National Forest Way: Stage 9 Rosliston to Branston

Rosliston Forestry Centre

This popular visitor centre was the first to open in The National Forest. You can walk and cycle through the woodlands, spot the wildlife or take part in the Centre’s environmental education programme.

Walton on Trent

This attractive village is an ancient crossing point of the River Trent. It was here that King Edward II crossed the river in pursuit of the disaffected Earl of Lancaster. Built in 1974, the bridge over the Trent is the second temporary Bailey bridge to cross it. The first Bailey bridge was built in 1947 to replace the original bridge, built in 1834, which was damaged by floods. 

River Trent

The earliest human presence in The National Forest area was probably alongside the River Trent, with primitive stone tools revealing that people lived there as long as 25,000 years ago. Ever since, it has been a focus for settlement, transport and industry. Today it is also a haven for wildlife, with otters, kingfishers and herons all to be found here. 

Branston Water Park

These restored gravel pits feature one of the largest areas of reedbed in Staffordshire, together with wet woodland, open grassland and wildflower meadows. These valuable habitats attract a wide range of birds, butterflies and other insects. environmental education programme.

Leaving Rosliston Forestry Centre towards Branston Water Park, the Way takes you through young woods and farmland before crossing the River Trent via the Bailey bridge at Walton on Trent. The river is your companion for a while before you enter the flat plains of mineral workings and skylark country.

• Car Parking
• Grassy Paths
• Picnic Area