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In a Nutshell
A hidden gem of nature conservation in Staffordshire, with wildfowl and nature trails, plus an excellent dog friendly cafe. A great shady walk in the summer, but worth a visit at any time of the year. Bring your camera! Parking and Pooping
On the A51 between Stafford and Rugeley, the Wolseley Centre is operated by Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and is a great free to enter attraction, regularly used by locals, families, bird watchers and nature photographers. There is plenty of parking (free, but you can make a voluntary donation for parking via the MiPermit app). Opposite the parking area are picnic grounds and cabins used for discovery days and educational sessions, etc. Toilets are in the Kingfisher cafe and there is plenty of grass all around for pup, with dedicated poo bins near the cafe and dotted around the site. 
Good paths and boardwalks mean there is easy walking all year round.
Walkies
The site is organised around two large lakes, with a combination of woodland paths, boardwalks and open grassland paths linking all the areas together. Summertime is the best time for a longer walk as all the areas are generally accessible. During wetter periods, the grassland areas can be too boggy for easy walking and are often shut off. However the main paths and boardwalks mean there is nearly always a route to take at any time of the year. Wildfowl are the key residents here, so depending on time of year, expect to see ducks and geese a plenty, along with a wide variety of wetland birds. Pups need to be kept on the lead at all times. There are benches and hides along the way and dog bins provided near the cafe. Best to bring boots for wetter days, but the walking is flat and easy. |
Keeping the Humans Amused
The main attraction here is the wild life, so expect to see plenty of nature photographers and bird watchers lining the boardwalks and hides. The centre attracts lots of families who can get close to the ducks and splash in the little ford through the shallow river. Next door is a garden centre that you can easily include in your round trip walk if you fancy some shopping mid-walk. The centre also organises various events mainly aimed at children so keep an eye on their website for upcoming events. With Shrugborough Hall just 10 minutes away, you can easily combine the two for a full day out. 
Keep pups on the lead (human removed by photoshop!)
Chow Time
The Kingfisher cafe is a little gem. A good menu, reasonably priced, it is dog friendly inside with two patio areas either side of the building so you can opt for sun or shade. It can get busy at peak times but it's worth the wait. 
The Kingfisher cafe is dog friendly inside and has patio areas on both sides so you can get some sunshine.
Tried & Tested
The Kingfisher cafe - excellent breakfast options and sandwiches. British Garden Centre (next door) - dog friendly area in their cafe if you fancy a roast on the weekend. More Info
The Wolseley Centre website here Nearby
Shrugborough Hall and Estate 5 miles Last Visit: Mar 2025
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