The Colliers

Wryley & Essington Canal Local Nature Reserve

Wallington Heath · 9.3 miles

The waterway that runs through the countryside near Wallington Heath carries the dual identity of a historic canal and a protected green space. Known locally as “the Curly Wyrley”, the stretch of the Wyrley and Essington Canal was formally designated a Local Nature Reserve on 7 May 2008 and is managed by South Staffordshire Council. Its status as a reserve adds a wildlife-focused dimension to a route originally cut to move coal, limestone and other mineral products across the English Midlands. Construction of the canal began after the Birmingham Canal Navigation Act received royal assent on 30 April 1792, authorising a link from the Birmingham Canal near Wolverhampton to Wyrley Bank. The appointed engineer was William Pitt, and the level section to Sneyd Junction opened in November 1794. Subsequent legislation in 1794 extended the line past Lichfield to Huddlesford Junction and added branches to the Hay Head Limeworks and various coal pits. While the original main line reached Ogley Junction near Brownhills, parts of the network are now derelict and the navigable section terminates at that point. The canal’s historic role in supplying cheap coal to Lichfield and supporting local collieries and ironworks remains evident in the landscape that now supports the nature reserve. Visitors can locate the reserve using Wallington Heath as a reference point; the council’s stewardship began with the 2008 designation. No admission charge or visitor facilities are recorded in the supplied material, so access is governed by the general rights of way that apply to the canal corridor.

Rising Brook Community Green Space

Rowley Park · 8.1 miles

This open space alongside the A449 Rising Brook stretching between West Way and Hesketh Road is now being managed by the local community action group with the support of Streetscene from Stafford Borough Council

Pelsall North Common Local Nature Reserve

Pelsall · 8.7 miles

Site of Importance for Nature Conservation

Walsall Wood Colliery Pit Head Monument

Shire Oak · 8.7 miles

At 10+ tonnes, and one steel Racing Pigeon (Break Away, Walsall Wood world record breaker), the replica Headgear, life-sized and visually on the same site as its original, stands as a monument to the people of Walsall Wood who worked in the pit.

The Royal Oak

Bentley · 12 miles

One of four stones excavated from Bentley Hall, surrounding Bentley Cairn, tells the story of King Charles II sheltering here after losing the English Civil War. Engraved with a depiction of the oak tree he hid in.

Coal Barque 'Surprise'

Bentley · 12 miles

One of four stones excavated from Bentley Hall, surrounding Bentley Cairn, tells the story of King Charles II sheltering here after losing the English Civil War. Engraved with a depiction of the boat 'Surprise'.