Stinking Wood

Wood, Forest in Leicestershire Charnwood

England

Stinking Wood

Triangulation pillar at the Hill Hole Quarry Nature Reserve 222 metres (728 feet) above sea level.
Triangulation pillar at the Hill Hole Quarry Nature Reserve Credit: Mat Fascione

Stinking Wood is a well-known woodland area located in Leicestershire, England. This forest is renowned for its distinctive odor, which gives it its unique name. The woodland covers a vast area, spanning several hectares, and is composed of a rich variety of trees, plants, and wildlife.

The primary feature of Stinking Wood is the presence of the Stinkhorn fungus, which emits a strong and pungent odor resembling rotting flesh. This fungus is prevalent in the forest and is responsible for the distinctive smell that permeates the air. Despite the somewhat unpleasant scent, the woodland attracts numerous visitors who are intrigued by its peculiar nature.

The forest is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including oak, beech, and birch trees, among others. These trees provide a habitat for a variety of bird species, such as woodpeckers and owls, as well as small mammals like squirrels and rabbits. The forest floor is carpeted with an array of wildflowers and ferns, creating a picturesque and enchanting setting.

Stinking Wood offers excellent opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and photography. The woodland is crisscrossed by several well-maintained trails, allowing visitors to explore its beauty at their leisure. Additionally, there are designated picnic areas and benches scattered throughout the forest, providing a perfect spot for relaxation and enjoying the natural surroundings.

Overall, Stinking Wood in Leicestershire is a unique forest with its distinctive smell, diverse ecosystem, and recreational opportunities. It continues to be a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a tranquil escape into the natural world.

