2023

SJ8903 : Footbridge over the River Penk near Bilbrook in Staffordshire

taken 2 years ago, near to Bilbrook, Staffordshire, England

Footbridge over the River Penk near Bilbrook in Staffordshire
Footbridge over the River Penk near Bilbrook in Staffordshire
Looking east, this is in the southern part of Pendeford Mill Nature Reserve. The confluence with Moat Brook is off to the left. The River Penk flows from right to left here and the stepping stones shown on some large scale maps remain, under the footbridge. LinkExternal link
Pendeford Mill Nature Reserve

Although Pendeford Mill Nature Reserve is owned by and maintained by Wolverhampton Council, it is situated east of Bilbrook in South Staffordshire. It covers part the site formerly occupied by Pendeford Hall and Pendeford Mill. The reserve includes 24 hectares (almost 60 acres) of pools, woodland, meadows, former osier beds and the River Penk. It was purchased by Wolverhampton council in 1976, and to this day the many educational visits and maintenance teams have been overseen by warden Paul Coxill.

There are two main pools, the larger (southern) one having the main visitors’ walk around it. There are numerous other woodland tracks (which can be overgrown in summer) to explore north, and south of this main pool. Visitors need to be aware that there is no way-marking, and parts of all the tracks (including the main one mentioned) can become boggy in winter, and at other times after extended periods of wet weather. Suitable footwear should be worn with this in mind. No routes are suitable for wheelchair users. Meadows near the reserve entrance, and at the southern end by the canal are maintained organically, with wild flowers encouraged. Toilets are available by the car park. Admission is free except for special events. Dogs must be kept on leads.

The mill shown as Pendeford Mill on later maps and formerly located near Pendeford Hall was in use from around the 1650s. It appeared as Pendeford, Barnhurst or New Mill on various maps.
The mill house was converted into two cottages in 1912, which were demolished with the mill in 1961. In the early nineteenth century there was a windmill about a quarter of a mile to the west of the watermill.

LinkExternal link LinkExternal link Link


Creative Commons Licence [Some Rights Reserved]   © Copyright Roger D Kidd and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
Geographical Context: Paths Rivers, Streams, Drainage Educational sites Woodland, Forest other tags: Woodland Track Ford Stepping Stones Footbridge Track Nature Reserve Click a tag, to view other nearby images.
1:50,000 Modern Day Landranger(TM) Map © Crown Copyright
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1:50,000 Modern Day Landranger(TM) Map © Crown Copyright
TIP: Click the map for more Large scale mapping
Grid Square
SJ8903, 105 images   (more nearby 🔍)
Photographer
Roger D Kidd   (more nearby)
Date Taken
Sunday, 21 May, 2023   (more nearby)
Submitted
Sunday, 28 May, 2023
Subject Location
OSGB36: geotagged! SJ 8901 0368 [10m precision]
WGS84: 52:37.8457N 2:9.8285W
Camera Location
OSGB36: geotagged! SJ 8901 0368
View Direction
EAST (about 90 degrees)
Clickable map
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SW S SE
Image Type (about): geograph 
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