Woodgate Valley Country Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Woodgate Valley Country Park |
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Path and bridge
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| Location | Bartley Green/Quinton, Birmingham, England |
| Area | 450 acres (180 ha) |
| Operated by | Birmingham City Council |
Woodgate Valley Country Park is a large, green space located in the Bartley Green and Quinton areas of Birmingham, England. It's a special place where nature thrives, and people can enjoy the outdoors. This park is the third biggest country park in Birmingham, after Sutton Park and Lickey Hills Country Park. The park is carefully looked after to protect wildlife, but it also has a farm with animals you can visit!
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A Look Back: How the Park Started
Woodgate Valley Country Park opened its doors in 1984. Before it became a park, this huge area of about 450 acres (182 hectares) was mostly farmland with small farms. It was saved from being built over with houses and buildings, so now everyone can enjoy its natural beauty.
Exploring Nature: Plants and Animals
The park is a fantastic place for nature lovers, with many different types of habitats for plants and animals. You can find hedgerows, open meadows, and quiet woodland areas. There's also a stream called Bourn Brook that runs through the park.
Amazing Wildlife You Might See
More than 80 different species of birds have been spotted here! Keep an eye out for birds like the marsh harrier, the long-eared owl, and the colourful kingfisher. The park is also home to many butterflies and dragonflies, including the bright red admiral and the small tortoiseshell.
Plants and Flowers
If you love plants, you'll be amazed by the variety. Over 250 different plant species grow in the park. In spring, you might see beautiful common bluebells covering the ground. Other lovely flowers include foxgloves and honeysuckle. Many special plants also grow in the damp meadows. In 2008, muntjac deer were even seen by people living nearby!
Fun Things to Do at the Park
Woodgate Valley Country Park is a great place to visit if you want to get away from the busy city. It's perfect for a relaxing walk, observing wildlife, or walking your dog. You can also enjoy horse riding on the special trails.
Woodgate Valley Urban Farm
The Urban Farm is a special part of the park, but it's not run by the city council. It's a private charity that supports itself. Here, you can meet different farm animals and learn more about them.
Hole Farm Trekking Centre
Right next to the park, you'll find the City Council Hole Farm Trekking Centre. This centre offers horse riding lessons and treks for people of all ages and skill levels. It's a great way to explore the park on horseback! You can reach the park easily by bus from Bromsgrove, Halesowen, and especially from Birmingham city centre.
The Visitor Centre
The park has a Visitor Centre where park rangers are based. These rangers organize fun activities for visitors, like guided walks to learn about wild food. They also run educational programs for schools. Inside the Visitor Centre, you'll find a café where you can grab a snack, and displays that teach you more about the park. Just outside, there's a play area for children and a picnic area where you can enjoy your lunch.
