Rectory Wood facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rectory Wood & Field |
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Entrance to Rectory Wood
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| Location | Church Stretton |
| Area | 10.1 hectares (25 acres) |
| Established | 1960 |
| Governing body | Shropshire Council |
Rectory Wood is a beautiful wooded area located near the town of Church Stretton in Shropshire, England. It's a great place to explore nature and enjoy the outdoors. This special wood covers about 10.1 hectares (which is like 25 football fields!) and has been a protected area since 1960.
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What is Rectory Wood?
Rectory Wood is right in the middle of Church Stretton. It's part of the Shropshire Hills, which is a very important natural area. AONB stands for an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This means the landscape here is so special and beautiful that it's protected by law.
Trees and Plants
The wood is mostly filled with old, native broadleaf trees. These are trees that lose their leaves in autumn, like oaks and beeches. There are also some other types of trees planted there. Next to the wood, there's a grassy meadow on a steep hill. This meadow goes all the way up to the Long Mynd, which is a famous local hill range.
How it Got its Name
Rectory Wood gets its name because it used to be part of the land around the Old Rectory. A rectory is the house where a rector (a type of priest) lives. So, the wood was once part of a large garden belonging to that house.
Fun Things to Do
Rectory Wood is a popular spot for people who love walking and exploring.
Walking Paths
There are many paths you can follow through the wood. Some of these paths even connect to the Long Mynd, so you can go on longer adventures. Many of the paths are quite steep, and they can get muddy, especially after it rains. But don't worry! There's also an easier circular walk that takes about 30 to 45 minutes. It's perfect for families and people who want a more relaxed stroll. A special walking route has even been designed just for families.
A Relaxing Place
In May 2009, a newspaper called the Independent wrote an article about Rectory Wood. The article said it was the least stressful place in England! The writer described finding it by following "twisty byways and capricious diagonals," and called it a truly peaceful spot.
Discovering History
Rectory Wood isn't just about nature; it also has some interesting history hidden within it.
Community Archaeology Project
In March 2009, a special project began called the Rectory Wood Heritage Project. It was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Shropshire Council. This project involved local people helping to investigate the history of the wood through archaeology. Archaeology is when people dig up old things to learn about the past.
Old Buildings
During these investigations, archaeologists found and dug up two old structures. One was an icehouse, which was a building used to store ice before refrigerators existed. The other was a summerhouse, a small building in a garden used for relaxing in warm weather. These buildings were part of a fancy garden from the 1700s and 1800s.
Famous Connections
The old garden at Rectory Wood even has a connection to a very famous landscape designer named Lancelot “Capability” Brown. He was known for designing beautiful parks and gardens across England. He was friends with Professor John Mainwaring, who was the rector of the parish at the time. Professor Mainwaring also helped to improve the grounds of the rectory, possibly with ideas from his famous friend!
