A hidden oasis
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust’s HQ, The Wolseley Centre, is one of the county’s hidden gems and it's completely free to visit – so why not make a date in your diary to come and see us this month? The Visitor Centre underwent a revamp and reopened with new facilities in May 2019 including a new-look gift shop, introduction of a cafe that overlooks swan lake and other improved features and later on in the year, will be opening a state of the art learning pod. You can find out more about the centre's redevelopment here
Visitor Centre COVID 19 UPDATE
Following on from the national lockdown announcement, our Wolseley Centre grounds remain open daily 9am-4pm. The Wolseley Centre's Kingfisher Cafe will be closed from close of business on Wednesday 13th January 2021 untl further notice. The centre's gift shop remains closed. If you intend to visit Wolseley please read our recent Covid 19 updates here
Kingfisher Cafe COVID 19 update
The Kingfisher cafe will be closed from close of business on Wednesday 13th January 2021 untl further notice
Please see https://www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/coronavirus for further COVID 19 updates
New-look Visitor Centre
The Wolseley Centre has been Staffordshire Wildlife Trusts HQ since 2003 and recently improved its facilities, undergoing a revamp. Check out the video below for a full tour of the revamped centre!
The new-look centre was officially opened on 12th June by the Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire and other VIP guests at a special event.
What's here?
Please head here for COVID 19 updates
- A friendly and welcoming visitor centre that sells nature-inspired books, toys, homeware, clothing, cards, bird food and feeders.
- Lots of events. We run events throughout the year to get you exploring the wonderful grounds and learning about the wildlife that calls Wolseley home. From guided bat walks to den building sessions there is something on for everyone
- May 2019 saw the Trust launching a lakeside cafe known as The Kingfisher Cake (find out more here).
- The cafe uses locally sourced ingredients and offers freshly made home cooked foods such as pizzas, jacket potatoes and paninis plus much more. A slice of delicious cake is a must! We even have a Little Kingfishers menu for kids.
- 26 acres of beautiful grounds to explore, which are full of interesting features and wildlife-friendly display gardens
- A network of accessible footpaths weave around the grounds - ideal for pushchairs, wheelchairs and little feet! Feed the ducks or take a picnic beside our three lakes or search for colourful dragonflies and the bright blue flash of kingfishers as you stroll alongside the river
- Walk along the boardwalk and enjoy views over tranquil pools and across the River Trent and beyond
- Look for the many natural sculptures and willow creations around the grounds in the leafy undergrowth, and there are plenty of benches if you want to sit and enjoy the tranquillity
- Stop off in the sensory garden, packed with plants that stimulate your sense of smell, taste, touch, sight and sound, or pick up ideas for attracting wildlife to your plot in the wildlife garden.
Opening times during Covid 19
The grounds are open 9am to 4pm Monday to Sunday. Please remember the site at Wolseley has limited capacity - so we may have to close the gates early and restrict access if things get too busy to ensure the safety of visitors and staff
The car park is open as normal and will close along with the gates at 4pm
The Kingfisher cafe will be closed from close of business on Wednesday 13th January 2021 until further notice and the centre's gift shop remains closed
Find out more about the cafe here
Toilets
There are toilets in the visitor centre. There is an accessible toilet and baby changing facilities which can be used from a seated position.
Contact
Tel: 01889 880100
Email: info@staffs-wildlife.org.uk
Parking
There is a large car park. A donation for car parking is much appreciated and will go towards the Trust's work protecting wildlife around the county. The car park is currently closing at 4pm on weekdays and at weekends, but visitors are free to park outside the gates and explore the grounds on foot. Access is required at all times so please do not block the gates.
Getting there
The Wolseley Centre is easy to find on the A51 near Rugeley. Look for the brown tourist signs.
Postcode: ST17 0WT
From Stafford: follow the A513 east towards Rugeley for 6 miles until you reach Wolseley Bridge. At the double roundabout cross the first, and turn left at the second into the Wolseley Garden Centre entrance. The driveway entrance to The Wolseley Centre is immediately on the right next to the small building
From Rugeley: take the A51 west for two miles. At the roundabout turn right into the Wolseley Garden Centre entrance. The driveway entrance to The Wolseley Centre is immediately on the right next to the small building
From Stoke-on-Trent: take the A34 south and then A51 south from Stone. Head south for 12 miles until you reach Wolseley Bridge. At the double roundabout take the left hand filter lane and then turn left at the second roundabout into the Wolseley Garden Centre entrance. The driveway entrance to The Wolseley Centre is immediately on the right next to the small building.
Bus: The Wolseley Centre is on bus route 825 between Stafford and Rugeley, runs twice an hour
Dogs
Dogs are welcome to the centre but must be kept on a lead at all times. There is also a designated area for dogs within the centre's cafe
Mobility Scooter
There is a mobility scooter onsite that is free for guests to use. For further information, ring the centre on 01889 880100
Other facilities and services
Conference facilities: There are two rooms available for hire at the Wolseley Centre for meetings, conferences and other functions. Find out more.
Birthday Parties: Fancy a birthday party with a wild twist? You can celebrate your special day at the Wolseley Centre and take part in a host of exciting outdoor activities, such as a pirate treasure hunt or teddy bear's picnic. Find out more.
Events: There is a packed programme of events and activities at the Wolseley Centre, including Wildlings, Wildplay and Nature Tots for children and guided walks and bushcraft sessions for adults. See our What's On page for details.

Credit: Susan Freeman
The Wolseley Centre map

Wild Wolseley
There is lots of wildlife to spot at Wolseley that call our centre home. Having such diverse wildlife on site makes The Wolseley Centre even more special and keeps people coming again and again in the hope they might see something new. Wolseley is known for its resident Kingfisher, a flash of colour flies by if you are able to catch a glimpse of this stunning creature . Other site wildlife highlights can be seen below but of course there are lots more to look out for!

Wildlife to spot at Wolseley

The Wolseley Centre's new-look centre was made possible thanks to funding.