The Stoke Park Project is a collaboration between Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust, Bristol City Council and Steve England Outdoor Learning.
We are working together to promote community conversations about your heritage conservation priorities and which access improvements are needed for Stoke Park.
On Saturday we were joined by BSL Translators for our inclusive and accessible History of Stoke Park event for the Deaf and hard of hearing event. We also had a language translator join us so some of the attendees could participate fully.
The rain held off and we set off in high spirits using the accessible path with some stops along the way for questions, admiring the sculptures and the panoramic view.
“I really appreciated the measured pace and found I was able to absorb more facts- it felt very calm and mindful.“
We learnt about the families connected to the Park and about the many different reasons people visited the area. We followed in their footsteps as we travelled back in time discovering the many changes of use over the years-from farming, agriculture, camp sites, stately home, hospital, quarrying and more.
As we explored the park we found about so much-from pillow mounds to cart ponds, ancient watercourses, tracks and tunnels to why the trees were planted and what they were used for. We visited the sites where long gone features were and spent time in the Great Saloon admiring the ancient trees and speculating about the resident hermit from long ago.
“I’ve lived here for 15 years and didn’t know any of this! Thank you.“
Everyone has begun to notice the work around the historical monuments and heritage features and we were able to share about the volunteer group and the work the Rangers carry out.
“I’ve really enjoyed today and it makes me want to get involved more.“
We finished this event at the site of the Rotunda, looking at old photographs and drawings and trying to imagine what it was like in its hey day surrounded by climbing roses with open views across the park. And yes we did find mushrooms!
Today was the last event for our Duke of Edinburgh student and we wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone she spoke to about the project- you were all kind, polite and encouraging and showed real interest in her voluntary work.
And a massive thank you to the 18 people who attended todays event-what a fun and friendly group you were.
“Thank you for today. It had a real community feel and its great spending time together learning and having fun outdoors.“
Throughout the walk we discussed the importance of feedback for this project and how the events and surveys are supporting people to join the conversation to capture your priorities. Attendees please don’t forget to complete your feedback!
- You can join in the conversion today even if you don’t join us for an event by doing the survey here.
- You are very welcome to join us as we explore Stoke Park together on more free events- book now. There is one more signed event!
- To report an issue in the park click here.
- To join the Rangers and weekly volunteer group or monthly litter pick group click here.
“I think conversations about how we can all do more to protect parks are really important”
