Top 16 Natural Monuments around Werrington
Best natural monuments around Werrington offer diverse natural features across its UK and Australian locations. The Staffordshire, UK area is characterized by picturesque reservoirs, wooded hillsides, and unique geological formations with historical and folklore significance. In Australia, Werrington features expansive natural reserves centered around man-made lakes designed for flood management and recreation. These areas provide opportunities for tranquil walks, nature observation, and exploring local legends.
Best natural monuments around Werrington
- The most popular natural monuments is Gawton's Cave, a natural monument and cave formation. This site is associated with local legends and offers an intriguing experience for those interested in history and folklore.
- Another must-see spot is The Grotto and Gene's Grave, a natural monument with historical elements. Visitors can explore its unique tufa arches and discover the mystical notes of its floor design.
- Visitors also love The Hopestone Rock Formation, a natural gritstone outcrop. This formation is notable for its vague resemblance to a human head and its potential historical significance in the naming of nearby areas.
- Werrington is known for rock formations, caves, and reed beds. These areas offer a variety of natural monuments to see and explore, from geological curiosities to significant wildlife habitats.
- The natural monuments around Werrington are appreciated by the komoot community, with 44 upvotes and 42 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
Gawton's Cave
Highlight • Natural Monument
I was looking for Gawton's Stone (after briefly reading a couple of weeks ago that one could enter into it and cures have been claimed) and my eyes drew me to the rock forms on a bank on the opposite side to this.
I hastily began ascending and I pulled a muscle in my right calf so I limped up and limped back down in frustration.
I saw this formation on the other side so I thought I might as well get to it before I have to abort the circuit and go home.
I was 100% convinced this was the rock.
I sat inside it in awe and enjoyed the sounds of the strong winds that only seemed to be there and then I descended.
It was a few strides later that I realised I was walking normally. With amazement I continued my walk in complete comfort.
When I got home and looked at pictures of Gawton's Stone, I realised that this awesome rock was not the one.
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The Hopestone Rock Formation
Highlight • Natural Monument
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The Grotto and Gene's Grave
Highlight • Structure
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Ford Green Reed Bed
Highlight • Natural Monument
It has been designated because large numbers of swallows gather there before leaving the country at the end of the summer.
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Parrot's Drumble Nature Reserve
Highlight • Forest
Parrot's Drumble is one of the Trust’s finest ancient woodland nature reserves. Ancient woodland is a phrase used to describe woodlands that have been continuously covered by trees since the 1600’s. That doesn’t mean the trees here are 400 years old (most of the trees here are significantly younger than that!), but it does mean that for the last 400 years there has always been woodland on this land. This has enabled special woodland plants to become established and thrive. As well as the carpets of bluebells In spring you will also see dog’s mercury, wood anemone, yellow archangel and wood sorrel. Moschatel, more commonly known as Town Hall Clock, can be easily overlooked – look carefully for its pale green ‘square’ flower heads. You won’t find many of these flowers in more recently planted woodlands.
So, where are the Parrots?
The reserve derives it’s unusual name from a combination of its previous owners, the Parrot family, and a local term for a stream running through a wooded valley, drumble.
You may not see anything quite as colourful as a parrot but the woodland is a wonderful place for birds, particularly in spring when an early morning walk would reward you with the wonderful sounds of the dawn chorus.
Listen out for blue tits, willow tits, wrens and willow warblers. Both greater and lesser spotted woodpeckers are found here – listen out for them pecking holes in the tree trunks as they look for insects. Nuthatches and tree creepers can often be seen spiralling up and down the trunks of the mature trees.
Unwanted visitor
There are many different types of trees within the reserve: oak, hazel, birch, rowan and ash, with willow and alder in the wetter areas along the stream. A number of additional tree species have been planted at some time in the past. You’ll easily notice the large beech trees as you enter the reserve and the row of poplars along the boundary. But you may not notice the Turkey oak.
