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Wild Places in Shropshire If you would like to explore further afield in the area, the walks listed below by the Shropshire Wildlife Trust might be of interest. Click on the numbered places to go to the relevant section. The variety of Shropshire's wildlife habitats is reflected in its nature reserves. Some are significant landscape features from the mosses and meres of the north to the hills of the south and west. Others are more discreet and have to be searched for in this extensive inland county. As a member of the Shropshire Wildlife Trust I have been introduced to this hidden wealth of Shropshire on visits to the reserves. There one can take a nostalgic glimpse into earlier times when land management was less intensive. In other places there was more management. Many woodlands have deteriorated since coppicing ceased and much common-land has reverted to scrub now that commoners no longer take advantage of grazing rights. This traditional management is maintained on many of the nature reserves. Above all these Wild Places are by definition havens for the native plants and animals which enrich this lovely county. They are places to be enjoyed by all who love our countryside from the rambler who likes being out-of-doors to the expert naturalist who researches a specialist subject. Access to these fascinating parts of Shropshire is now available to the reader of this guide. Andrew Jenkinson has an undisputed knowledge of the county and through his "brief pen-portraits" of each site he has produced a practical guide to enable many more to enjoy the varied habitats of Shropshire which have given me so much interest and enjoyment. Paul Bell - President, Shropshire Wildlife Trust The sites are organised with Site Name, Site Manager, a brief description, Access and Parking details. Useful telephone details can be found at the foot of the page. 1. Craig Sychtyn (Shropshire Wildlife Trust) 2.4 hectares of ancient mixed woodland beneath a limestone cliff. ACCESS: Freely available on a public footpath. Steep approach, good underfoot on main path. PARKING: None right by the reserve. Park considerately in nearby lanes. MAP REFS: LR 126; PF 847. Grid Ref: SJ 233255 Back to the Map. 2. Jones' Rough (Shropshire Wildlife Trust) 3.3 hectares of woodland on limestone with scree and more open sites. ACCESS: Freely available on public footpaths. Clear but steep through the reserve. PARKING: Easiest on the laneside near Nantmawr quarry about 500m from the reserve. MAP REFS: LR 126; PF 847. Grid Ref: SJ 247247 Back to the Map. 3. Dolgoch Quarry (Shropshire Wildlife Trust) A small, disused limestone quarry and area of woodland totalling 2.0 hectares. ACCESS: Permissive access on the main approach path. There is no public right of way. Path can get rather overgrown and wet through wood. PARKING: In lay-by on S side of A495 400m, west of Llynclys cross-roads. MAP REFS: LR 126; PF 847. Grid Ref: SJ 276244 Back to the Map. 4. Sweeney Fen (Shropshire Wildlife Trust) A small (1.2ha) but valuable fen and adjacent grazed field, harbouring plants lost from drained and improved farmland. ACCESS: West side of tile site hounded by a public footpath; but access onto the fen is by permit only from Shropshire Wildlife Trust. PARKING: On the laneside. MAP REFS: LR 126; PF 847. Grid Ref: SJ 275251 Back to the Map. 5. Llynclys Hill (Shropshire Wildlife Trust) 41 hectares of common; once grazed giving a sward of limestone grassland, now reverting to scrub and woodland. ACCESS: Freely accessible commonland served by a network of tracks and public footpaths. PARKING: In the layby on S side of A495, 400m west of Llynclys cross-roads. MAP REFS: LR 126; PF 847. Grid Ref: SJ 275239 Back to the Map. 6. Llanymynech Rocks (Shropshire Wildlife Trust) 9 hectares of abandoned limestone quarry workings in massive Carboniferous Limestone, giving a range of habitats from vertical cliffs through grassy quarry floor to scrub and woodland. ACCESS: Freely accessible on public footpaths that run through the site. PARKING: In the small car park at the end of the approach lane off A483. MAP REFS: LR 126; PF 847. Grid Ref: SJ 265220 Back to the Map. 7. Pentre Wood (Shropshire Wildlife Trust) 6 hectares of steeply sloping scrub and wood on the south bank