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. You can join the conversation now with this quick survey- click here.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for the 23rd and final event exploring the central part of Stoke Park Estate.
We took a less travelled route through the woods to visit the restored cobble pond, one of several in the park. This one is now a nature reserve and retains some of the original spider web design.
We followed the old water way, past a virtually hidden pillow mound, to emerge above the site of the plateau- a former viewing and seating area feature that paid homage to the Roman guards.
“Even though I am a regular visitor I learnt so much today- you have inspired me to keep exploring”
We stopped to admire the strip lynchets on the steep slope up to the tower and the ridge and furrows terracing leading up to the Dower House. Both are the still visible signs of medieval farming methods from when the area was part of monastic farm land.
We followed down to the restored cart pond and then onto the open area in the middle of the park to see the remains of the historic carriage way, the site of the cockerel fighting arena and some of the old walls and water ways.
“I really enjoyed this walk- so different from the other areas of the park and so much to discover”
During the walk we saw a variety of wildlife- Cows, Buzzards, a Kestrel and many other birds and insects, including the dung beetles, whose return to the park is due to the reinstating of cattle grazing here.
We visited the restored main gates and entrance and saw the lane that was the original
entrance to the park and then learnt all about Duchess Lake, where we saw tadpole, geese and several species of duck.
“What a brilliant morning- thank you”
We paused often for questions and we also discussed the importance of feedback and how it’s already bringing about change. Attendees please don’t forget to complete your feedback!
What next?
Watch this space for news of the launch of the new audio trail, new Heritage Trail map
and an updated Sculpture Trail map.
Join the conversion at the survey here. You don’t have to have joined us for an event.
“I think conversations about how we can all do more to protect parks are really important”