Melton Country Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Melton Country Park |
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| Type | Country park |
| Location | Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, England |
| Area | 55.5ha |
| Open | All year |
Melton Country Park is a fantastic country park located in Melton Mowbray, a town in Leicestershire, England. It's a large, open space where people can enjoy nature, play sports, and relax. The park covers about 55.5 hectares, which is like having over 100 football fields! It's open all year round, so you can visit whenever you like.
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What Can You Do at Melton Country Park?
Melton Country Park offers lots of cool things to see and do for everyone. It's a great place to spend time outdoors with friends and family.
Fun Activities and Places to Explore
The park has many different areas designed for fun and learning:
- Visitor Centre and Cafe: This is where you can find information about the park and grab a snack or drink.
- Sensory Garden: A special garden designed to engage all your senses with different plants, smells, and textures.
- Nature Trail: Follow this path to discover different plants and animals living in the park.
- Climbing Forest: A fun area where you can climb and play among trees.
- Memorial Garden: A peaceful spot for quiet reflection.
- Stepping Stones and Bridges: Cross the water using these fun features.
- Bird Hides: Secret spots where you can watch birds without disturbing them.
- Troll Bridge: A unique bridge that adds a touch of magic to your walk.
- Sports Grounds: Perfect for playing football, cricket, or other outdoor games.
Parkrun and Awards
Every week, the park hosts a parkrun and a junior parkrun. These are free, timed running events that anyone can join for fun and fitness. In 2018, Melton Country Park received a special honour called the Green Flag Award. This award shows that the park is a well-managed, clean, and welcoming green space for everyone to enjoy.
The Park's Reservoir: Flood Protection and Wildlife Home
At the heart of Melton Country Park is a large reservoir. This isn't just a pretty lake; it plays a very important role in protecting the town.
How the Reservoir Helps
The reservoir was built in the 1990s. Its main job is to help control the water from Scalford Brook, a small stream that flows through the area. Before the reservoir, heavy rain could cause the brook to overflow and flood homes in Melton. The reservoir acts like a giant sponge, holding back extra water during heavy rainfall. This helps to prevent flooding in the town.
Since 1996, the reservoir has been looked after by the Environment Agency. This is a government organization in England that works to protect and improve the environment. The dam that holds back the water is very strong. It's designed to handle very big floods, even ones that might only happen once every 100 years!
A Home for Wildlife
The reservoir and the surrounding areas have become a wonderful home for many different creatures. The park has been planted with lots of trees and shrubs, creating a natural environment. The permanent lake provides a "wetland habitat." This means it's a watery area perfect for:
- Invertebrates: Tiny creatures like insects and worms.
- Fish: Many different kinds of fish live in the lake.
- Birds: The lake attracts various bird species, some of which use it as a resting spot during their long journeys.
You can easily explore the area around the reservoir. There are stepping stones and a footbridge that let you cross the brook and enjoy the beautiful views of the water and its wildlife.
