kids encyclopedia robot

Herschel Park facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Herschel Park
Herschel Park LNR (5).jpg
Type Local Nature Reserve
Location Slough, Berkshire
OS grid SU 977 790
Area 4.2 hectares (10 acres)
Managed by Slough Borough Council

Herschel Park is a public park in Upton, a suburb of Slough in Berkshire. It is owned and managed by Slough Borough Council. It is in two adjacent areas. The larger area of 4.2-hectare (10-acre) in the north is a Local Nature Reserve. The more formal area in the north is a Grade II listed park.

Geography and site

The parkland has two lakes and ponds. The larger lake features an island planted with mature trees. The park also features a set of mature specimen and ornamental trees.

History

The park has been in existence from at least 1843, when James Bedborough bought the land in the area and used it to built twenty-nine terraced houses and large villas that looked out over the park. It is believed that Sir Joseph Paxton laid out the original park grounds. The park when opened was called Upton Park.

In 1949 the park was sold to Slough Borough Council. In 1952 the council changed its name from Upton Park Pleasure Grounds to Herschel Park, after the astronomer Sir William Herschel. In 1962–63, Slough Corporation purchased a further 10 acres from Eton College, which by 1982 had become part of Herschel Park.

In 2000 the water in the lakes suddenly disappeared, and a group was set up called Friends of Herschel Park, who together with Slough Borough Council started to apply for funds to return the park to its original Victorian design. In January 2009 the park was granted £2.7 million of council and lottery funding by the Heritage Lottery Fund. In 2011 work was finished; the lakes were refilled with water, and the original paths were restored.

In 2013 the site was declared as a local nature reserve by Slough Borough Council.

Fauna

The site has the following fauna:

Mammals

Invertebrates

Birds

Amphibians & reptiles

Flora

The site has the following flora:

Trees

Plants

kids search engine
All content from Kiddle encyclopedia articles (including the article images and facts) can be freely used under Attribution-ShareAlike license, unless stated otherwise. Cite this article:
Herschel Park Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.