of the River Ceiriog. ACCESS: Two public footpaths go through the site, not for the less agile. PARKING: Not easy. Choose a safe spot in nearby lanes. MAP REFS: LR 126; PF 827. Grid Ref: SJ 272371 Back to the Map. 8. Plantation Wood (Shropshire Wildlife Trust - Ellesmere Branch) An attractive small area of broadleaved woodland with an interesting ground flora on a sandy sloping site. ACCESS: Permissive access to all along a number of well marked tracks and paths. PARKING: Use the County Council's Castle Field car park to the south west of the A495 opposite the Mere when it is open. MAP REFS: LR 126; PF 828. Grid Ref: SJ 406344 Back to the Map. 9. The Mere, Ellesmere (Shropshire County Council) 46.5 hectares of open water, with a small wooded island housing a heronry and surrounding gardens and fields. ACCESS: Freely accessible to all on the south and west sides. PARKING: Short term parking on roadside (A528) overlooking the water. Large car park and picnic area for longer stays to south of main road. MAP REFS: LR 126; PF 828. Grid Ref: SJ 403348 Back to the Map. 10. Cole Mere Country Park (Shropshire County Council) Second largest of the Shropshire meres; 40 ha of water surrounded by woodland and pasture. ACCESS: Free public access, with a circular footpath all the way round the mere. PARKING: Public car park at the south side of the mere, with adjacent picnic area and toilets. MAP REFS: LR 126; PF 828. Grid Ref: SJ 435328 Back to the Map. 11. Whixall Moss (English Nature) The least altered part of the extensive raised bog that straddles the north Shropshire/Clwyd border. ACCESS: Public access is restricted at the time of writing to those who obtain permits for scientific work. Apply to English Nature, Manor House, Moss Lane, Whixall, Whitchurch, Shropshire SY13 2PD. PARKING: Limited parking available by Morris's Bridge over the canal on the track from Whixall. MAP REFS: LR 126; PF 828. Grid Ref: SJ 494395 Back to the Map. 12. Wem Moss (Shropshire Wildlife Trust) 28.4 hectares of lowland raised bog, retaining all the natural features of this increasingly scarce habitat. ACCESS: A public footpath skirts the site, reached by foot along a track from Northwood; but access onto the Moss is by permit only from Shropshire Wildlife Trust. PARKING: There is very limited car parking space on the roadside around Northwood village. Do not take cars up any of the tracks which lead towards the Moss. MAP REFS: LR 126; PF 828. Grid Ref: SJ 473342 Back to the Map. 13. Prees Branch Canal (Shropshire Wildlife Trust) A botanically rich length of disused canal totalling 2.4 hectares. ACCESS: Freely accessible to all along the old towpath on the west bank. PARKING: Space for a few cars at Waterloo Bridge. Do not use the car park at Whixall Marina, which is for Marina occupants only and is the wrong side of the canal. MAP REFS: LR 126; PF 828. Grid Ref: SJ 497335 Back to the Map. 14. Steel Heath (Shropshire Wildlife Trust) A 6 hectare remnant of the once typical north Shropshire heaths commonland on the poorest soils. ACCESS: Freely accessible to all, but no clear paths at present. PARKING: In a small lay-by to the north of the cross-roads. MAP REFS: LR 126; PF 828. Grid Ref: SJ 543365 Back to the Map. 15. Brown Moss (Shropshire County Council) A mixture of pools, marsh, heathland and woods, preserving a wildlife oasis in the heart of intensively farmed countryside. ACCESS: Freely accessible to all. Managed as a Nature Reserve and countryside recreation area by Shropshire County Council. PARKING: Please use the ample designated parking areas. MAP REFS: LR 126; PF 828. Grid Ref: SJ 563393 Back to the Map. 16. Ruewood Pasture (Shropshire Wildlife Trust) 2.6 hectares of unimproved wet meadow adjacent to the River Roden. ACCESS: Private land but made freely available by SWT who own it. Level but uneven, no paths. PARKING: Pull off the road into gateway. MAP REFS: LR 126; PF 848. Grid Ref: SJ 496279 Back to the Map. 17. Corbet Wood, Grinshill (Shropshire County Council) Woodland, including a fine Scots pine wood, around disused building stone quarries; extending out onto the summit of Grinshill. ACCESS: The County Council land is freely accessible to all; but do not stray into the working quarry area. PARKING: Follow signs to the main car park. Do not use other tracks or