Astbury Mere facts for kids
Astbury Mere is a lovely lake and open space in West Heath, a part of Congleton, Cheshire, England. This area used to be a quarry where people dug up special sand. Now, it's a beautiful place for everyone to enjoy.
A big part of this area is called Astbury Mere Country Park. It's officially recognized as a country park by Natural England. The park covers about 14 hectares (35 acres) of land, and the lake itself is about 43 acres (17 ha) big. The Astbury Mere Trust owns the park, and the Stoke-on-Trent Angling Society takes care of the lake and its edges.
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History of Astbury Mere
This area was once a large quarry. From the 1930s until 1984, workers dug up silica sand here. This special sand was used to make glass and for shaping metal very carefully.
After the quarry closed, the land was split up. Some became houses, and some became the open park we see today. A group called the Astbury Mere Trust was set up in 1989 to look after the park land. The park first opened its gates to visitors in 1991. In 2002, the Stoke-on-Trent Angling Society bought the lake. By 2008, the Astbury Mere Trust owned most of the park land. In 2012, Astbury Mere officially became a country park.
Where is Astbury Mere?
You can find Astbury Mere Country Park on Sandy Lane, just off the A34 (Newcastle Road). The Fol Hollow road also runs next to the park. The park sits in a gentle dip, with the lake at its center. Around the lake, you'll find grassy areas, woods, and even a community orchard. Local schoolchildren helped plant this orchard. The lake is about 43 acres (17 ha) big and can be as deep as 50 feet (15 m).
Fun Things to Do at Astbury Mere
Astbury Mere is a great place for many activities. You can go for walks, try orienteering, or even join a running event.
- Walking Trails: There are two walking paths, each about a mile long. One path is smooth and perfect for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
- Dogs Welcome: You can bring your dog along for a walk.
- Rest Stops: Seats are placed every 100 meters around the lake, so you can take a break.
- Orienteering: There's a special course for orienteering, which is like a treasure hunt using a map and compass.
- Parkrun: Every Saturday at 9 AM, you can join a free, timed 5k run called a parkrun.
Watersports on the Lake
The lake is also popular for watersports.
- Fishing: The Stoke-on-Trent Angling Society organizes fishing. The lake is home to fish like carp, perch, pike, and roach.
- Boating: You can go sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, and kayaking.
- No Swimming: For safety reasons, swimming is not allowed in the lake.
Visitor Facilities
The park has a visitor center where you can find information. There's also a car park for visitors. You can buy snacks and drinks at the center. Cheshire East Council Countryside Ranger Service helps manage the park for the Astbury Mere Trust.
