Blake Meadow, Churchstoke, Powys / Shropshire border

A private haven nestled in a breath-taking part of the Welsh Marches near Church Stoke, Blake Meadow is a place of picturesque beauty. Set on the border between England and Wales in the county of Powys, this special location is characterized by rolling hills and offers fabulous views of the Shropshire Hills to the east.

A key, rare feature of the meadow is its entirely private access, which is not shared with anyone. The land is entered via a secure, padlocked gate set into a well-established hedgerow on the northern boundary. This access runs alongside a single-track public highway, where an area of ample hardstanding provides convenient, private parking for cars or campervans.

The meadow itself is uniquely laid out in three distinct sections. From the main gate, a walk alongside the stock-proof northern and eastern hedgerows leads you south along a gentle gradient to an opening. This reveals the second section, which is beautifully bordered by a freshwater brook on its southwest boundary. This lovely brook flows south to meet the River Onny West, providing a valuable natural water source and creating cool, shady spots to relax during warm summer months. Following the river bank east guides you into the third and most secluded section, a wonderful private area enclosed by mature hedgerows and trees that offer excellent protection from the elements.

Steeped in a long agricultural history of grazing, this land now offers a fantastic opportunity for a family or individual interested in a conservation project. The potential is immense, whether for woodland creation, a wildflower meadow, or a rewilding initiative. This is an ideal venture for either environmental goals, like carbon offsetting, or simply for creating a personal, natural haven. The project is greatly enhanced by the standing trees at the meadow's edges, which will encourage natural regeneration, though this can also be supplemented with active tree planting, a process for which several grants are available.

Blake Meadow is a wonderful piece of land with a truly desirable appeal, offering a mix of open land and standing trees and mature hedgerows, thoughtfully combined with smaller, secluded areas that provide a sense of sanctuary.

It is bordered on three sides by long-established hedgerows and trees, ensuring a great deal of privacy and creating a beautiful, natural aesthetic. A defining feature, however, is the spectacular view that can be enjoyed right across the valley to the peaks of the Shropshire Hills.