Easily mistaken for our native oak Turkey oak was introduced by the Victorians for it’s timber. Unfortunately the timber was found to be unsuitable for outdoor use – warping and splitting as it seasons! Once planted however Turkey oak spreads easily and crosses (hybrdisies) with our own native oak. It is also of less value to wildlife – over 400 species of insects and fungi use our native oak. As part of the management of the woodland we aim to prevent Turkey oak from hybridising and ensure that the native oaks regenerate to provide future mature trees.
Naturally appealing (or not)?
Don’t be alarmed by the colour of the stream! The Valley Brook is contaminated by iron-oxide leaching from historic mineworkings in the area. Despite its startling appearance there is still an abundance of bankside vegetation with marsh marigolds, golden saxifrage and horsetails.
Source: staffs_wildlife
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Tips from the Community
Amazing little find whilst on the walk... makes you wonder!
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The Ford Green Reed Bed is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, designated because of the large numbers of swallows that gather there before migrating at the end of the summer.
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Go to the gate of Hopestone Cottage and you will find a public footpath marker on the left of the gate to enter.
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An ancient place Parrot's Drumble is one of the Trust’s finest ancient woodland nature reserves. Ancient woodland is a phrase used to describe woodlands that have been continuously covered by trees since the 1600’s. That doesn’t mean the trees here are 400 years old (most of the trees here are significantly younger than that!), but it does mean that for the last 400 years there has always been woodland on this land. This has enabled special woodland plants to become established and thrive. As well as the carpets of bluebells In spring you will also see dog’s mercury, wood anemone, yellow archangel and wood sorrel. Moschatel, more commonly known as Town Hall Clock, can be easily overlooked – look carefully for its pale green ‘square’ flower heads. You won’t find many of these flowers in more recently planted woodlands. So, where are the Parrots? The reserve derives it’s unusual name from a combination of its previous owners, the Parrot family, and a local term for a stream running through a wooded valley, drumble. You may not see anything quite as colourful as a parrot but the woodland is a wonderful place for birds, particularly in spring when an early morning walk would reward you with the wonderful sounds of the dawn chorus. Listen out for blue tits, willow tits, wrens and willow warblers. Both greater and lesser spotted woodpeckers are found here – listen out for them pecking holes in the tree trunks as they look for insects. Nuthatches and tree creepers can often be seen spiralling up and down the trunks of the mature trees. Unwanted visitor There are many different types of trees within the reserve: oak, hazel, birch, rowan and ash, with willow and alder in the wetter areas along the stream. A number of additional tree species have been planted at some time in the past. You’ll easily notice the large beech trees as you enter the reserve and the row of poplars along the boundary. But you may not notice the Turkey oak. Easily mistaken for our native oak Turkey oak was introduced by the Victorians for it’s timber. Unfortunately the timber was found to be unsuitable for outdoor use – warping and splitting as it seasons! Once planted however Turkey oak spreads easily and crosses (hybrdisies) with our own native oak. It is also of less value to wildlife – over 400 species of insects and fungi use our native oak. As part of the management of the woodland we aim to prevent Turkey oak from hybridising and ensure that the native oaks regenerate to provide future mature trees. Naturally appealing (or not)? Don’t be alarmed by the colour of the stream! The Valley Brook is contaminated by iron-oxide leaching from historic mineworkings in the area. Despite its startling appearance there is still an abundance of bankside vegetation with marsh marigolds, golden saxifrage and horsetails. Source: staffs_wildlife
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The Ford Green Reed Bed at the south end of the site is one of Stoke-on-Trent's two Sites of Special Scientific Interest. It has been designated because large numbers of swallows gather there before leaving the country at the end of the summer.
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I have read that the 2 arches are tufa arches. That is, made of a soft, porous limestone.
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An awesome dolmen to which is attributed healing powers should one lie within it. Legend would have it that the local hermit, Gawton resided here.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of natural monuments can I explore around Werrington?
Around Werrington, you can explore a diverse range of natural monuments. In the UK, you'll find picturesque reservoirs like Rudyard Lake with its wooded hillsides, and unique geological formations such as Gawton's Cave, which is associated with local legends. There are also interesting rock formations like The Hopestone Rock Formation, and significant wildlife habitats like the Ford Green Reed Bed. In Australia, Werrington Lake Reserve offers an expansive natural area centered around a man-made lake, featuring walking trails and rich birdlife.
