Ashby Woulds

Civil Parish in Leicestershire North West Leicestershire

England

Ashby Woulds

Restored Milestone, Ashby Canal A modern representation of the mile peg that would have existed. This section of the canal has been restored and partly modified and truncated (by a mile) . It would have served the collieries in Donisthorpe &amp; Moira. The mileage represents the original end to the canal - see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/343576">SK3114 : Wrong!</a>.

Inscription: 28 / 2

Milestone Society National ID: ASH-28 — Restored Milestone, Ashby Canal Credit: Mr Red

Ashby Woulds is a civil parish located in the northwestern part of Leicestershire, England. It covers an area of approximately 16.7 square kilometers and is situated within the National Forest. The parish is named after the nearby town of Ashby-de-la-Zouch and the former coal mining area known as "The Woulds."

Ashby Woulds is a rural area with a population of around 1,500 residents. The landscape is characterized by a mix of woodlands, farmlands, and open spaces, providing a peaceful and picturesque setting. The National Forest, which is a large-scale environmental regeneration project, has made a significant impact on the area, creating new woodlands and enhancing biodiversity.

The parish has a rich history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the Neolithic period. It was predominantly an agricultural area until the 19th century when the discovery of coal led to the establishment of collieries and the growth of mining communities. The decline of the coal industry in the mid-20th century resulted in the closure of the collieries, but the heritage of the mining era can still be seen in some of the buildings and landmarks.

Ashby Woulds offers a range of amenities and facilities for its residents, including a primary school, a village hall, and various recreational areas. The nearby town of Ashby-de-la-Zouch provides additional services and amenities, such as shops, restaurants, and healthcare facilities. The parish is well-connected, with good road links to nearby towns and cities, including Burton upon Trent and Leicester. Overall, Ashby Woulds offers a tranquil rural lifestyle with access to essential amenities and the natural beauty of the National Forest.

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Ashby Woulds Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.745045/-1.535516 or Grid Reference SK3116. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Restored Milestone, Ashby Canal

A modern representation of the mile peg that would have existed. This section of the canal has been restored and partly modified and truncated (by a mile) . It would have served the collieries in Donisthorpe & Moira. The mileage represents the original end to the canal - see SK3114 : Wrong!. Inscription: 28 / 2 Milestone Society National ID: ASH-28

Mr Red

Ashby Canal, Bath Yard Basin

In the modern canal basin in Moira. This is the current terminus of the Ashby Canal, a land-locked section at the top end. Inscription: Donisthorpe // Moira Furness Milestone Society National ID: LE_SK3115BCAN

Mr Red

Ashby Canal, Fingerpost

At Moira Lock, where the canal passes under Shortheath Road. Inscription: Ashby Canal // Moira Furness / Donisthorpe // Conkers Waterside / Bath Yard Basin Milestone Society National ID: LE_SK3115CAN

Mr Red

Ashby Canal, Fingerpost

Near Moira Furness. During a Folk Festival. Inscription: Ashby Canal // Donisthorpe // Moira Lock // Conkers Waterside / Bath Yard Basin Milestone Society National ID: LE_SK3115ACAN

Mr Red

Measham Road, Moira

The road between Donisthorpe (Measham) and Moira. The road in this view extends beyond the double mini-roundabouts in Moira, along Rawdon Road and under the railway bridge.

Oliver Mills

Albert Village War Memorial

Originally unveiled in 1919, the white stone tablets are inscribed with the names of the dead from World War 1 and World War 2

Ian Calderwood

Remains of a former railway bridge

This is where the Midland Railway Swadlincote and Woodville Extension used to cross Occupation Lane.

Ian Calderwood

Footbridge on the path to Occupation Lane

An old field path off Mushroom Lane that has survived the many changes to the former farmland that it runs through.

Ian Calderwood

An entrance to the Pick Triangle

Pick Triangle Wood is part of the National Forest, planted on a triangle of land reclaimed after coal and clay extraction.

Ian Calderwood

Feanedock Covert

The mature trees of the original Feanedock Covert have been here since at least the late 19th century. Much more recently, it has been added to with newly planted woodlands, as well as meadows and wetlands, as part of the National Forest.

Ian Calderwood

Land reclamation at Donington Quarry

Meadowland, tree-planting and a lake have replaced the moonscape left by the former Donington Quarry.

Ian Calderwood

Landscaped water channel at Donington Quarry

Part of the restoration work underway at the former Donington Quarry

Ian Calderwood

Shell Brook

Shell Brook runs along the edge of a small playing field, off Main Street. At the time of my visit, the channel had recently been dredged to remove mud and debris.

Ian Calderwood

Moira Road, approaching Ashby-de-la-Zouch

A relatively featureless road, aside from a sparse distribution of farmhouses along its length. The surrounding countryside is very attractive, however, and there are multiple access points onto public rights of way and open-access woodland areas.

Oliver Mills

Ashby-de-la-Zouch, viewed from Norris Hill

The view of Ashby-de-la-Zouch from Moira/Norris Hill does not include any of the expected landmarks (Castle, St. Helen's, Loundoun Monument, Market Hall, etc.), but residential developments constructed in the last five years. Most distant prospects of the town are very much the same.

Oliver Mills

Residential protests at Norris Hill

The term "Willow Withies" seemed confusing at the time, but a brief research revealed it to be a proposed retirement village in the greenfield land opposite. Given that the development will appear as a large apartment block in the middle of the countryside, concern would seem understandable.

Oliver Mills

The Heart of the National Forest

Presumably this claim represents the tree being located in the geographical centre of the National forest region. The plaque, stating the above, is dated 1992. Located on the junction between Ashby Road and Willesley Woodside, on the outskirts of Moira.

Oliver Mills

Sweethill Lodge Farm, Moira

A very distinctive feature of this area, with few properties being of this age; it is not often that such stocky, robust and old-fashioned farmhouses are encountered today. The farm was the object of a substantial planning application, whereupon the farmland would be developed into housing and the farmhouse restored into a high-end property. This has not seen progress in the last seven years, so a farm it remains... probably for the better.

Oliver Mills

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Ashby Woulds is located at Grid Ref: SK3116 (Lat: 52.745045, Lng: -1.535516)

Administrative County: Leicestershire

District: North West Leicestershire

Police Authority: Leicestershire