Sheldon County Park
Sheldon Country Park Ranger Service
Old Rectory Farm
Ragley Drive
Church Road
Sheldon
Birmingham, B26 3TU
Tel: 0121 742 0226
Email:sheldon.country.park@birmingham.gov.uk
Introduction
Sheldon Country Park covers an area of just over 300 acres, comprising open grassland, wetlands, old hedgerows and some mature woodland. Situated on the very edge of the city, the land has escaped development and has become a haven for wildlife.
Old Rectory Farm
Ragley Drive
Church Road
Sheldon
Birmingham, B26 3TU
Tel: 0121 742 0226
Email:sheldon.country.park@birmingham.gov.uk
Introduction
Sheldon Country Park covers an area of just over 300 acres, comprising open grassland, wetlands, old hedgerows and some mature woodland. Situated on the very edge of the city, the land has escaped development and has become a haven for wildlife.
The Parks Ranger Service is based at Old Rectory Farm, a 17th Century dairy farm, which is situated on the main entrance to the park.
The farm has historic importance, having been the home of Sheldon's most celebrated son, Thomas Bray, from 1690 to 1721.
Old Rectory Farm has been fully restored and operates as a demonstration farm, showing city dwellers traditional methods of farming. animals kept at the farm include Jersey cattle, pigs, goats, ponies, ducks, chickens and geese.
The farm is open to visitors every day throughout the year and admission is free.
The farm has a unique charm, and visitors from all sections of the community will be warmly welcomed by the staff and volunteers.
Facilities
There is a children's playground, picnic areas and a Cafe
Car Parking is free
Access
Staff are always willing to give advice about visiting the farm and to provide assistance when you visit.
The ground is relatively flat and broad paths have been cut throughout the park to improve accessibility and to encourage visitors to explore. Less-able walkers and wheelchair users can access a hard-surfaced nature trail directly from the main car park.
The site has a substantial car park. Disabled drivers are welcome to park in the farmyard.
The farm site is fully accessible and has one unisex disabled toilet with a radar lock.
Events
The Rangers hold a variety of events throughout the year, such as guided tours of the farm, monthly rambles and craft sessions shuch as "How to build a bird box."
Health
There are many informal areas which are conservation managed, with desire linewalks and some formal pathways. Community Health has identified a 2km and 5k walking route on site and the new East Birmingham Cycle Route will form part of its pathway through the park, entering at both Marston Green Railway Station and at Bell Lane.
The site also has three football pitches.
Trees
The Sheldon Ward Millennium Woodland is planted on this site, which includes the Khalsa Woodland and a Memorial Planting by the Council of Sikh Gurdwara, that can be found on the Coventry Road frontage, where five Ash Trees were planted in the year 2000.The Westley Brook that runs through the park is canalised and fenced.
If you would like more information please Tel: 0121 742 0226 or email: sheldon.country.park@birmingham.gov.uk