Location
Church Stretton, Grid ref SJ 450938. For a map showing the location of the site, click the link on this page.
You could visit this site using the Shropshire Hills shuttlebus. Follow the link on this page
Recreation activities
Walking - moderately difficult terrain with some steep parts, may be muddy. Picnic site overlooking Church Stretton.
The site provides an attractive 30-45 minute circular walk. There is also access onwards to the Long Mynd for those wanting to explore further.
A family-friendly route has been designed at the site, and is available for download on this page (other family friendly walks are available at other Countryside sites).
A leaflet called 'Discover Rectory Wood', with some information on Rectory Wood and Field and three waymarked routes for you to walk is also available to download from this page.
A copy of the most recent management plan 2011-16 and related maps for this site can be found by following the link on this page.
Rectory Wood Heritage Project
The Heritage Lottery Fund supported project is complete!
To find out more about the results of this project and to access the reports, leaflets, interpretation and other documents created follow the link to 'Rectory Wood Heritage Project 2008-2010'
"Rectory Wood voted the least stressful spot in England by The Independent"!!
Rectory Wood, Church Stretton was given a de-stress quotient of 10/10 and voted the least stressful location in England in an article in The Independent newspaper on Tuesday 19th May 2009.
"By a series of twisty byways and capricious diagonals, I'd discovered the least stressful location in England: its name is Rectory Wood, Church Stretton."
Rectory Wood and Field is close to the centre of Church Stretton, in an area known locally as 'Mini Switzerland'. The site provides visitors with the opportunity to take in excellent views of the countryside which lies in the heart of the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. As the site name suggests, it is part woodland and part meadow. Both the wood and field comprise steep banks adjoining and rising to meet the Long Mynd.
The wood mainly comprises mature native broadleaf species, with supplementary mixed planting.
The site gets its name from being formerly part of the grounds of the Old Rectory, and rumour has it that Capability Brown was involved with the landscaping design.
Rectory Wood and Field management plan
A management plan for Rectory Wood and Field has been agreed and is now available for you to see. A summary is also available for those who prefer a quick read. If you would like to see the maps associated with this plan, please contact us
If you or your organisation would like to hold a public event on this site, please contact us.