More features

At Doulton Clay Pit, by By Mike Jemmett

On this occasion, I admit the rules were broken.

Instead of taking the usual 278 bus route, I jumped in the car to head to Doulton Clay Pit. I wanted to arrive in plenty of time to get the best lighting conditions.

Directions

From Saltwell's car park off Coppice Lane, follow the brown signs entitled 'Saltwells Nature Reserve'.

Leave the car park entrance and take the footpath to the left up the short hill. You'll see Doulton Clay Pit on the left. Continue until you pick up the access path on the left.

At Doulton Clay Pit, by By Mike Jemmett

The history of Doulton Clay Pit

The Doulton company quarried for some 70 years until the early 1940s. The clay, which was mainly used for sanitary ware, was moved by tubs from the pit to Brewins Cutting to be shipped to Stoke-On-Trent in The Potteries.

For 20 years the company I was employed by supplied sanitary-ware and fixings to the Royal Doulton company, so the Doulton holds a special place for me.

Scientific interest

The clay pit is off scientific interest with its varied flora and fauna. It's marshy base is an ideal ideal habitat for the Southern Marsh Orchard. In the early summer it makes for a truly stunning display. Pictures taken in the evening lighting can be quite rewarding.

At Doulton Clay Pit, by By Mike Jemmett

The autumn for me is when Saltwells and the clay pit are idea for photographing. The two hours I spent shooting this sequence were truly magical. Hopefully the results will go some way to conveying this wonderful atmosphere.

Please do try to visit Saltwells sometime soon; it is very much worth the effort.

Next time, I plan to explore the canal from Stourbridge Town Wharf to Wordsley.

Enjoy your walks!