|
This 88-acre idyllic country park, near Bean, is a haven
for birds and other wildlife.
Bluebells, dogs mercury and anemone bloom in the shade of the
maturing woodland while dragonflies, damselflies and amphibians
thrive in the park's numerous ponds.
 Boardwalks leading to viewing points ensure a
real chance to spend some time watching the wildlife living
both in and on the edges of the ponds.
It is hard to believe that this has not always been a 'natural'
paradise. In fact, the park is reclaimed industrial land once home
to the EC Powder Company producing smokeless gunpowder.
Visitors strolling through the park will also come across a
clayhopper that was used for more than 40 years from the 1920s to
extract clay from the site.
And the name of the park itself comes from the site being home
for a massive beacon, which was lit to warn people in London of any
impending invasion during the Napoleonic Wars.
Birch woodland is regenerating across the park but there are
also fine specimens of oak, ash and chestnut providing shade and
shelter. Within a century this will be classified as mature
broadleaf woodland.
The paths are highly accessible and well compacted with many
benches for visitors wishing to take a rest or relax in the
park.
Walk information
A gently rolling 1.25 mile (2km) walk, with a shorter option of
0.6 miles (1km). The paths are well-compacted with occasional
stones varying from 20 to 50mm.
There are a number of benches along the route, but no toilet
facilites. There are views of nearby Lords and Ladies Woods (Sites
of Special Scientific Interest). For a map and details about this
walk,
download our
publication. |