Northampton Out And About
In Northamptonshire’s best kept areas of natural beauty lie a wide variety of country parks, ideal for strolling, sitting or even picnicking. These include Fermyn Woods Country Park – the largest of the country parks in the Northampton area. The wildlife here includes Fallow Deer, Red Kites, Woodpeckers and Purple Emperor butterflies. The oldest country park in the county is Irchester, opened in 1971. Originally an ironstone quarry, this is a Regionally Important Geological Site with its layers of rocks dating back over 165 million years and an amazing range of fossils. Whether you want a quiet stroll through more than 1/4 million towering trees, an exciting woodland adventure, a geological excursion including a visit to the Ironstone Narrow Gauge Railway Museum or the chance to relax in one of the open meadows, this park has plenty to offer all ages and interests.
Northampton Out and About – Country Parks
The historic village of Brixworth has both the largest surviving Anglo Saxon church in England and Brixworth Country Park and Pitsford Water. Energetic and sporty visitors can sail, windsurf, canoe, cycle, fish and much more. The more relaxed visitors can take a stroll and admire the wildlife haven of Pitsford Water. This is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, which is home to the Greenshank wading bird; attracts the country’s largest winter gull roost and is regularly visited by Osprey during their spring migration. In the heart of the Nene Valley is Barnwell Country Park, the smallest of the group. This park is a mixture of peaceful lakes, riverside and grassy meadows. The lakes and marshes in this area provide homes for many species of wildlife including the elusive Otter and the beautiful Kingfisher
Northampton Out and About – Wildlife
Sywell Country Park is situated between the villages of Ecton and Sywell. Here you will find a truly tranquil area dedicated to preserving wildlife habitats,. The waters and banks of the Edwardian reservoir are a welcome spot for Terns, Kingfishers, Swans and many more birds. Differing habitats attract a variety of wildlife and the various areas include the Butterfly Gardens and Bluebell Woods. If your interest is fishing, Northamptonshire’s lakes and reservoirs offer a wide variety of choice, with over 40 designated fishing areas, you can perch on the edge of one of Northamptonshire’s waterways. With many idyllic locations, you will find some of the region’s best, well stocked trout and carp fisheries among many others, many of which offer short breaks and boat hire to make your time here more memorable. Don’t let Northamptonshire be the one that got away!
Northampton Out and About – Castle and Forest
Finally, you will find Rockingham Forest in the north east of the county. It covers 200 square miles, situated between the rivers Welland and Nene. Designated as a royal hunting ground for William the Conqueror after the Norman Conquests. The Forestry Commission has introduced an Ancient Woodlands Project to replant areas of natice species such as oak and ash, and a Landscape Characterisation Project aiming to make the area more sustainable for wildlife and to maintain the unique character – with the help of local communities. Rockingham has several other attractions, the beautiful village, Rockingham Castle, built for William the Conqueror, and Rockingham Motor Racing Circuit, offering raceday experiences, pop concerts and the UK home of “high speed oval” racing akin to the Nascar car racing in America.
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