| Jacksonīs Coppice & Marsh Grid Reference (SJ 786 301) |
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| 20 acres of semi-natural ancient woodland and marsh - leased from the Sugnall Estate |
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One of the largest badger setts in Staffordshire
Magnificent show of bluebells during spring
Staffordshire's answer to the Everglades!
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The origin of the Marsh is closely linked with the River Sow and adjacent water mills - Walk Mill downstream and Offleybrook Mill upstream. A dam for Walk Mill was raised as early as 1250, inevitably making the area up stream boggier.
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The Coppice is best known for its dense carpet of bluebells in spring and the huge badger sett - one of the largest in the county (and proudly guarded by local residents).
Given the underlying sandy soils, the display of bluebells is sadly followed by a less spectacular profusion of bracken and buckler fern in summer. There are, however, over 20 tree and shrub species to view - many of which were planted at the end of the 19th century. The original oak, rowan, holly and hazel are supplemented by some superb specimens of hornbeam, larch, beech, sweet chestnut.
The coppice has a particularly good range of woodland birds to view. Most commonly observed are nuthatch, treecreeper, great spotted woodpecker, long tailed tit and marsh tit. In summer, pied flycatchers join the influx warblers to breed in the woods.
Test your tree identification and see if you can spot the bird cherry trees on the roadside verge. This tree is uncommon in Staffordshire and at its southern-most range in Britain. Also take the opportunity to find the old disused sandstone quarry, located in the eastern end of the coppice.
A new boardwalk around the marsh has recently been installed. The western end is known as the Flower Marsh, reflecting its botanical diversity. Amongst the boggy areas of reed sweet grass there are great numbers of bog bean, ragged robin, yellow flag iris and marsh marigold.
A system of old ditch lines can still be identified during winter – testament to when these fields were managed as flood meadows. The meadows fell into disuse in the 1950s as the hay became unprofitable and the mill down stream closed.
On the southern side of the Marsh you can see the amazing sight of greater tussock sedge. This part of the central Marsh is also important for its colony of southern marsh orchid.
To the east there is Staffordshire's answer to the Everglades – a magnificent wet woodland of alder (known as carr) with its own distinct flora and fauna. The River Sow enters the reserve at this point and splits into a delta of narrow channels, making access very difficult.
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Little management is required for the Coppice other than maintaining the circular footpath.
In the absence of grazing, volunteers annually cut two sections of the Marsh in order to maintain some open habitat (un-colonised by willow scrub).
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Heading from Eccleshall on the B5026, take the left turn at Sugnall (signposted Sugnall Business Park). After 1 mile take the first right turn (immediately before Walk Mill Pond) and the coppice is located half a mile on the right.
 By bicycle
We encourage visitors to use environmentally friendly forms of transport wherever possible. Most of our reserves are easily accessible by bicycle, with many close to the National Cycle Network. Click here to view a location map of the reserve on the National Cycle Network website.
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Parking is limited to the small lay-by between the Coppice and Marsh. This unofficially has space for approximately three cars. There is a circular walk around the Coppice, which contains some steep sections.
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Other Trust reserves within close proximity:
Burnt Wood, Loynton Moss
Other activities:
Cop Mere SSSI is located approximately 2 miles away.
For gardeners with a taste for historic plants, Sugnall Nurseries is located at the junction with the B5026.
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