Rectory Wood and Field Countryside Site

Location : Church Stretton, Grid ref SJ 450938. For a map showing the location of the site click 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.

Rectory Wood Heritage Project

The current Heritage Lottery Fund supported project is going great guns!

A local Community history group has been formed and researching various aspects of the history of the site and of Church Stretton itself. Anyone is welcome to get involved with the group if you have an interest in local history.

An archaeological investigation of the Ice House and a summerhouse were carried out in the spring. A group of local people led by Shropshire Council Archaeology Service carried out the work.
To see a full report on the recent community archeological investigations follow the link on this page.

The boundary wall on Church Road is now being restored. This historical feature of the site was in danger of being pushed over by four large trees growing against the wall. Unfortunately the trees had to be removed but more will be planted. The wall is being rebuilt using lime mortar and the entrance gates and pillars will also be renovated.
It is hoped that work will soon start of the renovation of the Ice House Pool Dam

Stop press! - "Rectory Wood voted the least stressful spot in England by The Independent"!!

Rectory Wood, Church Stretton has been 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."

To see the full article follow the link below

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 comprises mainly 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.

If you are visiting this site you may like to look at the attached seasonal notice for more information on what to look out for.

A new 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).

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.

Grazing
Grazing is the best way of managing the meadows on this site and we are working with the 'Shropshire Local Grazing Scheme (SLGS)' to support or introduce grazing management where feasible. To find out more about the SLGS click the link on this page.

If you or your organisation would like to hold a public event on this site please contact us

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