Gentleshaw Common, Staffordshire

Details

Accessibility

"Parking can be found in laybys around the Common and a small car park which can be found at WS15 4RU, opposite the redmoor inn.

A network of paths crossing the heathland which can be muddy and uneven in places.

Disabled access - there are no gates on the site and there are tracks that will take off-road mobility scooters.

Please keep dogs close to you, preferably on a lead, especially between April and July when many birds are nesting on or close to the ground.

Accessible trails."

https://www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/nature-reserves/gentleshaw-common 

Brief description

The Common is one of the largest areas of lowland heath in Staffordshire, covering 86 hectares. Gentleshaw Common’s status as one of the UK’s best wildlife sites was reflected in its designation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1981. Habitats like this with heather, bilberry, cowberry and beautiful fine grasses such as wavy hair grass support a wide range of insect and bird life. Gentleshaw Common is one of an arc of heathlands in this part of Staffordshire stretching from Sutton Park on the horizon in front of you up to Cannock Chase.  

Lying in the centre of the reserve is a valley of wet heathland which harbours a great array of wetland plants including the rare bog asphodel, cross leaved heath, cranberry and the carnivorous sundew. The large areas of purple moor grass that dominates the area will be intensive managed so it to reduce its impact upon the more fragile rarer plant species.  

The acidic nature and sandy soils of Gentleshaw Common provide an ideal habitat for numerous invertebrates including, the under recorded, solitary mining bees which create the small holes that can be seen along sandy paths. The Common also includes an impressive disused sandstone quarry, which with its exposed south facing slopes provides a valuable habitat for a plethora of invertebrates which is a hive of activity in the spring through to summer. " 

Address

2025-

info@staffs-wildlife.org.uk

Phone

2025-

01889 880100

Website

https://www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/nature-reserves/gentleshaw-common 

Directions

"From Burntwood take Rugeley Road heading north. Turn right at the Redmore Inn onto Redmore Road and follow to the top of the hill. When you come to a crossroads, turn right and park on a layby a couple of hundred metres on the right."

https://www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/sites/default/files/2018-08/GentleshawCommon%281%29.pdf. 

Opening Times

2025-

August to August

https://www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/nature-reserves/gentleshaw-common 

Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change

Transport

Amenities

"Parking can be found in laybys around the Common and a small car park which can be found at WS15 4RU, opposite the Redmoor inn."

Gentleshaw Common SSSI nature reserve car park

The Redmore Inn PH

Rugeley

WS15

https://www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/nature-reserves/gentleshaw-common