Needwood Circular Walk
This walk showcases the strong rural and historic character of Needwood Forest, with ancient woodland, old parklands, rich farmland and estate forestry all blended together. Small hamlets and villages are almost hidden in the landscape. You will visit three sites which the Duchy of Lancaster opened up to the public and pass another privately owned wood.
For a more detailed map you are recommended to refer to Ordnance Survey Explorer 245: The National Forest and Landranger number 128: Derby and Burton upon Trent.
Points of interest:
Jackson’s Bank is a 35 hectare woodland and part of the Duchy of Lancaster’s Needwood Estate. It still retains some of its semi-natural flora such as bluebell, wood anemone, wild garlic, early purple orchid, herb Paris and wood spurge. Trees include Scots pine, hybrid black poplar, oak and cherry. Hazel, holly and hawthorn shrubs form the understorey. Look for the Noon Column near to the car park – erected in 2006, the column includes a slot through which the sun shines at true noon each (sunny) day.
Christchurch (or Christchurch-in-Needwood) was built in 1809. King George III gave 10 acres for the site of the church, parsonage and churchyard and 150 acres for the support of the minister (Glebe land). The building is privately owned but the graveyard can be visited.
Crossplain Wood is 6 hectares and was planted by the Duchy of Lancaster Estate in 1996 with ash and oak and includes two restored field ponds. The name is thought to come from “Cross Planes” referring to the adjoining airfield and was a satellite airfield of RAF Lichfield during WWII. It is now a private airfield.
Byrkley Park is more well known as St. George’s Park (the FA’s national football centre, home of England teams and FA education) with old parkland and some very old trees. Byrkley Lodge (demolished) was one of the few dwellings in the ancient Needwood Forest and the country house of Michael Arthur Bass (son of Michael Thomas Bass), the founder of Bass Brewery. Michael Arthur Bass became the first Lord Burton in 1886. The name “byrkley” may come from a clearing “ley” in the birch “byrk” trees.
Bolingbroke Wood takes its name from Henry Bolingbroke, heir to the Duchy of Lancaster in the 14th century. Henry was banished from England after incurring the displeasure of King Richard II. Following the death of his father, John O’Gaunt, in 1399, Henry returned to claim his inheritance and began a military campaign against the King. King Richard II was in Ireland with his supporters and, as a result, Henry was able to gain enough power to declare himself as king and Richard was arrested. Henry IV was crowned king in 1399 and reigned until 1413.
Eland Wood covers 10 hectares and was planted in 2000. You are free to explore the woodland via the new permissive and definitive paths.
Newborough has a village feature carved from a yew tree that was blown over in the storm of 1987. Look for the ‘Staffordshire knot’ carved into the base.
off Brakenhurst Road
Hoar Cross
Staffordshire
DE13 8RG
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There is parking at Jackson's Bank woodland.
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