Cotton, near Alton, Staffordshire

Saturday 22nd October 2022

The final meeting of the Camping and Caravanning Club Photographic Section this year, was held at The Star club site, at Cotton, near Alton.

The village of Alton is home to Alton Towers, a huge theme park set in beautiful countryside. However, we had no plans to visit the park on this trip; perhaps another day. Instead, we enjoyed a walk up through Cotton Dell, which is a nature reserve managed by the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust.

It is clear that autumn is in full swing with many trees showing vibrant colour and parts of the woodland floor completely carpeted with fallen leaves.

Our path took us across Cotton Brook, then upstream alongside it.

Many trees had been recently felled, some being left across the brook and alongside the path. Interestingly, one of the felled trees had contained a beehive within its hollow trunk.

Autumn is also the time for fungi…

…and with the falling of leaves, the patterns revealed by tree branches.

After returning to Cotton Lane, we walked on towards St Wilfred’s Church and Cotton College, both of which are in a derelict state of repair and seemingly in the process of restoration. The church and buildings of the college are extensive and, according to the signage, are being converted into residential and holiday accommodation.

There is obviously much work to do as in many places nature has taken a hold, with trees growing out of walls and roofs.

On our way back to the site, we called into the “Star at Cotton” pub and enjoyed an excellent lunch.