Decided to go north of Worcester today, up towards the Camp Inn, another nice weir at Bevere Island. nice to the Cherry Blossom out on the trees and the first signs of Spring in Monk Wood.
Bevere Island GPS (-2.2380, 52.2353)
Bevere
Pronunciation – rhymes with every. Bevere is located some 2 and a half miles North West of the centre of Worcester. It sits just above the River Severn and its flood meadows in a low lying gently undulating landscape of small fields of arable, pasture and horticulture.
Source: About Bevere | North Claines Parish Council Website
History of Bevere
In 1051 King Hardicanute sent officials to Worcester to collect the Danegeld tax. They were assaulted and murdered. Not surprisingly troops arrived some months later to punish the rebels who, being warned, escaped to Bevere island. After sacking and burning the city the soldiers made for the camp. Four unsuccessful attacks were made ending in a truce. After payment of a fine the citizens were allowed to return home. Centuries later the island was again a place of refuge for those fleeing the city to avoid the plague.
Source: About Bevere | North Claines Parish Council Website
Bevere Bridge
This possibly unsafe cast iron bridge, crosses a branch of the River Severn to join the tiny Bevere Island. It is said to have been built in 1844, as compensation to the landowner Mr Moon for some inconvenience he presumably suffered when a weir was constructed, and a lock was built on the adjacent leg of the Severn. It was intended for pedestrians and cattle. Bevere Bridge is a superb example of Victorian craftsmanship probably brought down the Severn on a “flote”, a raft with sides. The first American Locomotive travelled in a similar manner from Stourbridge down to Gloucester
The site can only be approached on foot, via footpaths through fields from Bevere village.
The bridge was Grade II listed in 1985.
Source: About Bevere | North Claines Parish Council Website
Monk Wood GPS (-2.2925, 52.2421)
A semi-natural ancient woodland that is renowned for its ground flora & butterfly species. Good system of paths and rides. Main ride from the car park is surfaced but uneven. Away from main track, paths are muddy and slippery underfoot when wet. Apart from main entrance, access is via kissing gates.
Source: Monkwood | Worcestershire Wildlife Trust (worcswildlifetrust.co.uk)