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Stinking Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.693072/-1.2620323 or Grid Reference SK4910. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Triangulation pillar at the Hill Hole Quarry Nature Reserve 222 metres (728 feet) above sea level.
Triangulation pillar at the Hill Hole Quarry Nature Reserve
222 metres (728 feet) above sea level.
The Green at Markfield
The Green at Markfield
The Green, Markfield
The Green, Markfield
Park at Markfield A recreation ground including children's play area and sports pitches.
Park at Markfield
A recreation ground including children's play area and sports pitches.
Stoneywell Visitors approach the house along the path in the foreground. By the door a group of National Trust volunteers give an introductory talk to visitors before they enter the property.
Stoneywell
Visitors approach the house along the path in the foreground. By the door a group of National Trust volunteers give an introductory talk to visitors before they enter the property.
Stoneywell - looking out of the window This window looks out of the house onto the small garden area at the front. The curtains are in an appropriate arts and crafts design.
Stoneywell - looking out of the window
This window looks out of the house onto the small garden area at the front. The curtains are in an appropriate arts and crafts design.
Stoneywell Showing the rear of the house.
Stoneywell
Showing the rear of the house.
Stoneywell - the tennis court Despite the rugged and uneven terrain, the Gimsons managed to incorporate a tennis court in the grounds. The enclosure remains although it is no longer used as such.
Stoneywell - the tennis court
Despite the rugged and uneven terrain, the Gimsons managed to incorporate a tennis court in the grounds. The enclosure remains although it is no longer used as such.
Stoneywell This view is of the rear of the house, giving an idea of how quirky a building it actually is but also how well it blends into the landscape.
Stoneywell
This view is of the rear of the house, giving an idea of how quirky a building it actually is but also how well it blends into the landscape.
Stoneywell - the walled garden The walled garden is used to grow vegetables, mainly cultivated by National Trust volunteers. This view shows a crop of runner beans.
Stoneywell - the walled garden
The walled garden is used to grow vegetables, mainly cultivated by National Trust volunteers. This view shows a crop of runner beans.
Stoneywell From this direction, especially, the house seems to sink into the Charnwood Forest landscape. Beyond the house is Stoneywell Wood.
Stoneywell
From this direction, especially, the house seems to sink into the Charnwood Forest landscape. Beyond the house is Stoneywell Wood.
Stoneywell - the fort The fort is a curious feature in the grounds at Stoneywell. A natural rocky outcrop was built on to create a small building thatched each year with bracken. It was used by the family's children as a play castle. At the time of this photograph it had been declared unsafe and visitors were barred from entering.
Stoneywell - the fort
The fort is a curious feature in the grounds at Stoneywell. A natural rocky outcrop was built on to create a small building thatched each year with bracken. It was used by the family's children as a play castle. At the time of this photograph it had been declared unsafe and visitors were barred from entering.
Stoneywell - the well house When Stoneywell was built there was neither running water nor electricity and for many years water had to be brought up from this well in the grounds to the house. The circular well house contains a pump.
Stoneywell - the well house
When Stoneywell was built there was neither running water nor electricity and for many years water had to be brought up from this well in the grounds to the house. The circular well house contains a pump.
Stoneywell Showing part of the front of the house.
Stoneywell
Showing part of the front of the house.
The Coach & Horses, Markfield The Coach & Horses is an old coaching inn standing back from the busy A50 on its own service road. It is part of the Everard's estate.
The Coach & Horses, Markfield
The Coach & Horses is an old coaching inn standing back from the busy A50 on its own service road. It is part of the Everard's estate.
Stoneywell Somewhat off the beaten track in Charnwood Forest but well worth the effort to see this arts and crafts gem
Stoneywell
Somewhat off the beaten track in Charnwood Forest but well worth the effort to see this arts and crafts gem
Stoneywell [1] The cottage is seen from the garden.
Stoneywell is a cottage, located near the village of Markfield. Some 7 miles northwest of Leicester. Designed and built in the Arts and Crafts style in 1899 by Ernest Gimson, for his brother Sydney. Ernest Gimson was one of the most inspiring and influential architect-designers of the Arts and Crafts movement, which had the ideal of ‘Nothing should be made by man’s labour which is not worth making, or must be made by labour degrading to the makers.’ The cottage is now owned by the National Trust. Listed, grade II, with details at: <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1361102" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1361102">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>
Stoneywell [1]
The cottage is seen from the garden. Stoneywell is a cottage, located near the village of Markfield. Some 7 miles northwest of Leicester. Designed and built in the Arts and Crafts style in 1899 by Ernest Gimson, for his brother Sydney. Ernest Gimson was one of the most inspiring and influential architect-designers of the Arts and Crafts movement, which had the ideal of ‘Nothing should be made by man’s labour which is not worth making, or must be made by labour degrading to the makers.’ The cottage is now owned by the National Trust. Listed, grade II, with details at: LinkExternal link
Stoneywell [2] The interior of the cottage.
Stoneywell is a cottage, located near the village of Markfield. Some 7 miles northwest of Leicester. Designed and built in the Arts and Crafts style in 1899 by Ernest Gimson, for his brother Sydney. Ernest Gimson was one of the most inspiring and influential architect-designers of the Arts and Crafts movement, which had the ideal of ‘Nothing should be made by man’s labour which is not worth making, or must be made by labour degrading to the makers.’ The cottage is now owned by the National Trust.
Stoneywell [2]
The interior of the cottage. Stoneywell is a cottage, located near the village of Markfield. Some 7 miles northwest of Leicester. Designed and built in the Arts and Crafts style in 1899 by Ernest Gimson, for his brother Sydney. Ernest Gimson was one of the most inspiring and influential architect-designers of the Arts and Crafts movement, which had the ideal of ‘Nothing should be made by man’s labour which is not worth making, or must be made by labour degrading to the makers.’ The cottage is now owned by the National Trust.
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Stinking Wood is located at Grid Ref: SK4910 (Lat: 52.693072, Lng: -1.2620323)

Administrative County: Leicestershire

District: Charnwood

Police Authority: Leicestershire

What 3 Words

///shunts.chops.escorting. Near Markfield, Leicestershire

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