Colliers Wood
Friday 10 October 2025
5.9 miles Leader Sue Mc.
Weather 14°C. Light cloud.
No on walk 24 + 3 Dogs.
For many of us, including myself, this is the first time we had walked in this attractive area, especially at this time of year, full of autumnal colour of both leaves and berries. Colliers Wood ,a local nature reserve, including woodland, wetlands, meadows, community areas and managed trails and paths, most of which were included in today’s walk. Colliers Wood, situated on the very edge of Sherwood Forest, was part of the Massive Moorgreen coal mining complex, in production from around the mid 19c. until it closed in 1985, during its heyday, it produced more than a million tons of deep mined coal per year and obviously was a major employer in the area. Apart from a displayed pit wheel and very good signage, there is very little left to indicate its industrial activity. It has become a great outdoor facility for the likes of us and all outdoor enthusiasts, for which we are thankful.
We left the free car park at Colliers Wood and headed up the road to the entrance to Beauvale Lodge, taking the path at the southern end of Moorgreen Reservoir and walked along the eastern side of this very extensive water, reaching Felley Mill. Here turning away from the water, following well used paths along the northern edge of High Park Wood, great views here, across open farm land, Underwood and Felly Priory, being pointed out by the more knowledgeable. I didn’t mention that this was a two-break walk, taking one brew above High Park Wood and the other when arriving at the parish church of St. Mary, Greasley, plenty of seating here, overlooking the huge and well-kept graveyard, with the towering medieval church behind us. Onward now, walking south, with the noisy M1 on our left, turning away from it to find the car park below Robin Hood’s Well, he had to be mentioned at some time, didn’t he? We walked on and around Brooksbreasting Farm on our journey to Greasley. From the aforementioned church yard we took the path, mainly downhill, to enter the reserve at Colliers Wood. Just before entering the car park, pausing to view some wood sculptures of which there were many.
So much to see and take in, on this walk, but for me the sight of glorious autumnal flora, was a highlight. We walked below massive oak trees, the ground, beneath, a mosaic of acorns, the Hawthorn hedges, a wall of red berries. Oak, Birch, Alder and the infusion Rowan, Hazel, Willow, Scots Pine and Larch, their varying shades and hues completed natures atristic composition, seen and will be remembered. Thank you Sue for a truly good walk.