Are there natural monuments with historical or folklore significance in the Werrington area?
Yes, several natural monuments in the Werrington area have rich historical and folklore significance. Gawton's Cave, near Knypersley Reservoir in the UK, is associated with Gawton's Stone, a dolmen with a cave-like recess. Local legends suggest it has healing properties and was once home to a hermit. Rudyard Lake also holds historical importance as the place where Rudyard Kipling's parents met, leading to his name.
What natural monuments are suitable for families with children?
For families, Werrington offers several suitable natural monuments. In the UK, Rudyard Lake provides a wide range of recreational activities including walking, boating, and steam train rides, making it a fun day out. Ford Green Reed Bed is also family-friendly, offering opportunities for nature observation. In Australia, Werrington Lake Reserve is ideal for families, featuring children's playgrounds, a water splash pad, and well-maintained walking tracks around the lake.
Can I bring my dog to the natural monuments around Werrington?
Many natural monuments around Werrington are dog-friendly. For example, Gawton's Cave and Downs Banks Millennium Viewpoint are listed as dog-friendly. In Australia, Werrington Lake Reserve is also a dog-friendly park, though leash requirements apply. Always check local signage for specific rules regarding pets.
What outdoor activities can I do near these natural monuments?
Near the natural monuments around Werrington, you can enjoy various outdoor activities. There are numerous opportunities for hiking, with routes like the 'Park Hall Country Park loop' or 'Hulme Quarry – Stone Circle in the Hollow loop'. For cycling, options include the 'Hazelhurst Junction – Caldon Canal loop'. If you prefer mountain biking, you can explore trails such as the 'Biddulph Valley Way – Rudyard Lake loop'. You can find more details and routes on the respective guide pages for hiking, cycling, and MTB trails around Werrington.
Where can I find scenic viewpoints among the natural monuments?
For scenic views, the Downs Banks Millennium Viewpoint offers expansive vistas. It features a toposcope embedded in a stone, helping you identify landmarks. Rudyard Lake in the UK also provides dramatic scenery with its thickly wooded hillsides surrounding the reservoir.
Are there any natural monuments that are Sites of Special Scientific Interest?
Yes, the Ford Green Reed Bed at the south end of the site is one of Stoke-on-Trent's two Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It has been designated due to the large numbers of swallows that gather there before migrating at the end of the summer.
What is the best time of year to visit the natural monuments in Werrington?
The best time to visit depends on your interests. For birdwatching and enjoying vibrant nature, spring and autumn are excellent, especially at sites like Rudyard Lake or Werrington Lake Reserve. The Werrington Lake Reserve in Australia is particularly scenic during early mornings in spring and autumn. For winter walks, many trails remain accessible, offering a different, tranquil experience.
What unique geological formations can I see?
You can encounter unique geological formations such as The Hopestone Rock Formation, a natural gritstone outcrop vaguely resembling a human head, which may have historical significance in naming nearby areas. Additionally, The Grotto and Gene's Grave features unique tufa arches, which are made of a soft, porous limestone.
Are there opportunities for water-based activities at any of the natural monuments?
Yes, Rudyard Lake in the UK offers a variety of water-based activities including boating, sailing, canoeing, and fishing. It's a popular spot for enjoying the water amidst beautiful natural surroundings.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?
The natural monuments around Werrington are home to diverse wildlife. At Rudyard Lake, you can spot herons, grebes, coots, and various ducks. The Ford Green Reed Bed is notable for large numbers of swallows. In Australia, Werrington Lake Reserve is a bird reserve, home to swans, ducks, geese, and even iguanas.
Are there any natural monuments that are particularly good for tranquil walks?
For tranquil walks, Rudyard Lake in the UK offers a peaceful five-mile route amidst beautiful scenery. Gawton's Cave and Stone also provide an atmospheric and intriguing experience for those seeking quiet walks. In Australia, Werrington Lake Reserve has well-maintained walking tracks around the lake, perfect for serene strolls or jogs.
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