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 History of Stoke Park this week-this was our 22nd event. This was our smallest group, but we still had a lot of fun in the sun.
We followed the ancient route which is now the accessible path, noting what was long believed to be a long berrow, as we made our way to the boundary marker and ancient walls leading into Barn woods.
We met the park rangers who were busy laying dead hedges to border the paths and coppicing, and they shared why this work is an important part of the management of the park.
We learnt about the many people who have shaped the park over the years as we followed the serpentine paths to the pillow mounds, which were ancient outdoor pantries. We visited the Great Saloon, the cart pond and tunnel and about the ancient springs and drainage ditches along the way. You can now find information about these features on the Bristol City Council Stoke Park page here.
We never realised how big the park is- this is the first time we have visited these areas and we learnt so much- thank you.
We also learnt about the myths we all have heard regarding the Duke of Beaufort’s monument and we spent some time translating the Latin inscription.
We had a great time remembering all the tales we heard when we were young-thank you both for a great morning- really informative.
On the way to our final stop, to the site of the Rotunda, we noticed the many Spring flowers appearing and we spent a while discussing what it must have looked like when it was surrounded by climbing roses. We even had a go on the outdoor gym equipment on the way back to the Hub for a well deserved cuppa.
Thank you for making this walk so enjoyable and for charging my phone and for the tea!
Throughout the event 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!
Join the conversion at the survey here. You don’t have to have joined us for an event.
There are a few events left – book now! Please note for the next 2 events we will be meeting at the Hub. Also note the event for 6th March is rescheduled for the 13th- those already booked have been contacted.
“I think conversations about how we can all do more to protect parks are really important”
