Bute Park

Bute Park in Cardiff, Wales, is an extensive area of mature parkland easily accessible from the city centre. Flanked by the River Taff, Sophia Gardens, Pontcanna Fields and Cardiff Castle, Bute Park is a very popular 'green lung' full of historic and wildlife interest. Few cities have such a spacious green area in the heart of their city. The Taff Trail can be accessed at the northern end of Blackweir Fields. A water bus stop is located adjacent to Canton Bridge at the southern end of the park offering trips to Cardiff Bay, Penarth and the barrage. It is believed that Bute Park is the largest city centre park in the UK.

History

Due to its location at the historic core of Cardiff, Bute Park contains a wealth of historic interest dating back to Roman and medieval times. Cardiff Castle, the famous Animal Wall, the Gorsedd stones and the Blackfriars site are just a sample of the park’s rich history. The park was landscaped in the late eighteenth century by Capability Brown and had alterations in the late nineteenth century by the 3rd Marquess of Bute [ [http://www.york.ac.uk/depts/arch/landscapes/ukpg/sites/cardiffc.htm Cardiff Castle & Bute Park] ] . In 1947, the 3rd Marquess of Bute presented the park to the Council. Today the park is still owned and managed by Cardiff Council.

A new access bridge is planned for the park.

Nature

The size of the park and its variety of habitats make Bute Park a haven for wildlife. It is possible to see a great variety of wildlife including woodpeckers, kingfishers, egrets, bats and grey squirrels. The woodlands adjoining the River Taff contain an excellent spring flora and there is an interesting range of wax cap fungi within sections of closely mown lawn in the arboretum. Salmon and sea trout can be viewed on Blackweir.

Recreation

Football, rugby and cricket pitches are provided at Blackweir Fields to the north of the park. A 'Trim Trail' loops around the southern part of the park. Large grassed areas are used for informal recreation- a great place for a picnic. Very close at hand are the Glamorgan County Cricket Club and Welsh Institute of Sport.

Arboretum

An interesting mix of rare and ornamental trees have been planted since 1947 to compliment some excellent specimens that formed part of the original park design.Many of the trees are known to be Champion Trees, the biggest examples of their species anywhere in the UK.

Ornamental features

A well stocked herbaceous border flanks the path running alongside the River Taff, the plants coming from the Parks Nursery located in the park. See the Parks Website, Illustrated Plant Guide for more information.

Public art

The park hosts a number of interesting artworks and sculptures including wood carvings and an ironwork sundial.

Waterways

Previously used for transporting coal and linking with Cardiff Docks, the dock feeder canal now forms a tranquil corridor along the eastern edge of the park.

The River Taff runs along the western edge of the park providing great visual and wildlife interest. Each autumn, salmon and sea trout can be seen jumping up the weir below the footbridge at Blackweir, and herons and cormorants have been observed fishing in this area. [cite web | url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/nature/sites/features/pages/questions_answers.shtml | title=BBC Wales Nature Q&A | accessdate=2008-01-16]

Map

[http://isharemaps.cardiff.gov.uk/ishare2.6.1/default_cardiff.aspx?MapSource=Cardiff/AllMaps&Layers=Places%20of&startEasting=&startNorthing=&startZoom=400%% Click Here] for Map.

Notes

External links

* [http://www.cardiff.gov.uk/content.asp?nav=2870,3139,3158,3964&parent_directory_id=2865&id=422 Cardiff Council Bute Park page]
* [http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=11122337572 ACT NOW to save Bute Park - Facebook group]