood is known for its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere, making it a popular destination for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers.

The woodland is predominantly made up of mature broadleaf trees, including oak, beech, and ash, which provide a rich canopy and create a diverse habitat for various wildlife species. Bluebells carpet the forest floor in spring, creating a stunning display of vibrant colors. In addition to the bluebells, the wood is home to an array of wildflowers, ferns, and mosses, adding to its natural charm.

Highshutt Wood is crisscrossed by a network of well-maintained footpaths, allowing visitors to explore its enchanting trails and discover hidden gems along the way. The paths wind through the woods, leading to open clearings where visitors can relax and enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature. The wood also boasts a small pond, attracting a variety of bird species and providing a peaceful spot for reflection and wildlife observation.

Managed by the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, Highshutt Wood is carefully preserved to protect its delicate ecosystem and maintain its natural splendor. The Trust conducts regular conservation work, such as tree planting and habitat management, to ensure the longevity of the wood and its inhabitants.

Overall, Highshutt Wood offers a welcoming escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, providing a serene haven for visitors to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of Staffordshire's woodland landscape.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Highshutt Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.988716/-1.9479551 or Grid Reference SK0343. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Old Milestone, Threapwood Head

Cast iron post by the B5032, in parish of ALTON (STAFFORDSHIRE MOORLANDS District), by hedge, on North side of road. Cochrane iron casting, erected by the County Council in the 20th century. Inscription reads:- : ALTON 2½ / DENSTONE 4½ / ELLASTONE 6¼ / ASHBOURNE 11 : : ALTON / PARISH : : CHEADLE 2 : Maker:- Cochrane & Co, Dudley. : Milestone Society National ID: ST_ABCD11

Ivan Clare

Closed railway tunnel and former crossing keeper's cottage

On the former Churnet Valley line in North Staffordshire.

John H Darch

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

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

Dimmingsdale in Autumn

Autumnal leaves cover one of several ponds in Dimmingsdale in the Staffordshire Moorlands.

Phil Eptlett

Country Lane

The Threapwood to Oakamoor road showing the western entrance to Dimmingsdale

Phil Eptlett

Autumn Lane

A country lane near Oakamoor in the Staffordshire Moorlands covered in pine needles.

Phil Eptlett

Croxden Quarry

Freehay. Until a few years ago Counslow Road ran more or less level from the photographer's position to the top of the far cliff (a point about one third of the picture width from the left hand edge). The current Multimap aerial image Link

shows the road intact and the new Counslow Road being constructed in a sweeping curve to the west and north. The new road opened in 2000 at a cost of £2 million. Since then Tarmac, the quarry operators have carved out this great trench.

Roger W Haworth

Croxden Quarry

in Freehay. From the same viewpoint as SK0241 : Croxden Quarry. The sand and gravel processing plants can be seen in the distance. In the foreground the quarry operators, Tarmac have already started tree planting for the eventual restoration of the site.

Roger W Haworth

Croxden Quarry

near Freehay. In this area the contractors, Tarmac have got no further than removing the overburden. But within the next ten years this area will be dug out to a depth of 30 metres or more. In the foreground there is a curious metal "wall" with a curved top about a metre high. This may well be to keep some species of small furry animal out of the dangerous site.

Roger W Haworth