Maryon Wilson Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Maryon Wilson Park |
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Maryon Wilson Park, London
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| Type | • Public park • Urban park |
| Location | Charlton, Greenwich, London, England, United Kingdom |
| Operated by | Greenwich London Borough Council |
| Status | Open year round |
| Website | "Maryon Wilson Park" (descriptive page on Maryon Wilson Park on the Greenwich London Borough Council's official website) |
Maryon Wilson Park is a fun public park in Charlton, a part of Greenwich in south east London. It's a wonderful place to enjoy nature and see some amazing animals!
This park is special because it's part of a larger network of green spaces called the South East London Green Chain. It also works with the nearby Maryon Park and Gilbert's Pit to form a Local Nature Reserve. This means the area is protected for its wildlife and natural beauty.
A Peek into the Past: Park History
Long, long ago, the area where Maryon Wilson Park now stands was part of an ancient forest. This forest was known as Hanging Wood. The word 'hang' comes from an old English word for a wooded slope.
Some old stories say that highwaymen used to hide in this wood. These were people who would stop travelers on roads to steal from them. Imagine how different the park must have looked back then!
The land was once part of a large estate called Charlton Manor. A family named Maryon Wilson owned this estate from 1767 until 1925. In 1925, the Maryon Wilson family generously gave this land to the local council. The park was then officially opened to the public in 1926. So, Maryon Wilson Park has been a public space for almost 100 years!
Meet the Animals: The Park's Special Feature
One of the most exciting things about Maryon Wilson Park is its animal area! Here, you can see and learn about different animals. The park even offers tours where you can get closer to the animals.
These tours usually last about two hours. They give kids a chance to feed, pet, and interact with some of the animals. It's a great way to learn about them up close! Park Rangers lead free public tours every Wednesday. They start at 1:30 PM at the deer pen. However, these tours are popular and are limited to the first 50 people who arrive.
In 2011, the animal park faced a challenge when its funding was stopped by the local council. But thankfully, the park continues to be a beloved home for animals and a great place for visitors.
