Garden Plantation

Wood, Forest in Shropshire

England

Garden Plantation

Old Cottages, Malthouse Lane, Atcham These cottages were designed by the architect John Nash (1752-1835), who later did much work for the Prince Regent, who eventually became King George IV. The cottages probably date from the very start of the 19th century. There is an unusual ogee type bay window looking onto the lane. John Nash was responsible for several of the cottages in this tiny village. Originally a more elaborate development was planned, but that never happened.

In the distance can be seen a traditional red telephone kiosk, but whether that is working or merely ornamental, is unknown. — Old Cottages, Malthouse Lane, Atcham Credit: P L Chadwick

Garden Plantation is a picturesque woodland located in the heart of Shropshire, England. Spanning over several acres, this enchanting forest is renowned for its diverse range of plant life and is a haven for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike.

The plantation boasts an impressive array of native and exotic tree species, including oak, beech, pine, and cedar, which create a stunning canopy overhead. The forest floor is carpeted with a rich tapestry of wildflowers, ferns, and mosses, adding to the area's natural beauty.

Visitors to Garden Plantation can explore the numerous well-marked trails that wind their way through the woodland. These trails offer opportunities for leisurely strolls or more challenging hikes, catering to individuals of all fitness levels. Along the way, hikers may encounter various species of wildlife, including deer, squirrels, and a wide array of bird species.

For those seeking a tranquil retreat, Garden Plantation offers several secluded spots with benches and picnic areas, providing the perfect setting for relaxation and contemplation. The plantation also features a small stream that meanders through the forest, creating a soothing soundtrack of babbling water.

Garden Plantation is open to the public year-round and offers ample parking facilities and well-maintained amenities, including public toilets and information boards. It is important to note that the plantation operates on a "leave no trace" policy, encouraging visitors to respect the natural environment and take their waste with them.

Overall, Garden Plantation in Shropshire is a captivating woodland retreat, offering a vibrant display of flora and fauna, picturesque walking trails, and a peaceful ambiance that is sure to enchant all who visit.

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Garden Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.689099/-2.6707364 or Grid Reference SJ5410. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Old Cottages, Malthouse Lane, Atcham

These cottages were designed by the architect John Nash (1752-1835), who later did much work for the Prince Regent, who eventually became King George IV. The cottages probably date from the very start of the 19th century. There is an unusual ogee type bay window looking onto the lane. John Nash was responsible for several of the cottages in this tiny village. Originally a more elaborate development was planned, but that never happened. In the distance can be seen a traditional red telephone kiosk, but whether that is working or merely ornamental, is unknown.

P L Chadwick

Bus shelter on the B4380 road at Atcham

A sturdy brick built bus shelter, with tiled roof, and a seat inside. Located next to the car park of the Mytton & Mermaid Hotel.

P L Chadwick

Attingham Park entrance gateway, Atcham

This entrance gateway, set back from the B4380 road, was built much later than the house itself. It was erected in 1850, on the instructions of the 5th Lord Berwick. In 1947 Attingham was bequeathed, by the 8th Lord Berwick, to the National Trust.

P L Chadwick

The Mytton & Mermaid Hotel (1), Atcham

The hotel, which is a Grade II listed building, is flanked by the B4380 road, and the River Severn. It has an interesting history. Built in 1735, it was an inn known as the Talbot Arms, a name linked with the Earls of Shrewsbury. It was rebuilt in the coaching era, when it was a stopping point on the route to Holyhead and Ireland. In the 1830's it came under the same ownership as Attingham Park, and the name was changed to the Berwick Arms. In the 1860's, with the spread of the railways, coaching inns declined and the property was sold as a private house, and re-named Atcham House. In the 1930's it was purchased by the famous architect Sir Clough Williams Ellis, who developed the Italianate village of Portmeirion in North Wales. Sir Clough converted the building to a hotel, which took the name of The Mytton and Mermaid. Mytton was the name of the local squire who squandered his fortune, and the Mermaid came from the crest of the Portmeirion hotel. In the stableyard there is or was a metal sculpture of a mermaid by Ralph Ellis. The mermaid also used to be appear on the hotel's sign, but sadly she has been banished. SJ5409 : The Mytton & Mermaid Hotel (2) - hotel sign, Atcham.

P L Chadwick

The Mytton & Mermaid Hotel (2) - hotel sign, Atcham

This drab unappealing sign has replaced the amusing one which was here as recently as 2008. It is located at the edge of the hotel car park. Fortunately the previous sign was photographed in March of that year by Row17, and can be seen here:- SJ5409 : Sign of 'The Mytton & Mermaid' - a roadside inn. An original and imaginative interpretation of the hotel's name with Squire Mytton on his horse, and a mermaid popping up in his mug of beer! It shows the value of always taking a picture of any sign, when photographing hotels, pubs and inns. They change more often than one might expect, and are an interesting piece of social history. SJ5409 : The Mytton & Mermaid Hotel (1), Atcham.

P L Chadwick

Old Atcham Bridge

Disused bridge over the River Severn that used to carry the A5 road.

Roy Hughes

Gateway, Atcham

The grand entrance to Attingham Hall is surprisingly late, built only in 1862 to the designs of Charles Fowler (jr). It consists of five arches, the central, larger arch framed by Doric columns. Carved in the spandrels are a winged horse and a stag. A lodge lies behind each of the two outer arches. Grade II* listed.

Stephen Richards

Atcham Bridge, Atcham

Built in 1769-71 to the designs of John Gwynn, and, Pevsner notes, one of the most expensive mid-Georgian bridges in the county. It has seven arches, a central aedicule, and keystones with vermiculated rustication (as on the left) in Grinshill stone. Grade II* listed. In 1929 it was superseded by a modern, concrete bridge over the Severn.

Stephen Richards

Hotel, Atcham

A substantial Georgian building of seven bays and three storeys with a pedimented Doric doorcase. Lying on the London-Holyhead road, it was built c1775 as the Talbot Hotel, and is now the Mytton and Mermaid. Grade II listed.

Stephen Richards

River Severn, Atcham

With part of the balustrade of the 1929 bridge in the foreground.

Stephen Richards

Lodge and gates near Atcham

At the entrance to Longner Hall. Designed by Humphrey Repton, best known for his landscape design, in 1813. Gothic-Tudor, with dripmoulds, battlements and polygonal chimneystacks. The left gate pier has an ogee cap, the other seems to have gone astray. Grade II listed.

Stephen Richards

Lodge near Norton

Formerly Tern Lodge of Attingham Hall, but no longer used as such. Built c1799, probably to the designs of John Nash. It's hexagonal, with an arched porch. Pevsner comments that it is "a paradigm of the Neoclassical gate lodge in its crystalline austerity." Grade II* listed.

Stephen Richards

Tern Bridge near Atcham

Described by Pevsner as "uncommonly beautiful", it is also uncommonly difficult to photograph, at least from the road it carries over the River Tern. It was built by William Hayward in 1777-80, with just a single arch, rusticated voussoirs and pairs of Tuscan columns at each end with blocked rustication. Grade II* listed. A view from the river: SJ5509 : B5061 Road Bridge from the River Tern.

Stephen Richards