Bispham Rock Gardens facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bispham Rock Gardens |
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The Rock Gardens, Bispham
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| Type | Public park |
| Location | Bispham, Blackpool, Lancashire, England |
| Created | 190? |
| Operated by | Blackpool Council |
| Open | All year |
Bispham Rock Gardens is a wonderful public park in Bispham, Blackpool, England. People also call it the Devonshire Road Rock Gardens or simply the Rock Gardens. It's a special place for nature, with many different plants and even some rare animals.
You can find the main entrance at the top of Knowle Hill on Devonshire Road. This park was built on a spot once known as Beryl Hill. From the top of the gardens, you can see far-off places like Pendle Hill and the Forest of Bowland.
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History of Bispham Rock Gardens
The Bispham Rock Gardens were first created in the early 1900s. They officially opened to the public in 1925. For many years, the gardens were a popular spot.
Over time, the park became a bit neglected. It wasn't used as much by local people. But in 2002, a group called the Friends of the Rock Gardens was formed. Their goal was to help fix up the park. They wanted to make it a great place for everyone to enjoy again.
Weddings at the Gardens
For a long time, the park has been a favorite spot for wedding photography. Many couples have taken beautiful pictures there on their special day.
Bringing the Gardens Back to Life
The Friends of the Rock Gardens group worked hard to raise money. They held fun events like an Easter Extravaganza and a Teddy Bears' Picnic Fun Day. The first picnic was on July 31, 2007. About 300 people came, including the Mayor of Blackpool!
Funding for Park Improvements
In May 2006, the Heritage Lottery Fund gave a grant of £20,000. This money helped to restore the gardens. They created a special woodland walk for learning and a new home for butterflies.
Nature and Learning in the Park
The Friends group also teamed up with local schools. Students now use the park for outdoor projects. They study mini-beasts and learn about pond life. The Lancashire Wildlife Trust even watches a rare butterfly here. It's called the white-letter hairstreak butterfly.
The Woodland Walk was designed to be a fun place. It includes a story-telling ring and paths that are easy for everyone to use. There are also cool sculptures and mosaics to see.
New Paths and Trails
In November 2007, work began to completely redo the paths in the gardens. This big project cost £57,000. Money came from different places, including Blackpool Council and local businesses. The Veolia Environmental Trust also gave a large grant of £39,000.
The new paths are much better for people with disabilities. The project also added a new "hilly" area. This part is great for runners who want a challenging workout. There are also grassy paths for easy walks.
