Parrot's Drumble Nature Reserve — Attraction in Newcastle-under-Lyme

A pleasant surprise to find a secluded nature reserve alongside the industrial area. The name of the reserve comes from the original owner, Richard Parrott (from the 1700’s). "Drumble" is a term used for a Wooded valley with a stream running through it. Once you get past the initial pathway from the entrance with a small parking area (~6 cars), you move quickly away from the buildings and out into open countryside with various tracks. Head for the small opening in the wooden fence with a log laid across the pathway that leads up into the trees. From here there are a small number of routes that lead around and over the main stream (stained red with iron oxides leaching from ancient mines).

There are plenty of birds amongst the ancient trees (Oak, Alder, Ash, Birch, Rowan, Hazel and Willow) with many wild flowers along the way. A perfect stroll without any difficult inclines. Take good walking boots as the path is muddy in places where water crosses the path to...

A favourite local walk in beautiful woodland. It's changed a lot since the last time I was there, the initial path towards the woods as you leave the industrial estate behind has been improved, and clearly a lot of woodland conservation by way of thinning out trees, had taken place.

My favourite tree, a huge one that was possible to climb up and sit on, is no longer standing, which was a little sad to see.

The walkways meander around the woods and you can take multiple different routes. We managed to get 4k out of it recently by doubling back on one section, but generally it's great for a couple of kilometres bimble.

Do consider there is no signage, and it's not suitable for push chairs or wheelchairs and parking (that I know of) is limited to about 4-5 cars.

The best time to visit is definitely in spring when the woods are carpeted south bluebells and there are generally VERY muddy sections to navigate any time of year. This is not a place to visit...

Really impressed with this little reserve. There are a couple of lovely walks you can do and since we visited in October, they were just about as beautifully autumnal as you can get. Very muddy in places so walking boots or wellies are a must. We took our dog and a three month old in a carrier and had no difficulty with either, though you're not getting round with a pushchair! Shame about the litter - no broken glass but a lot of cans and wrappers in places where log seats...