lanes on the hill. MAP REFS: LR 126; PF 848. Grid Ref: SJ 525237 Back to the Map. 18. Merrington Green (Shropshire Wildlife Trust) 10.1 hectares of relic common land, still reasonably open but being invaded by scrub. ACCESS: Unenclosed common land freely accessible to all. Hard surfaced trail for wheelchairs. PARKING: Car park provided at west end of site. MAP REFS: LR 126; PF 848. Grid Ref: SJ 464209 Back to the Map. 19. Walkmill Marsh (Shropshire Wildlife Trust - Market Drayton Branch) 3.2 hectares of wet riverside ground; unkempt, but an excellent nature reserve. ACCESS: Freely accessible at all times by permissive agreement but not a public open space. PARKING: In lane alongside the reserve. MAP REFS: LR 127; PF 829. Grid Ref: SJ 672334 Back to the Map. 20. Quarry Wood (Shropshire Wildlife Trust) 2.8 hectares of wood, in and around an old sandstone quarry, dominated by rhododendron scrub. ACCESS: Freely accessible to all by permissive agreement. No public path. PARKING: In a lay-by opposite the entrance; turning down road to Hungryhatton off A41, a mile north of Hinstock village. MAP REFS: LR 127; PF 849. Grid Ref: SJ 685272 Back to the Map. 21. Granville Country Park (Wrekin District Council) A diffuse and extensive area of reclaimed industrial land including colliery waste mounds, old canal and iron works sites. ACCESS: Freely accessible to all along a comprehensive system of paths and bridleways. PARKING: Three car parks serve different parts of the park. MAP REFS: LR 127; PF 870. Grid Ref: SJ 720125 Back to the Map. 22. Telford Town Park (Wrekin District Council) An excellent example of how wildlife can be brought back to an area of urban desolation. ACCESS: Freely accessible to all. PARKING: Ample car parking at various points all around the park. MAP REFS: LR 127; PF 890. Grid Ref: SJ 695072 Back to the Map. 23. Loamhole Dingle (Severn Gorge Countryside Trust) A wooded valley and stream cut deeply into the Coal Measures rocks at the head of Coalbrookdale. ACCESS: Freely available to all on the main path and boardwalk. Wet and slippery elsewhere. PARKING: Roadside or short walk from Museum of Iron if you are visiting there too. MAP REFS: LR 127; PF 890. Grid Ref: SJ 667049 Back to the Map. 24. Benthall Edge (Severn Gorge Countryside Trust) Dense broadleaved woodland on steep south bank of the Severn gorge; part ancient, part recolonisation over mined and quarried ground. ACCESS: Freely accessible by several public footpaths and permissive trails. PARKING: In the car park at south end of the Iron Bridge. MAP REFS: LR 127; PF 890. Grid Ref: SJ 671033 Back to the Map. 25. Ercall Wood (Shropshire County Council) Ancient oakwood blanketing the steep slopes of this prominent hill which is a northern extension to the Wrekin access. ACCESS: Freely accessible at all times. PARKING: Car parking areas off Wrekin Lane below the west flank of the hill. MAP REFS: LR 127; PF 870. Grid Ref: SJ 644102 Back to the Map. 26. Rea Brook Valley, Shrewsbury (Shrewsbury & Atcham Borough Council) Pastures, flood meadows and scrub-land along the valley of the Rea Brook from Meole Brace to Abbey Foregate. ACCESS: Freely available on public rights of way and permissive paths. PARKING: Abbey Foregate car park. MAP REFS: LR 126; PF 869. Grid Ref: SJ 503112 Back to the Map. 27. Earl's Hill (Shropshire Wildlife Trust) A steep sided hill on the northern margin of upland Shropshire, with open grass summit, wooded flanks, scree slopes and crags and old streamside meadows; ancient woodland to east; totalling 42.5 hectares. ACCESS: Freely available on public rights of way. PARKING: Limited parking space up lane by track to reserve but do not obstruct Forestry Commission loading bay entrance. MAP REFS: LR 126; PF 889. Grid Ref: SJ 409048 Back to the Map. 28. Poles Coppice (Shropshire Wildlife Trust) An area of mixed interest comprising ancient woodland and disused stone quarries. Good for birds and wild flowers. ACCESS: Freely accessible to all by public rights of way and permissive paths. PARKING: Car parks on the north and south sides. Polesgate to the north at the very end of the lane up Pontesbury Hill from the village. Callow Lane car park to the south off Minsterley to Habberley road. MAP REFS: LR 126; PF 888. Grid Ref: SJ 393048 Back to the Map. 29. The Stiperstones (English Nature) A large National Nature Reserve covering the moorland summit ridge and surrounding marginal land of the Stiperstones. ACCESS: Freely accessible to all on public footpaths from various points around the hill. PARKING: The official car park is at the southern end of the hill. MAP REFS: LR 126/137; PF 888/909. Grid Ref: SO 369976 Back to the Map. 30. Betton Dingle (Shropshire Wildlife Trust) 2.4 hectares of narrow steep sided wooded dingle on both banks of the Lyde Brook, designated as a 'wilderness' reserve. ACCESS: The only permitted access is along a public right of way which follows the western boundary fence. PARKING: Very limited in nearby lanes. MAP REFS: LR 126; PF 888. Grid Ref: SJ 317020 Back to the Map. 31. Hope Valley (Shropshire Wildlife Trust) A long thin strip of mostly coniferous woodland amounting to 17 hectares on the steep slope above the A488, with important geological exposures. ACCESS: Public access permitted; northern end traversed by public footpaths. Few paths within the reserve and very dense woodland on steep loose slopes makes access difficult. PARKING: Small car park at north end. MAP REFS: LR 126; PF 888. Grid Ref: SJ 350017 Back to the Map. 32. Tasker Quarry (Shropshire Wildlife Trust) Small (0.2ha) roadside quarry in Ordovician shales and volcanic rocks, of special geological interest but also good for mosses and liverworts. ACCESS: Permissive access. PARKING: Turn into side road on east of A488 and just south of the quarry, signed Nind. MAP REFS: LR 137; PF 909. Grid Ref: SO 326956 Back to the Map. 33. The Long Mynd (National Trust) 2000 hectares of moorland plateau deeply dissected by distinctive series of hill streams. ACCESS: Freely available to all. Car parking charge in Cardingmill Valley to those who are not NT members. PARKING: In Cardingmill Valley (Church Stretton), Batch Valley (All Stretton) and several roadside parking areas on the summit. MAP REFS: LR 137; PF 910. Grid Ref: SO 430940 Back to the Map. 34. Old Rectory Wood (Shropshire County Council) Attractive mixed woodland displaying a remarkable variety of broad leaved trees on the eastern flank of the Long Mynd. ACCESS: Freely accessible by paths from Church Stretton town or the Long Mynd hill. PARKING: Easiest in Church Stretton at the main car park in the town centre. MAP REFS: LR 137; PF 970. Grid Ref: SO 451937 Back to the Map. 35. Helmeth Wood (Shropshire Wildlife Trust) 10 hectares of prominent wooded hill, mostly oak, with a good bird population. ACCESS: Permissive paths created to open the wood to the public. PARKING: Nearest road access is about 800m in any direction, and roadside parking is not plentiful. Ideally walk from Church Stretton. MAP REFS: LR 137; PF 910. Grid Ref: SO 468938 Back to the Map. 36. Comley Quarry (Shropshire Wildlife Trust) Small (0.1ha) quarry of very special geological significance for the fossils discovered here in the past. ACCESS: Freely open onto road. PARKING: Limited parking in quarry entrance or at nearby junction of lanes. MAP REFS: LR 137; PF 910. Grid Ref: SO 484965 Back to the Map. 37. Bushmoor Coppice (Shropshire Wildlife Trust) 2.4 hectares of mixed scrub and woodland, surrounded by arable agriculture. ACCESS: Freely open to all but approached across private land by a permissive path. PARKING: On the roadside, considerately, in the hamlet of Bushmoor. MAP REFS: LR 137; PF 931. Grid Ref: SO 430879 Back to the Map. 38. Sallow Coppice (Forestry Enterprise) Broadleaved woodland on a steep scarp slope with a wide variety of tree species and interesting ground flora. ACCESS: Crossed by public footpaths and with additional forest rides. PARKING: Rather restricted in roadside lay-by or approach drive. MAP REFS: LR 137; PF 931. Grid Ref: SO 420820 Back to the Map. 39. Hopesay Hill (National Trust) 53 hectares of hill pasture; formerly open common land and still retaining that character in the midst of changing upland agriculture. ACCESS: Freely accessible to all; crossed by public footpaths. PARKING: Limited roadside parking on Long Lane to north of the hill or in Hopesay village. MAP REFS: LR 137; PF 930/931. Grid Ref: SO 401838 Back to the Map. 40. Clunton Coppice (Shropshire Wildlife Trust) Significantly large (22.6 hectare) remnant of broadleaved coppice woodland on the steep south flank of