Stockgrove Country Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Stockgrove Country Park |
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| Type | country park |
| Location | Heath and Reach, Bedfordshire, England |
| Operated by | Greensand Trust |
| Status | Open all year |
Stockgrove Country Park is a beautiful place to visit in England. It sits right on the border between Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire. This park is part of a much bigger area of woodlands.
Stockgrove Park covers about 80 acres. It's part of the 400-acre Rushmere Country Park. A group called the Greensand Trust takes care of these woods. They manage Rushmere (200 acres), Stockgrove (80 acres), Oak Wood (100 acres), and parts of Rammamere and Kings Wood.
Stockgrove Park first opened its doors to the public in 1972. Rushmere is newer, opening in 2011. In the park, you can see the old brick arches of a boathouse. It burned down in 1963. Since 1997, colorful Mandarin ducks have made their home here. They have been raising their families in the park ever since! Part of Stockgrove Park is also a special protected area called a Site of Special Scientific Interest. This means it's important for its wildlife and nature.
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Discovering Stockgrove Country Park
Stockgrove Country Park is a wonderful spot for nature lovers. It offers peaceful walks and a chance to see different kinds of plants and animals. The park is managed to keep its natural beauty safe for everyone to enjoy.
The History of Stockgrove Estate
The land that is now Stockgrove Country Park was once part of a large private property. This property was called the Stockgrove Estate. It had a big house in a nearby area called Soulbury.
In 1792, a man named Edwin Hanmer bought the Stock Grove Farm estate. His family later bought more land, making the estate even bigger. A famous person named Henry Hanmer lived at Stockgrove Park. He was a politician, which means he helped make decisions and laws for the country.
From 1928 to 1949, Sir Michael Kroyer-Kielberg owned the estate. He hired an architect, William Curtis Green, to design a new house. He also changed the park's landscape to make it more beautiful.
Stockgrove During Wartime
During the Second World War, the Army used the Stockgrove Estate. After the war, starting in the 1950s, the main house became a school. This school was for children who needed special educational support. Different councils ran the school until it closed in 1994.
From Private Estate to Public Park
In 1971, the local councils of Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire bought the parkland together. They wanted to open it for everyone to enjoy. So, in 1972, Stockgrove Park welcomed its first visitors. The park was made even bigger in 1973, adding more space for people to explore.
