The Decoy

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Staffordshire South Staffordshire

England

The Decoy

Burnhill Green entrance sign
Burnhill Green entrance sign Credit: Alex McGregor

The Decoy, located in Staffordshire, is a stunning freshwater marsh that encompasses a lake, pool, pond, and various flora and fauna. Spanning over a significant area, this nature reserve is a haven for a diverse range of wildlife and attracts nature enthusiasts from all around.

The centerpiece of The Decoy is its picturesque lake, which stretches across a considerable portion of the reserve. Surrounded by lush greenery, the lake is home to numerous species of waterfowl, including ducks, geese, and swans. Visitors can often spot these graceful creatures gliding across the tranquil waters or nesting on the lake's banks.

Adjacent to the lake is a pool, which provides a habitat for various aquatic plants and smaller wildlife such as frogs and insects. The pool's shallow waters and abundant vegetation make it an ideal breeding ground for amphibians and an important ecosystem within the reserve.

Additionally, The Decoy boasts a well-maintained pond that serves as a watering hole for animals such as deer, foxes, and rabbits. This pond is often a hub of activity, attracting a wide array of wildlife seeking refreshment.

The freshwater marshes scattered throughout The Decoy are a vital part of the reserve's ecosystem. These marshes provide a habitat for numerous plant species, including reeds and water lilies, and support a diverse range of aquatic creatures such as fish, dragonflies, and water insects.

Overall, The Decoy in Staffordshire offers an enchanting natural experience, with its lake, pool, pond, and freshwater marshes providing a rich and diverse habitat for various wildlife species. Whether it's birdwatching, wildlife photography, or simply enjoying the serene surroundings, this nature reserve is a must-visit for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

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The Decoy Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.603551/-2.3001692 or Grid Reference SJ7900. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Burnhill Green entrance sign
Burnhill Green entrance sign
Shepherds Buildings
Shepherds Buildings
Road junction in Burnhill Green
Road junction in Burnhill Green
The lane through Bennett's Wood
The lane through Bennett's Wood
The lane north from Burnhill Green
The lane north from Burnhill Green
Isolated lane junction north of Burnhill Green
Isolated lane junction north of Burnhill Green
Lane north of the power lines
Lane north of the power lines
St Mary's church, Patshull The church lies in the grounds of Patshull Hall, both designed by the architect James Gibbs, although the church was built first and was consecrated in 1743. The cupola on the tower was added in the C19.
St Mary's church, Patshull
The church lies in the grounds of Patshull Hall, both designed by the architect James Gibbs, although the church was built first and was consecrated in 1743. The cupola on the tower was added in the C19.
St Mary's church, Patshull (2) In the foreground and unrelated to the church is one of two large stone columns either side of the entrance gates to the Patshull Hall estate. On the top of each column, also in stone, are the crumbling remains of gamecocks, set up it is said by a gambling squire, to commemorate the fact that having lost the estate by one wager, won it back again with another.
St Mary's church, Patshull (2)
In the foreground and unrelated to the church is one of two large stone columns either side of the entrance gates to the Patshull Hall estate. On the top of each column, also in stone, are the crumbling remains of gamecocks, set up it is said by a gambling squire, to commemorate the fact that having lost the estate by one wager, won it back again with another.
St Mary's church, Patshull - Astley table-tomb and wall monument Pre-dating the church are these two monuments that have been grouped together. The oldest is the table-tomb of Sir John Astley (†1532) whose effigy lies alongside that of his wife, whilst below and around the sides are the figures of their 15 children. Above them is the magnificent and finely sculptured wall monument to Sir Richard Astley (†1687) and his two wives Elizabeth and Henrietta. The panel below shows Sir Richard on horseback leading his troop of cavalry.
St Mary's church, Patshull - Astley table-tomb and wall monument
Pre-dating the church are these two monuments that have been grouped together. The oldest is the table-tomb of Sir John Astley (†1532) whose effigy lies alongside that of his wife, whilst below and around the sides are the figures of their 15 children. Above them is the magnificent and finely sculptured wall monument to Sir Richard Astley (†1687) and his two wives Elizabeth and Henrietta. The panel below shows Sir Richard on horseback leading his troop of cavalry.
St Mary's church, Patshull - table-tomb of Sir John Astley & wife (detail 1)
St Mary's church, Patshull - table-tomb of Sir John Astley & wife (detail 1)
St Mary's church, Patshull - table-tomb of Sir John Astley & wife (detail 2)
St Mary's church, Patshull - table-tomb of Sir John Astley & wife (detail 2)
St Mary's church, Patshull - wall monument to Sir Richard Astley & wives (detail 1) Sir Richard Astley (†1687).
St Mary's church, Patshull - wall monument to Sir Richard Astley & wives (detail 1)
Sir Richard Astley (†1687).
St Mary's church, Patshull - wall monument to Sir Richard Astley & wives (detail 2) Henrietta Astley.
St Mary's church, Patshull - wall monument to Sir Richard Astley & wives (detail 2)
Henrietta Astley.
St Mary's church, Patshull - wall monument to Sir Richard Astley & wives (detail 3) Elizabeth Astley.
St Mary's church, Patshull - wall monument to Sir Richard Astley & wives (detail 3)
Elizabeth Astley.
OS benchmark - Bickley's Rough lodge house An OS cutmark on the corner nearest the camera in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2031425">SJ8100 : Lodge at Bickley's Rough</a>; originally levelled at 82.006m above Ordnance Datum Newlyn.
OS benchmark - Bickley's Rough lodge house
An OS cutmark on the corner nearest the camera in SJ8100 : Lodge at Bickley's Rough; originally levelled at 82.006m above Ordnance Datum Newlyn.
St. Mary, Patshull
St. Mary, Patshull
Patshull Hall - Burnhill Green, Nr Pattingham  A mid-18th century Baroque house, set in Capability Brown landscaped gardens.
Patshull Hall - Burnhill Green, Nr Pattingham
A mid-18th century Baroque house, set in Capability Brown landscaped gardens.
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The Decoy is located at Grid Ref: SJ7900 (Lat: 52.603551, Lng: -2.3001692)

Administrative County: Staffordshire

District: South Staffordshire

Police Authority: Staffordshire

What 3 Words

///rockets.eclipses.alone. Near Pattingham, Staffordshire

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