the Clun Valley. ACCESS: Freely available permissive access along woodland paths. PARKING: Small lay-by in old quarry entrance near centre of wood. MAP REFS: LR 137; PF 930. Grid Ref: SO 343806 Back to the Map. 41. Edge Wood (Anne Dyer) 10 hectares of mixed woodland on the crest of Wenlock Edge, showing the possibilities for protecting wildlife within a commercial wood. ACCESS: Free access by public and permissive paths; though occasional restrictions might be imposed when forestry work is in progress. Group or winter visitors should contact Anne Dyer at Westhope College on 01584 861293. PARKING: Car park opposite the reserve entrance. MAP REFS: LR 137; PF 931. Grid Ref: SO 476876 Back to the Map. 42. Wenlock Edge (National Trust) Wooded limestone escarpment and major feature of the Shropshire hills. Almost 10km length protected through ownership by the National Trust. ACCESS: Free access by public and permissive paths. PARKING: Car parks outside Much Wenlock and at Presthope on B4371. Also a number of roadside lay-bys. MAP REFS: LR 138/127; PF 910/911/890. Grid Ref: SO 572966 Back to the Map. 43. Chelmarsh Reservoir (Shropshire Wildlife Trust) Reservoir, marsh and scrape making a staging post for migrating waders, water fowl and sea birds in spring and autumn. ACCESS: Public bridleway past site but access off this is strictly limited to members of Shropshire Wildlife Trust and Shropshire Ornithological Society. PARKING: Fisherman's car park at south end of reservoir. MAP REFS: LR 138; PF 932. Grid Ref: SO 725881 Back to the Map. 44. Severn Valley Country Park (Bridgnorth District & Shropshire County Councils) 64 hectares of mixed meadow, wood and scrub, much of it created on reclaimed derelict colliery workings; bisected by the River Severn. ACCESS: Freely available to all on network of paths, some surfaced and smooth enough for wheelchair use. PARKING: Ample car parks on both the Alveley and Highley sides of the river. MAP REFS: LR 138; PF 932. Grid Ref: SO 755838 Back to the Map. 45. Knowle Wood (Shropshire Wildlife Trust) 2.3 hectares of very dense woodland in an old limestone quarry. ACCESS: Permissive access, but at present the footpath penetrates only a short way into the wood. PARKING: Difficult. Room for one car on roadside by gate but do not obstruct house drive. MAP REFS: LR 138; PF 951. Grid Ref: SO 597736 Back to the Map. 46. Cramer Gutter (Shropshire Wildlife Trust) 4.1 hectares of unimproved damp pasture sloping down to a brook. ACCESS: Freely accessible by two public footpaths that cross the site. PARKING: Easiest on the edge of Catherton Common, with a walk of about 800m to the site. MAP REFS: LR 138; PF 952. Grid Ref: SO 648794 Back to the Map. 47. Wyre Forest National Nature Reserve (English Nature) National Nature Reserve, of ancient oak forest and Dowles Brook, within the larger area of Wyre Forest. ACCESS: Free access through the Nature Reserve on public rights of way and forest paths. PARKING: At Forest Enterprise Visitor Centre or Forest Enterprise car parks on B4194. MAP REFS: LR 138; PF 952. Grid Ref: SO 759767 Back to the Map. 48. Melverley Farm (Shropshire Wildlife Trust) 18.4 hectares of traditionally managed hay meadows and pasture on a working farm. ACCESS: A public footpath crosses the site. Other fields may be visited but keep to hedge lines and beware of stock (especially bulls). PARKING: Park in gateway at access point off lane by church. MAP REFS: LR 117; PF 807. Grid Ref: SJ 584408 Back to the Map. 49. Old River Bed (Shrewsbury & Atcham Borough Council) A large area of marsh, scrub and wet pasture lying in the course of an abandoned loop of the River Severn. ACCESS: Freely accessible along paths that have been laid out around the site. PARKING: Available along Hubert Way. MAP REFS: LR 126; PF 869. Grid Ref: SJ 495149 Back to the Map. 50. Monkmoor Pool (Shropshire Wildlife Trust) A lagoon excavated on the edge of the sewage treatment works, overlooked by a bird hide. ACCESS: The lagoon is fenced off and the hide locked. Apply to the Shropshire Wildlife Trust (167 Frankwell, Shrewsbury) for a key, issued against a deposit. PARKING: Available on the access track by the reserve entrance. MAP REFS: LR 126; PF 869. Grid Ref: SJ 524136 Back to the Map. Top of page Copyright © Pitchford Estate. All rights reserved.