Wolseley Centre
| Wolseley Centre | |
|---|---|
  | |
| Location | near Rugeley, Staffordshire |
| OS grid | SK 025 203 |
| Coordinates | 52°46′49″N 1°57′52″W / 52.78028°N 1.96444°W |
| Area | 26 acres (11 ha) |
| Operated by | Staffordshire Wildlife Trust |
| Website | https://www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/explore/our-visitor-centres/wolseley-centre |
The Wolseley Centre is a visitor centre and nature reserve of the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, in Staffordshire, England, about 2 miles (3 km) north-west of Rugeley, and about 7 miles (11 km) south-east of the county town of Stafford.
The Trust has two visitor centres; the other is at Westport Lake in Stoke-on-Trent.[1]
History[edit]
Wolseley Hall[edit]
The site was formerly the gardens of Wolseley Hall, which was built in the late 17th century. The hall was demolished in 1966; in the 1990s there was some restoration of the gardens, by Sir Charles Wolseley. The site was later converted into a nature reserve, and it has been the headquarters of the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust since 2003.[2][3][4]
Redevelopment[edit]
From November 2018 the site was redeveloped, to have a new café with views across the adjacent lake, an improved car park and other features across the site.[5] The redeveloped centre was officially opened on 12 June 2019 by the Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire.[4]
Grounds[edit]
There are 26 acres (11 ha) of grounds, including woodlands, lakes, pools and marshland, in which there are wildlife habitats. A boardwalk enables views of pools and marshland. There are a wildlife garden and display gardens, and a sensory garden. The paths and boardwalk are suitable for wheelchair users.[6]
References[edit]
- ^ "Our visitor centres" Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. Retrieved 27 April 2020.
- ^ "Wolseley Hall" Lost Heritage: England's lost country houses. Retrieved 4 May 2020.
- ^ "Wolseley Hall" Parks & Gardens. Retrieved 4 May 2020.
- ^ a b "The Wolseley Centre" Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. Retrieved 27 April 2020.
- ^ "The Wolseley Centre Development" Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. Retrieved 27 April 2020.
- ^ "Explore The Wolseley Centre grounds" Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. Retrieved 27 April 2020.