Discover Workhouse Coppice – Ancient Woodland with Industrial Roots

Workhouse Coppice is a beautiful ancient semi-natural woodland located on the northern edge of Broseley, directly adjoining the historic Benthall Edge Wood. Spanning 5.42 hectares (13.39 acres), this peaceful site is rich in both natural biodiversity and industrial archaeology.

A Woodland of Character and Conservation

Dominated by even-aged oak, with a thick understorey of holly, Workhouse Coppice offers a sheltered habitat teeming with woodland wildlife. Its ancient character and structure make it a valuable and resilient ecosystem.

Today, Workhouse Coppice is managed by the Severn Gorge Countryside Trust on behalf of the Woodland Trust, ensuring its long-term conservation and public access.

Traces of the Industrial Revolution

Like much of the Ironbridge Gorge landscape, Workhouse Coppice bears the scars and stories of early industrial activity:

• Collapsed bell pits used for coal extraction
• Pit mounds and spoil heaps
• Evidence of waste dumping from nearby pipe kilns
• A disused sandstone quarry in the northeast corner of the woodland

These features make the site a fascinating destination for those interested in industrial heritage and landscape archaeology.

Walking Through Workhouse Coppice

A public footpath runs through the heart of Workhouse Coppice, with several smaller paths branching off—one of which links directly to the Benthall Edge Wood footpath network, allowing for extended walks across a wider section of the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site.

Whether you’re exploring for wildlife, history, or simply a quiet woodland stroll, Workhouse Coppice offers a uniquely atmospheric experience.