Consall Nature Park
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Natural history Location Map The major industrial activity in the valley ceased 0 1 2 nearly a century ago though other areas have km A523 been reclaiming naturally for centuries so that a Cheddleton Consall mosaic of woodland types and ages has arisen. Nature Some areas of past spoil tipping have become Park B5053 recolonised by different trees (notably Birch and A520 Ipstones Ash) and shrubs as well as a more diverse ground Wetley Rocks flora which includes Dog’s Mercury, Wild Garlic Consall and Wood Anemone. Cellarhead Froghall Werrington Some of the richest areas botanically are the wet A52 Kingsley A52 flushes, these are alive with colour in the Spring, Marsh Marigold and Butterbur being in A522 A521 abundance.. Further habitat diversity is provided Oakamoor Consall by largely unimproved grassland, the interesting Bilberry-rich heath on Far Kingsley Banks, and the Meir Dilhorne Cheadle pools and streams. The latter support amphibians A521 NATURE such as Smooth and Palmate newts, as well as a range of dragonflies, damselflies, mayflies, Various publications regarding other country stoneflies and other aquatic insects. PARK parks, picnic places, greenways and walking in Overall, the Nature Park’s seclusion and habitat Staffordshire are available from: diversity are reflected in a rich fauna, with a number of species of mammals and a large variety Rural County, of butterflies. These include the uncommon Staffordshire County Council Green Hairstreak and Small Pearl Bordered Wedgwood Building, Fritillary. Other insects such as hoverflies are well represented, and so too are the reptiles, with Block A, Tipping Street Grass Snakes being spotted regularly, during the Stafford, summer, around the pools. Among the 70 or so ST16 2DH species of bird noted to dateare the relatively Telephone (01785) 277284 uncommon Redstart, Pied Flycatcher, Woodcock www.staffordshire.gov.uk and Tree Pipit, along with the full range of woodland songbirds. All three species of Woodpecker can be seen or more often heard, around the park. Also, Dippers and Kingfishers can often be observed feeding in the river or nearbystreams. Cover photograph courtesy of Ron Scholes. Consall Nature Park is adjacent to extensive Should you, or someone you know require it, this reserves owned by the Royal Society for the information can also be produced, on request, in large Protection of Birds. print and in other formats or languages other than English. Introduction Facilities for the disabled General Information Consall Nature Park is situated within the A disabled Radar Key operated Toilet is available at As with National Parks, people live in and beautiful valley of the River Churnet. the visitor centre; - disabled parking is available at alongside Consall Nature Park. Slow and cautious the bottom of the valley though spaces are rather driving is essential as is respect for their privacy. It was opened in 1989 by Sir Derek Barber, limited. Signposting within the park will make it clear Chairman of the Countryside Commission. where the public are permitted to walk. Walks The majority of the park is also a Site of Special There are, within the park boundaries, a number The site makes an excellent base for exploring the Scientific Interest (S.S.S.I.) and here the emphasis of steep cliff faces. In order to avoid hazards keep Churnet Valley along the network of Public Rights of is on nature conservation, whilst at the same time to the paths on the marked routes. The nature Way or you can follow the waymarked routes which welcoming the public to enjoy the walks, fishing, park is not suitable for unsupervised children. and picnic facilities. lead you to areas of interest and to pleasant views within the park itself. History With this in mind visitors are asked for their help in protecting the beauty and wildlife of the park Green Walk There are references to ironworking in the Consall by :- At a leisurely pace half an hour would suffice to Valley from 1290 when extensive woodland circuit the ponds. Following the country code felling provided charcoal for the primitive smelting processes. Keeping dogs on leads at all times Red Walk Keeping to footpaths provided. This is a longer walk which takes approximately 1 By the mid 17th Century a forge was in operation hour. Stout footwear is recommended and steep at Consall, utilising the River Churnet as a source Visitor Centre gradients are encountered. of power. At this time, all materials were transported, throughout the valley, using mules. Provides displays and exhibitions on the varied White Walk and dramatic past of the valley and its present Approximately 1½ hours to walk this route. It has Towards the end of 18th Century smelting natural history interests. There is a small shop steep gradients - stout footwear will be required. declined to be replaced mainly by ironstone area, selling leaflets and souvenirs throughout the Purple Walk mining. The industry brought the canal and the summer (April - September). Toilet facilities are railway and denuded the valley of trees. 1,500 provided all year round, these include a baby This is basically an extension of the white route, so allow an extra half an hour to the duration time. men worked the area at its peak and 30 barges a changing unit, and there is easy access to facilities day transported the ironstone to Froghall. Such for the disabled. There are steep gradients on this walk, so it isn't for the faint hearted but the effort is rewarded with the was the bright red dust of the stone that workers Education spectacular views of Churnet Valley. were known as "the Redmen". The Nature Park is particularly suited for School The last mine to close, in 1923, was the Cherry visits, these can be adapted to suit various aspects Eye mine high up in Ruelow Wood, at its peak this of the National Curriculum. Arrangements for produced nearly 1000 tonnes of ironstone per school visits can be made by telephoning: year. Consall Visitor Centre: Wetley Rocks (01782) 550939 or Head Ranger: Ash Bank (01782) 302030. KEY Devil’s Staircase Area of Nature Park Consall Rough Other Woodland Forge Consall Black Knipe Parking Lion (RSPB) Old Hall Entrance Viewpoint Nature Park Farm Waymarked Trails C Staffordshire Way a l d o RSPB Walks Pond dipping n John Jervis C Other Public Footpath a n a 0 100 200 300 l Crowgutter Metres Lawn Farm Walk Consall (RSPB) Hall Booth’s Wood (RSPB) Consall Fly Agaric Visitor Consall Centre New Lock Lawn Wood Lawn Flint R Pool ive Mill Heron r C Pool Far hu rn Kingsley et Banks Ch urn et Va lley Railway Lower Hazles Ladypark Wood Wood Hazles Far Banks Hazles Farm Hazles Upper Hollins Ladypark Cross Wood ne Farm Consall Wood La Out Wood ns lli Wood o H Pied Flycatcher Hazlescross Hollins Broadoak Wood Willow Grange Hollins Little Farm Broadoak Broadoak Gorse Farm.