Leasowes Park

Newly restored to its former glory, historic Leasowes Park was designed by the poet William Shenstone beginning in 1743 and continuing until his death in 1763. Shenstone created his garden from farmland; forming a diverse landscape of wooded valleys, open grassland, lakes and streams.

Grade 1 historic landscape

Today, The Leasowes is of major historic significance ranking in importance with landscapes such as Blenheim and Stowe, and being listed as Grade 1 on the English Heritage 'Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England'.

Stennels Fields

These wonderful areas of unimproved grassland are situated in the south of the park. The fields are classified as SINC sites (Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation) and are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act. Correct management of this site is very important or we may lose this valuable protection. The fields have not been 'improved' by drainage, ploughing, pesticides or fertilizers. This encourages unique flora and this type of habitat is rare in the region.

The SINC status was awarded due to the presence of ballerina or Pink Waxcaps, (Hygrocybe calyptriformis), which is often likened to a ballerina because of its similarity to a dancer's tutu. The waxcap, which is locally rare in the Midlands may be more common in the UK than anywhere else in the world. We therefore have a responsibility to look after it. These fields also have an historical interest as they have been grazed for over 200 years, and possibly for far longer.