Apley Woods

Welcome to Apley Woods

With its 56 acres of meadows, pools, trees and winding footpaths, Apley Castle and its woods are a fine example of a 19th Century landscaped woodland.

Records mention woodland on this site as far back as 1300. However the present woods were largely created during the last 200 years as part of the ornamental gardens to the Georgian manor house built in 1792 and demolished in 1955. The woodland’s historical interest and rich diversity make it extremely valuable.

Many of the species of wildlife to be found in Apley Woods, especially some of the birds and bats are of ecological importance.

 


  • Apley Castle

    Apley Castle

    The original Apley Castle still stands today adjacent to the west side of the woods. Built around 1270. The Castle has undergone numerous alternations during its history and was even surrounded by its own moat.

    This Grade 2 listed castle was renovated in 1996 and is now 8 privately owned properties.

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  • Energy Rising

    Energy Rising sculpture

    Located in the heart of the woodland is a very unusual carved stone sculpture called 'Energy Rising'. It is believed to symbolise lava emerging from the earth.

    Look out for the stone carved armchairs near to where the Georgian manor house once stood.

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  • Map and Walk Routes

    Map and Walk Routes

    We have installed 4 information panels at the key entrances around the woods. Each panel is designed to help you find your way around Apley Woods, giving an idea of some of the area’s historic features, points of interest and suggested walk and accessibilty routes.

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  • Site of the Georgian manor house

    Site of the Georgian manor house

    This magnificent Georgian manor house was the centre piece of a 900 acre estate with its grand gardens and vistas. The clay to make the bricks was dug from the nearby Apley Pool. Sadly, it became too expensive to maintain and on 18th November 1955, the entire house was dismantled and sold off.

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  • Tree Trail

    Tree Trail

    Some of Apley’s finest specimen trees can be found on our tree trail. There are ten in total, see if you can spot them all.

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  • Woodland Art

    Woodland Art

    Look up and around for the amazing sculptures of Woodland Art, which include birds of prey and woodland animals. Some may be higher than you think!

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