Welford Pocket Park
     Print This Page
Welford Pocket Park is a small crescent-shaped roadside wet meadow at the northern edge of the village. The River Avon marks its northern boundary and the start of Leicestershire, whilst the Grand Union Canal and Welford Marina are close by. A beautiful pond has been created and many indigenous trees and shrubs have been planted.
Access Point
From the A5199 adjacent to West Street at the southern send of the site, and from the footbridge over the River Avon at the northern end.
Rights of Way
DU028 and DU018 are adjacent to the site.
Suitability
There is a boardwalk over the wetter areas suitable for wheelchair users and a surfaced path.
History
The land formed part of a 5.5 acre field which was owned by Baron Webb and then sold to the Earl of Normanton in 1834 who sold it on. A cottage stood on the Pocket Park site but was demolished. In the 1930s Great Oxenden Rural District Council bought the land for a sewage treatment works. In the late 1960s Northamptonshire County Council purchased the land in order to realign the former A50 (now the A5199) but this was not needed. The footbridge across the Avon lies next to the road bridge which in 1816 replaced a medieval bridge.
Management Objectives
To create and care for a wildflower meadow, a mixed indigenous hedgerow and small spinney, a wildlife pond and nestboxes - all to increase the site's biodiversity and attractive features. To provide facilities, including benches, which will enable visitors to enjoy these features safely.
Special Wildlife
Amphibians, Grass Snake, Cowslips, Bluebells, Snowdrops, Wood Anemone, Lady's Smock, Kingfisher, Wren, Orange Tip butterfly.
Contact Details
For more information contact Phyllis Hayhurst on 01858 575 284.
back to normal view    
Welford Pocket Park
Established : 1999
Size :

0.48 acres/0.19 hectares.
Location :

Welford Map
District/Borough :

Daventry
Grid Reference :

Landranger Series No. 140 SP644808
Owned By :

Northamptonshire County Council who are leasing the land to Welford Parish Council for 21 years.
Managed By :

Welford Pocket Park Management Group
Partners :

BIFFA, Northamptonshire County Council, Daventry District Council, Welford Parish Council and Villagers.
Common Frog
Common Frog