Top 7 Natural Monuments around Highley
Best natural monuments around Highley are found in a region characterized by its unique landscape, shaped by both natural processes and its industrial heritage. Located in Shropshire, the area features the River Severn and its valley, offering diverse natural beauty. These sites provide opportunities to explore geological interests and ecological restoration. The landscape around Highley combines natural tranquility with historical significance.
Best natural monuments around Highley
- The most popular natural monuments is Kinver Edge Toposcope and Viewpoint, a man-made monument and viewpoint offering panoramic vistas. From its 164m high point, views extend to the Clent Hills, Shropshire Hills, and Malvern Hills.
- Another must-see spot is Kinver Edge, a high sandstone ridge with heathland, woodland, and ancient hill forts. Visitors can explore diverse habitats and enjoy dramatic views across the landscape.
- Visitors also love Holly Austin Rock Houses, a natural monument and historical site. These cave dwellings, excavated into the sandstone, are a National Trust attraction.
- Highley is known for its sandstone ridges, historical cave dwellings, and areas of ecological restoration. The region offers a variety of natural monuments to see and explore, blending natural beauty with historical interest.
- The natural monuments around Highley are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 90 upvotes and 24 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: July 28, 2026
Kinver Edge
Highlight • Historical Site
The escarpment's heathland is inhabited by all manner of flora and fauna. You can often spot adders and common lizards, as well as bird species such as skylarks, buzzards and great spotted woodpeckers.
The Edge's famous rock houses are cave dwellings that were excavated into the scarp's sandstone. One of the rocks, known as Holy Austin, was inhabited as recently as the 1960s. Today, they are owned by the National Trust and are open to the public.
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Worcestershire Natural Flood Management Project – Leaky Dams in Wyre Forest
Highlight • Natural Monument
The aim of this project is to reduce flooding in
the Dowles Brook catchment, by implementing at large number of small scale, natural interventions in upstream areas to help slow the flow of water and hold it back during times of high flows. These measures involve working on the tributaries of the Dowles Brook and could include things such as planting hedges, creating wetland areas. attenuation ponds, leaky dams, soll aeration and other land management techniques
The intention is to slow the flood peak on the
Dowdes so it does not coincide with the flood
peak on the River Severn at Bewdley.
Water moving at speed through the landscape is incredibly destructive and leads to erosion, soil loss and widespread damage, therefore slowing down the water has a wealth of positive impacts.
It is the intention that many more features will be installed over the riext few years with the aim of slowing the flow throughout the catchment.
If you would like more information, or are
a landowner who is keen to get involved.
please contact the NFM Project Officer al
Worcestershire County Council.
worcestershire.gov.uk/NFM
Natural Flood Management - Leaky Dams
Trees are sourced from the immediate stream side and used to build a lattice. Over time, especially in high flow, smaller woody debris accumulates naturally, and this increases the effectiveness of the leaky dam.
The dars are wedged behind living tree stumps to prevent them moving or floating away, over time they bed in and naturalise as part of the landscape.
Leaky dams work with nature, providing a food source and habitat for wildlife. This timber lattice allows wildlife, such as fish, to move freely upstream and downstream.
Leaky dams are constructed to allow free passage of water in normal flows, and only hold water back when required during high rainfall. The backed up water is pushed out of the channel into appropriate sites upstream where silts are deposited.
A single structure has little impact, but a series of leaky dams at various locations can help reduce the risk of flooding downstream.
Felling by the river bank allows more sunlight to reach the watercourse and its banks. This leads to the growth of marginal vegetation, creating further food sources and habitats for wildlife.
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Ruskin Land
Highlight • Forest
We are managing this area to support a mixture of high forest and heathland, which are valuable habitats for bats, birds and other species.
In large areas of the woodland, the trees.
are relatively young, and mainly comprise
oak with bracken and bramble. This lack of
diversity is a result of changes in woodland
management following World War 1. when
much of the woodland was no longer coppiced because of a collapse in the charcoal industry.
In order to improve the habitat diversity, some trees have been removed to give those remaining more space to grow into large mature trees. The trees that are felled are extracted and processed at the Wyre Community land Trust's woodyard and sawmill at St George's Farm and used to make a variety of timber products and firewood.
Volunteers have helped plant trees to ensure the forest has a diverse mixture of tree species that is more resilient to pests, disease and the effects of climate change.
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Kinver Edge Toposcope and Viewpoint
Highlight • Monument
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Holly Austin Rock Houses
Highlight • Natural Monument
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Tips from the Community
The Wyre Forest Beaver enclosure is worth stopping at. Can't guarantee to see any but you never know 😁
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The toposcope got a refresh a few years back with a granite replica of the original Welsh slate top that had weathered back. Now you can clearly work out where you are in relation to New York again! New York is a bit too far off on the horizon, but with the vantage that the 164m high point affords you, you will be treated to views of the Clent Hills, Shatterford Hill, Dudley, Wenlock Edge, Malvern Hills and the Shropshire Hills.
