Birch Cross

Settlement in Staffordshire East Staffordshire

England

Birch Cross

Rebels Racing, Marchington Woodlands The rural setting of Marchington Woodlands is the unlikely setting for the headquarters of Rebels Racing who engage in &quot;oval racing&quot; - is this the same as &quot;stock car racing&quot; of my youth? <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.rebelsracing.com" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.rebelsracing.com">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> — Rebels Racing, Marchington Woodlands Credit: Oliver Dixon

Birch Cross is a small village located in Staffordshire, England. Situated near the town of Uttoxeter, Birch Cross is known for its picturesque countryside and charming rural atmosphere. The village is set amidst rolling hills and lush green fields, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The history of Birch Cross dates back several centuries, with evidence of human habitation in the area since ancient times. The village is named after a prominent birch tree that once stood at the crossroads, serving as a landmark for travelers. Although the original tree is no longer present, the name has endured.

Today, Birch Cross is a close-knit community with a small population. It features a few residential properties, a village hall, and a local pub, which serves as a social hub for residents and visitors alike. The pub offers a cozy atmosphere and traditional British pub fare.

The surrounding area offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. There are several walking and cycling paths that wind through the countryside, allowing visitors to enjoy the beautiful scenery and explore the nearby woodlands. Additionally, there are several fishing spots along the nearby rivers for those interested in angling.

Birch Cross is also conveniently located near Uttoxeter, where residents can find a wider range of amenities, including shops, supermarkets, and schools. The village benefits from its proximity to larger towns while maintaining its own tranquil and rural character.

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Birch Cross Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.872532/-1.817227 or Grid Reference SK1230. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Rebels Racing, Marchington Woodlands

The rural setting of Marchington Woodlands is the unlikely setting for the headquarters of Rebels Racing who engage in "oval racing" - is this the same as "stock car racing" of my youth? Link

Oliver Dixon

Dave Lawrence Haulage Contractors, Marchington Woodlands

Marchington Woodlands is the unlikely setting for Dave Lawrence Haulage Contractors, run from this country cottage. It is not certain whether there is a tie-up with Rebels Racing next door, but it seems likely.

Oliver Dixon

Milking time at Barnes Hill Farm

On the road between Marchington and Marchington Woodlands

Oliver Dixon

View south-east from Stock Lane, Birch Cross

Oliver Dixon

Marchington Industrial Estate

Looks as if it may have been sited on an old airfield

Oliver Dixon

St John's Church at Smithy Hill

It is not clear which of the surrounding hamlets this isolated church belongs to! It is simply signed as St John's Church at the junction of Hodge Lane with the B5017 at Birch Cross. Later addition - April 2008: Further information now indicates that this church is St.John's, Marchington Woodlands. It was built in 1858 at the instigation of the owner of the adjacent Smallwood Manor because of the distance to either of the nearest existing churches. After the Manor became a school, the church served effectively for many decades as the school chapel until a new school chapel was built. The parish is now closely linked to the parish of Marchington itself.

Alan Murray-Rust

St. John's church from Twenty Acres

Looking across East Staffordshire pasture land on a golden October afternoon.

Jonathan Billinger

St. John's church, Marchington Woodlands

Looking from the south. See SK1029 : St John's Church at Smithy Hill for an account of the church's history.

Jonathan Billinger

St. John's church, Marchington Woodlands; notice board

Note it declares "The Parish of..." not "The church of...".

Jonathan Billinger

St. John's church, Marchington Woodlands; graveyard

Neat rows of graves alongside the path to the church from the car park.

Jonathan Billinger

St. John's church, Marchington Woodlands; spire

Some intricate Victorian detail to be seen up above.

Jonathan Billinger

Fruit of the yew

Taxus baccata in St. John's churchyard. The seed cones are highly modified, each cone containing a single seed 4–7 millimetres (0.16–0.28 in) long partly surrounded by a modified scale which develops into a soft, bright red berry-like structure called an aril, 8–15 millimetres (0.31–0.59 in) long and wide and open at the end. The arils are mature 6-9 months after pollination, and with the seed contained are eaten by thrushes, waxwings and other birds, which disperse the hard seeds undamaged in their droppings; maturation of the arils is spread over 2-3 months, increasing the chances of successful seed dispersal. The seed itself is extremely poisonous and bitter. The aril is not poisonous, and is gelatinous and very sweet tasting. Ref Wiki.

Jonathan Billinger