High Park

Downs, Moorland in Staffordshire South Staffordshire

England

High Park

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 Credit: Mike Searle

High Park, located in Staffordshire, is a scenic area known for its diverse landscapes of downs and moorland. Spanning approximately 500 acres, this natural gem offers a rich variety of flora and fauna, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike.

The downs of High Park are characterized by rolling hills and open grasslands, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. These expanses are home to a range of grasses and wildflowers, creating a vibrant and colorful tapestry during the warmer months.

In contrast, the moorland areas of High Park boast a more rugged and untamed beauty. Here, visitors can explore heather-clad hillsides and ancient woodlands, which are teeming with wildlife. The moorlands are particularly renowned for their bird population, with species such as curlews, lapwings, and red grouse commonly spotted.

High Park is also home to several walking trails, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the natural splendor of the area. These trails cater to all levels of fitness and offer a chance to observe the changing landscapes up close.

Furthermore, the park provides picnic areas and facilities for visitors to relax and enjoy the picturesque surroundings. The tranquil atmosphere of High Park makes it an ideal spot for families, couples, and individuals seeking a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Overall, High Park in Staffordshire is a haven for nature lovers, offering a captivating blend of downs and moorland that showcases the beauty of the British countryside.

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High Park Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.602421/-2.2733184 or Grid Reference SJ8100. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

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.

Mike Searle

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.

Mike Searle

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.

Mike Searle

St Mary's church, Patshull - table-tomb of Sir John Astley & wife (detail 1)

Mike Searle

St Mary's church, Patshull - table-tomb of Sir John Astley & wife (detail 2)

Mike Searle

St Mary's church, Patshull - wall monument to Sir Richard Astley & wives (detail 1)

Sir Richard Astley (†1687).

Mike Searle

St Mary's church, Patshull - wall monument to Sir Richard Astley & wives (detail 2)

Henrietta Astley.

Mike Searle

St Mary's church, Patshull - wall monument to Sir Richard Astley & wives (detail 3)

Elizabeth Astley.

Mike Searle

2014 Pattingham Bells cross country race

Emerging from The Beeches spinney, on a cool but bright October morning. The race started life 25 years ago to help raise money for the restoration of the Pattingham church bells, and having achieved that aim, is now a popular event on the local running scene. It's great fun, to boot.

Richard Law

2014 Pattingham Bells cross country race

Heading along a field-edge track beside Pattingham Lane. Funny how none of the fellas running suggested to the young lady in midshot that she should pull her leggings up a little... but sadly a sympathetic female runner eventually did.

Richard Law

2014 Pattingham Bells cross country race

Ascending a nasty little rise under the pylons behind Boningale; this is the 25th anniversary of the Pattingham Bells run, which started life as a fundraiser for the restoration of the bells in Pattingham church, and is now a firm favourite local race.

Richard Law

Runners coming into Hawks Well cottage garden

Part of the 2014 Pattingham Bells 7-mile cross country race; here, after a footpath section from Boningale, the route drops back into the woods of the Scotts Bank plantation behind me.

Richard Law