Actonlea Coppice

Wood, Forest in Shropshire

England

Actonlea Coppice

Field Near Preston Brockhurst Credit: Richard Cooke

Actonlea Coppice is a serene wood located in the picturesque county of Shropshire, England. Nestled within the rolling countryside, this forested area offers a tranquil escape for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Covering an expansive area of approximately 50 acres, Actonlea Coppice boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna. The wood is primarily composed of native deciduous trees such as oak, beech, and ash, which create a stunning canopy during the summer months. The forest floor is adorned with a carpet of bluebells in the spring, adding a splash of color to the landscape.

The wood is crisscrossed by a network of well-maintained trails, making it easily accessible for walkers, hikers, and cyclists. These paths wind their way through the woodland, leading visitors to discover hidden glades, babbling brooks, and charming wildlife habitats.

Actonlea Coppice is home to an abundance of wildlife, offering a haven for many species. Birdwatchers will delight in the opportunity to spot a variety of woodland birds, including woodpeckers, owls, and thrushes. The wood is also inhabited by mammals such as deer, foxes, and badgers, which can occasionally be spotted during early morning or dusk.

For those seeking a peaceful retreat, Actonlea Coppice provides several picnic areas and benches where visitors can relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. The tranquility of the wood is enhanced by the absence of vehicular access, ensuring a peaceful and undisturbed experience.

Actonlea Coppice is a hidden gem in the heart of Shropshire, offering a truly enchanting experience for nature enthusiasts and anyone seeking solace in the beauty of the British countryside.

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Actonlea Coppice Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.805689/-2.6765796 or Grid Reference SJ5423. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Field Near Preston Brockhurst

Richard Cooke

Small lay-by by A49 with warning sign

The yellow sign warns that the area is part of an "Operation Snap" campaign, where motorists can submit dash-cam evidence of bad driving. The A49 here is straight, without many side roads.

David Smith

A49 south of Grinshill

The wood ahead is Boarpit Rough, the southern edge of the estate of Acton Reynald

David Smith

A49 south of Grinshill

The road is bounded on the right by a modern wall, the edge of the Acton Reynald estate

David Smith

Wide verge by A49 east of Grinshill

The A49 is a major road that runs for 158 miles from Bamber Bridge, near Preston, to Ross-on-Wye. The section north of Warrington is mostly a non-primary road for local traffic, having been largely superseded by the M6 motorway. South of Warrington, the route traverses the Welsh Marches region Link

, following the hills along the English/Welsh borders although it never actually enters Wales; usually running around ten miles away from the border as it winds its way through Cheshire, Shropshire and Herefordshire although it comes within a couple of miles near Whitchurch. The road is all primary but mainly single carriageway, which means that traffic queues sometimes build up behind tractors or slow-moving goods vehicles. The stretch between the A5 at Shrewsbury and Ross-on-Wye is a trunk road, maintained by the national Highways England. Link

SABRE

David Smith

Entrance gateway to Preston Hall

The hall SJ5324 : Preston Hall dates from 1652 with few later alterations; it is claimed that the stone for the hall came from quarries on the estate, which may apply to the gateway as well

David Smith

Information board at Moreton Corbet Castle

A castle was first built here in about 1100 by the Torets, it passed by marriage after 1239 into the hands of the Corbets, who gave their name to the village. The first castle buildings were probably built of timber, from about 1200 these were replaced by stone. In the 16th century the castle was remodelled in two phases. Sir Andrew Corbet erected a two-storey range between the medieval great tower and gatehouse, also building a new east range, which was later partly dismantled. Sir Andrew died in 1578, and his eldest son Robert inherited the castle and began building the grand south range. Robert died of the plague in 1583 and his brothers Richard and Vincent inherited the castle and completed the south range. During the Civil War Sir Vincent Corbet, who died in 1656, fought for the king and the house was damaged, the buildings were later repaired and reoccupied. In the 18th century the castle was abandoned and it soon became roofless. The Corbet family still owns the castle today, although the site is managed by English Heritage.

Mat Fascione

The ruins of Moreton Corbet Castle

On the left is the ruined Great Tower which dates to about 1200. On the right is the south range of the Elizabethan mansion, which dates to about 1580.

Mat Fascione