Blackstone Rock History
Blackstone Rock, a great outcrop of sandstone rising sheer from the river, is shrouded with trees. Springs bubble up through the underlying sandstone, just as they do at Spring Grove House (now the Safari and Leisure Park). In the 18th century a hermit or holy man lived in a small hollow in the rock. It was a treacherous spot for river currents (the Severn has a tidal bore), and to safeguard their passage the sailors would throw money and gifts from the trows to the hermit, thinking that his prayers would ensure a successful trip. Sometimes as many as 400 trows could be waiting between Bewdley and Blackstone for high tide.
Burlish Top History - Burlish Camp
Burlish Camp held some 6-7000 American troops, the headquarters of the US Army VIII Corps (Dec 1943 to Apr 1944) and IX Corps (Apr 1944 to July 1944). During World War 2 the easterly part of the heathland became a tented camp used by the 297th U.S. Army Hospital. The area towards the west, between the Safari Park and the SVR, was also used for tank training.
Rifle Range & Devil Spittleful Reserve
This impressive heathland is one of the largest areas of the habitat left in Worcestershire of 60 hectare and is next to West Midlands Safari Park. It was used for Rifle Range practice in WW2.
Severn Valley Railway
The S.V.R. Heritage Steam Trains can be seen chuffing their way through the Rifle Range & Devil Spittleful Reserve and it has also host to the rebuilt and famous *Flying Scotsman* Steam Train.