With Swindon Ranger David Boase

IT’S great news – Lydiard Park, and Stanton Park and Local Nature Reserve are once again able to proudly fly the prestigious Green Flag above their sites.

The national award, handed out by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, recognises the best parks and green spaces across the country, and a Green Flag flying overhead is a sign to visitors that the space boasts the highest possible standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities.

Both Lydiard and Stanton are beautiful, unique places, which are firmly in the hearts of the many, even sporting their very own squares on the Swindon Monopoly board.

However, although I could happily sing the praises of both, I would like to take the opportunity today to introduce Stanton Park; a place that’s close to my heart, and which I am lucky enough to manage with the assistance of my colleagues and the help of a community of dedicated volunteers.

Although Stanton Park is deemed to be one of Britain’s best country parks, it is surprisingly still very much a hidden gem.

Bought by Swindon Council in 1995, the park was identified as a County Wildlife Site, before finally being designated in part as a Local Nature Reserve in 2003 in recognition of its wealth of important habitats and associated wildlife.

An inspiring and largely unspoiled example of a country park, its layout is essentially unchanged from the early 19th century, with all the landscape features you would expect from an historic manor estate.

The 74-hectare (185-acre) park as we see it today evolved from a medieval estate and deer park into a 19th century landscaped parkland, with sweeping pastures, a large lake and ancient woodland.

The foundation of the parkland remains today and the on-going restoration has seen the planting of trees to recreate the original design, grazing and mowing of the meadows, and major renovation of the remaining farm buildings.

Stanton Avenue, originally planted in 1810, has been reinstated with beech trees.

Stanton provides a gateway from the urban suburbs on the north eastern side of Swindon to the wider countryside.

Stanton’s traditional parkland pastures, along with its considerable wealth of diverse habitats, places it firmly in the hearts of the people who visit.

Please look out for the Ranger Team events leaflet, ask us about volunteering or simply take a gentle stroll and see for yourself how wonderful Stanton Park really is.

For more details, please call the Ranger Team on 01793 490150, email us at swindonrangers@swindon.gov.uk or visit www.swindon.gov.uk and search ‘Stanton Park’.