A 35ha woodland, part of the Duchy of Lancaster’s Needwood Estate, that forms a SSSI with the neighbouring Brakenhurst Wood.  Defined as a replanted ancient woodland, the wood still retains some of its semi-natural flora, such as bluebell, wood anemone, wild garlic, early purple orchid, herb paris and wood spurge.  The crop is even aged as the woodland was replanted after the Second World War, when a large amount of timber was extracted to provide props for trenches. Tree species include commercially planted Scots pine, hybrid black poplar, oak and cherry. Hazel, holly and hawthorne shrubs form the understorey.

Public footpaths link the site to Crossplain Wood.  Surfaced paths through the wood contain gypsum mined nearby at Fauld.  The site is also on the route of The National Forest Branston-Jackson’s Bank long walk.

Jacksons Bank, an easy woodland circular walk, is located in the village of Hoar Cross in East Staffordshire. Owned by the National Forest and part of the Duchy of Lancaster’s Needwood Estate this stunning ancient woodland is part of the National Forest Way and delightful place for a short walk.

This 2 mile easy walk is perfect for little ones and babies in carriers and great for a quick outdoor adventure. If you keep a steady pace it should take you around an hour.

Highlights:

Apart from the lovely picnic area there are no facilities on this walk however, the Meynell Arms and the Deer Park Farm are perfect places to stop for a spot of lunch and a drink. Or if the little ones didn’t get a close enough view of the small planes, Tatenhill Airfield have a small café and outdoor seating area right next to the runway.

For the more adventurous among us you can add this walk to the Needwood Circular Route, an 8 mile exposing the strong rural and historic character of Needwood Forest, ancient woodland, old parklands, rich farmland and small hamlets and villages almost buried in the landscape.

This walk is available FREE on the Go Jauntly downloadable app which offers easy to follow photographs of the fabulous walk. You can find the Go Jauntly Jackson’s Bank Tree Fest Walkhere

Opening Times:

TBC

Facilities:

• Dogs                                   Yes
• Food & Drink                     No
• Parking                               Free
• Picnic area                         Yes
• Riding                                 Yes
• Paths                                   Natural
• Toilets                                 No

Click on the first image to open the photo gallery