Hope Valley

About the reserve

Oaks do not die easily. When this steep valley wood was felled in the 1960s and conifers planted instead, it must have looked as though the old woodland had gone forever. Not so. From their broad and mossy coppice stools the trees sprang back to life, sending out six or seven slender trunks each. The Trust recognised the wood’s potential for restoration and bought it in 1981. Most of the conifers have now been felled and light once again shines into this long, thin strip of woodland.

That leap of faith in the forces of nature has paid off and every year the wood becomes more like its old self. Now, in late spring bluebells once again flood the ground, with yellow archangel and early purple orchids also re-emerging. The wood is also home to a colony of dormice.

There are well-marked paths throughout the woods including, on the southern side, a flight of more than 100 steps, constructed by our hardworking volunteers, leading up to the top and fine views over to the Stiperstones.

Directions: Approach Hope Valley along the A488, 3 miles south of Minsterley. Park in the car park, signed off the main road.