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Worcestershire Natural Flood Management (NFM) Project in the Wyre Forest. The aim of this project is to reduce flooding in the Dowles Brook catchment, by implementing at large number of small scale, natural interventions in upstream areas to help slow the flow of water and hold it back during times of high flows. These measures involve working on the tributaries of the Dowles Brook and could include things such as planting hedges, creating wetland areas. attenuation ponds, leaky dams, soll aeration and other land management techniques The intention is to slow the flood peak on the Dowdes so it does not coincide with the flood peak on the River Severn at Bewdley. Water moving at speed through the landscape is incredibly destructive and leads to erosion, soil loss and widespread damage, therefore slowing down the water has a wealth of positive impacts. It is the intention that many more features will be installed over the riext few years with the aim of slowing the flow throughout the catchment. If you would like more information, or are a landowner who is keen to get involved. please contact the NFM Project Officer al Worcestershire County Council. www.worcestershire.gov.uk/NFM Natural Flood Management - Leaky Dams Trees are sourced from the immediate stream side and used to build a lattice. Over time, especially in high flow, smaller woody debris accumulates naturally, and this increases the effectiveness of the leaky dam. The dars are wedged behind living tree stumps to prevent them moving or floating away, over time they bed in and naturalise as part of the landscape. Leaky dams work with nature, providing a food source and habitat for wildlife. This timber lattice allows wildlife, such as fish, to move freely upstream and downstream. Leaky dams are constructed to allow free passage of water in normal flows, and only hold water back when required during high rainfall. The backed up water is pushed out of the channel into appropriate sites upstream where silts are deposited. A single structure has little impact, but a series of leaky dams at various locations can help reduce the risk of flooding downstream. Felling by the river bank allows more sunlight to reach the watercourse and its banks. This leads to the growth of marginal vegetation, creating further food sources and habitats for wildlife.
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This area of the Wyre Forest Site of Special Scientific Interest belongs to John Ruskin's charity, the Guild of St George and is managed by the Wyre Community Land Trust. We are managing this area to support a mixture of high forest and heathland, which are valuable habitats for bats, birds and other species. In large areas of the woodland, the trees. are relatively young, and mainly comprise oak with bracken and bramble. This lack of diversity is a result of changes in woodland management following World War 1. when much of the woodland was no longer coppiced because of a collapse in the charcoal industry. In order to improve the habitat diversity, some trees have been removed to give those remaining more space to grow into large mature trees. The trees that are felled are extracted and processed at the Wyre Community land Trust's woodyard and sawmill at St George's Farm and used to make a variety of timber products and firewood. Volunteers have helped plant trees to ensure the forest has a diverse mixture of tree species that is more resilient to pests, disease and the effects of climate change.
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Nice place to rest and look where you are in relation to New York for example. Yes it shows where New York is. Nice table top for lunch!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features define the landscape around Highley?
The landscape around Highley is characterized by the meandering River Severn and its picturesque valley, as well as the heavily-wooded Borle Brook Valley. The area also features prominent sandstone ridges, which are home to unique geological formations and historical sites.
Where can I find unique geological formations and historical cave dwellings near Highley?
You can explore the high sandstone ridge of Kinver Edge, which features heathland, woodland, and ancient hill forts. Nearby, the Holly Austin Rock Houses are fascinating cave dwellings excavated into the sandstone, managed by the National Trust.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments around Highley?
Yes, several spots are great for families. The Worcestershire Natural Flood Management Project – Leaky Dams in Wyre Forest is family-friendly, offering insights into ecological efforts and wildlife. Additionally, the Kinver Edge Toposcope and Viewpoint provides an accessible destination with rewarding views for all ages.
What outdoor activities can I do near these natural monuments?
The area around Highley offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking routes, such as the 'Highley Railway Station – Severn Valley Country Park loop', and road cycling routes like the 'Bridgnorth Town Hall loop'. For more options, explore the hiking, road cycling, and running trails guides for Highley.
Where can I find panoramic viewpoints in the Highley area?
For stunning panoramic views, visit the Kinver Edge Toposcope and Viewpoint. From its 164m high point, you can see the Clent Hills, Shropshire Hills, Wenlock Edge, and the Malvern Hills. The escarpment of Kinver Edge also offers dramatic vistas.
Are there places to observe wildlife around Highley's natural monuments?
Yes, Kinver Edge's heathland is home to adders, common lizards, skylarks, buzzards, and great spotted woodpeckers. The Worcestershire Natural Flood Management Project also creates habitats for wildlife. The Borle Brook Valley is known for dippers and kingfishers, and Ruskin Land in Wyre Forest supports bats, birds, and other species.
What is the Severn Valley Country Park and what does it offer?
Severn Valley Country Park is an expansive 180-acre park near Highley, transformed from former coal mining land into a haven for wildlife and public enjoyment. It features diverse habitats and offers various trails, including Woodland, Riverside, History, and Easy Access trails, perfect for walking and nature observation.
Can I explore historical sites alongside natural beauty in the Highley area?
Absolutely. The Holly Austin Rock Houses are a prime example, blending natural sandstone formations with centuries of human habitation. The Borle Brook Valley and New England area also intertwine natural tranquility with historical intrigue, featuring the early 18th-century Donkey Bridge and remnants of industrial past reclaimed by nature.
What is the best time to visit the natural monuments around Highley?
The natural monuments around Highley can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and active wildlife, while autumn brings vibrant foliage. Winter provides a different, often serene, perspective on the landscape. Check local weather forecasts for the best experience during your visit.
What do visitors enjoy most about the natural monuments around Highley?
Visitors frequently praise the fantastic views, especially from Kinver Edge Toposcope and Viewpoint, noting that the climb is well worth it. The unique historical aspect of the Holly Austin Rock Houses is also highly appreciated for its cool and well-presented nature. The blend of natural beauty and historical significance across the region is a major draw.
Are there any natural areas focused on environmental conservation near Highley?
Yes, the Worcestershire Natural Flood Management Project – Leaky Dams in Wyre Forest is an excellent example. This initiative aims to reduce flooding and improve wildlife habitats through natural interventions like leaky dams and wetland creation. Also, Ruskin Land, part of the Wyre Forest Site of Special Scientific Interest, is managed to support diverse habitats for various species.
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