Seven Acres Country Park, Bolton facts for kids

Seven Acres Country Park is a special green space in Bolton, Greater Manchester, England. It's a place where nature is protected, known as a Local Nature Reserve. The park sits between the areas of Tonge and Breightmet. A stream called Bradshaw Brook flows right through the middle of it. This park is very old, even appearing on maps from over 300 years ago, as far back as 1764! It's a wonderful spot to explore and see local wildlife.

A Look Back in Time

Seven Acres Country Park is much bigger today than its name suggests. Even though it's called "Seven Acres," it actually covers more land now. In the past, there were old farms and fields, like a place called Ellis Fold, that are now part of the park. This means the entire area is much larger than fifteen acres, giving more space for nature to thrive.

Home to Amazing Wildlife

Seven Acres Country Park is like a giant home for many different plants and animals. It has ten main types of natural areas, called habitats. These include open heathland, grassy areas, calm water, and thick woodland with broad-leaved trees. Each habitat provides a perfect home for different creatures.

Birds of the Park

If you love watching birds, Seven Acres is the place to be! Over 70 different kinds of birds have been seen here. You might spot a bright blue kingfisher darting by the water, or a dipper bobbing on the rocks in the stream. Look up for birds of prey like the quick sparrowhawk and the hovering kestrel. You can also hear the beautiful song of a song thrush or see the colorful bullfinch. Keep an eye out for the tall grey heron near the water and the small, shy blackcap.

Butterflies and Dragonflies

The park is also a fantastic place for insects, especially butterflies and dragonflies. There are at least 18 kinds of butterflies fluttering around. You might see the striking red admiral or the delicate holly blue. Other common butterflies include the bright brimstone, the patterned speckled wood, and the tiny small copper.

Dragonflies are also a common sight, especially near the water. At least ten types of dragonflies live here. Look for the wide-bodied broad bodied chaser, the beautiful banded demoiselle with its colorful wings, and the fast-flying brown hawker and migrant hawker. These amazing insects add so much life and color to the park!