Bute Park
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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.
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[edit] 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. Today’s parkland appearance owes much to the landscape design carried out by the Bute Estate in the late Victorian era. In 1947, the Marquis of Bute presented the park to the Council.
[edit] 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.
[edit] 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 Sophia Gardens Sports Centre.
[edit] 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.
[edit] Special Events
Many large cultural and sporting events are organised in the park, taking advantage of the park's excellent setting and accessibility. See the Parks Website for information about current events.[citation needed]
[edit] 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.
[edit] Public Art
The park hosts a number of interesting artworks and sculptures including wood carvings and an ironwork sundial.
[edit] 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.
[edit] Near By
Bute Park is located in the very heart of the city centre so access is easy to a wide range of facilities including shopping centres, the Millennium Stadium, restaurants/bars, theatres, cinemas and Cardiff Museum.
Access is also good to other open spaces:
- Pontcanna Fields & Sophia Gardens.
- Extensive parkland just across the two footbridges over the River Taff.
- Taff Trail to north which links up with Hailey Park (approx 3km).
- Fforest Farm (approx 6km) and to the countryside beyond.
- Taff Trail to south which links to Hamadryad Park (approx 2.5Km).
- Cardiff Bay Wetland Reserve (approx 3km) and Cardiff Bay (approx 3.5km)
[edit] Map
Click Here for Map.
[edit] Information and Contacts
The park is owned by Cardiff County Council and managed by the Parks Section. Further information about the park and any current events can be obtained from the Parks Website. Parks Service Cardiff County Council Heath Park, King George V Drive, Cardiff. CF14 4EP Tel: 02920 684000
