Ashford Covert

Wood, Forest in Shropshire

England

Ashford Covert

Canoe tour, River Teme Certain cunning is required to operate in a country with archaic laws forbidding all sorts of activities that would be normal elsewhere (which is why I refuse to live in England). A previous landowner here had to fight off constant requests from other landowners to close the river. This was firmly resisted here as it was claimed that you could not own the flowing water.
There used to be a lot of traffic on the river but as access points to the river were blocked off (poor parking was a common complaint), this has become a rare sight. Even more unusual, as the water levels were very low. Lots of lining required I should imagine. — Canoe tour, River Teme Credit: Richard Webb

Ashford Covert is a picturesque woodland located in Shropshire, a county in the West Midlands region of England. Situated near the village of Ashford Bowdler, this forested area covers approximately 100 acres of land, offering visitors a peaceful and natural escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

The woodland is characterized by its diverse range of trees, including oak, beech, birch, and pine, creating a rich and vibrant ecosystem. Ashford Covert is particularly renowned for its ancient oak trees, some of which are estimated to be several hundred years old, providing an enchanting and timeless atmosphere. The forest floor is carpeted with a variety of flora, such as bluebells, wild garlic, and ferns, adding to the area's beauty and biodiversity.

The woodland is crisscrossed with a network of well-maintained footpaths, allowing visitors to explore its natural wonders. These trails vary in length and difficulty, catering to both casual strollers and more adventurous hikers. The paths meander through the forest, leading visitors to tranquil glades, babbling brooks, and hidden ponds, providing ample opportunities for wildlife spotting and birdwatching.

Ashford Covert is a haven for wildlife, with an array of animals and birds calling it home. Deer, foxes, badgers, and rabbits can often be spotted among the trees, while bird enthusiasts may catch glimpses of woodpeckers, owls, and various songbirds.

Overall, Ashford Covert offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. With its ancient trees, diverse wildlife, and serene atmosphere, this woodland is a true gem for nature lovers and those seeking a tranquil retreat in the heart of Shropshire.

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Ashford Covert Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.331091/-2.7160956 or Grid Reference SO5170. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Canoe tour, River Teme

Certain cunning is required to operate in a country with archaic laws forbidding all sorts of activities that would be normal elsewhere (which is why I refuse to live in England). A previous landowner here had to fight off constant requests from other landowners to close the river. This was firmly resisted here as it was claimed that you could not own the flowing water. There used to be a lot of traffic on the river but as access points to the river were blocked off (poor parking was a common complaint), this has become a rare sight. Even more unusual, as the water levels were very low. Lots of lining required I should imagine.

Richard Webb

Woofferton Loop

Viewed from the minor road overbridge this is looking towards Hereford on the Marches line from Newport to Shrewsbury. The signalbox can be seen in the distance and this is one of the passing loops on this line.

roger geach

River Teme, The Ashfords

Looking upstream from within the water. The banks have been fenced off to prevent grazing or erosion by cattle. This is a major change and improvement in the management of the river.

Richard Webb

River Teme

Chub in shallow water on a sunny morning. They were taking the odd gulp of air to supplement the lower oxygen levels in the warmer water.

Richard Webb

River Teme, The Ashfords

Downstream view with normal Summer water levels.

Richard Webb

Weir, Barretts Mill

The ever decaying weir which was damaged by a collision with a tree in the 18th century and has been steadily collapsing ever since.

Richard Webb

Crowded skies

Sometime ago the air traffic lanes changed. Now a lot of transatlantic traffic passes over South Wales and Hereford. A morning view showing lots of contrails over Herefordshire and the Black Mountains. The River Teme is in the foreground.

Richard Webb

River Teme

An upstream view along one of the quieter stretches.

Richard Webb

River Teme

The river is always a green shade in Summer (unless its 2007 and flooding). The colour goes well with the electric hues of damsel flies. The dead tree is popular with another show off - kingfishers.

Richard Webb

A49 south entering Woofferton

Woofferton House is straight ahead

John Firth

Alder coppicing

Alder trees alongside the Teme are being cut back. This is part of the SSSI management, coppicing prevents large trees toppling into the river which can cause some spectacular erosion.

Richard Webb

River Teme by Barratt's Mill

Downstream of the ruined weir. Taken shortly before the trees were coppiced.

Richard Webb

River Teme, Barratt's Mill

There is a small wooded island here, just downstream of the weir.

Richard Webb

Exposed sandstone

You will see rock like this over in the Black Mountains, but it is rarely exposed on the plain. The sandstone alternates between a hard rock and then layers of crumbly marl. This makes the river rather dangerous as there are flat slabs of sandstone under the water which are then undercut, providing a place where currents can pin a body. This has been the cause of several drownings locally. The river was once deeper here as the photograph was taken from a weir. The weir was breached c. 1880 by a tree in a flood.

Richard Webb