Though this walk mostly explores pastoral farmland, it also includes two very different woodlands. The first is Monkwood, which was clear-felled by the brush company Harris in 1950 and replanted with species suitable for brush handles.

So the individual trees which make up Monkwood are mostly no more than 50 years old, but the site itself was first documented in the 8th Century when it was granted to the monks of Worcester Priory.

It was already centuries old then, a survivor of the original "wildwood" which once covered all the country. Since 1986 Monkwood has been jointly owned by Worcestershire Wildlife Trust and Butterfly Conservation, who have reinstated traditional management techniques to improve its wildlife value.

Spindle Wood is smaller than Monkwood and very much younger. It was planted in the winter of 1998-99. It includes a wide variety of species, both native and foreign, such as oak, field maple, Douglas fir, sweet chestnut and ash. It's intended to benefit wildlife and people and to yield woodland produce. The trees are still small but already valuable for wildlife. In 15 to 20 years time Spindle Wood should be mature enough to constitute an important feature of the local landscape.

Existing footpaths have been improved to give good access to Spindle Wood, other paths have been created and there is a picnic table overlooking a pool with a resident mute swan.

FACTFILE

Start: Monkwood, on a minor lane between Sinton Green and Wichenford, just to the west of the A443 north of Hallow; GR804606.

Length: 6 miles/9.6km.

Maps: OS Explorer 204, OS Landranger 150.

Terrain: level and muddy; mixed farmland and woodland.

Stiles: 14, slippery when wet; you will also have to cope with electric fences illegally obstructing footpaths near Moseley.

Parking: Monkwood.

Buses: 312/313/314 serve Monkwood Mondays to Saturdays, but are useful only for the return journey (unless you live in Martley); buses 293/294/295/296/298/300/304 operate daily via Hallow (300 on Sundays only) and take you very close to the route, while 309/310/311/313/314 serve nearby Wichenford; Traveline 0870 6082608.

Refreshments: Fox Inn, Monkwood Green.

directions

DISCLAIMER

This walk has been carefully checked and the directions are believed to be correct at the time of publication. No responsibility is accepted by either the author or publisher for errors or omissions, or for any loss or injury, however caused.