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Telford Town Park
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Follow the heritage or nature trail and discover some of the park's hidden treasures.
Follow the heritage trails and see some of the parks's vast historical treasures such as...
Stirchley Forge and Rolling Mills
The Hinkshay Works, Stirchley Forge and Rolling Mills are all Archaeological remains of buildings that can be found in the park today. They were all sold off to the Haybridge Iron Co. In 1873. The works were rebuilt in 1876 and a nail factory was established on the site in 1874/5 until 1885. The forge and rolling mill continued in use until it closure in approximately 1900.
Stirchley Chimney and Furnaces
The Iron Works were established in 1790 by Thomas Botfield, originally with two blast furnaces, a forge and a mill. The Chimney was constructed of Randlay brick and is approximately 209 feet high and is still standing. This is a permanent reminder of the industry that used to occupy the Town Park. There is a small opening on the western side of the Chimney and it was connected to the furnaces by a tunnel. The ironworks were blown out in 1885, however the forge and rolling mill continued in use until its closure in 1900.
Shropshire Canal
The Silkin Way, running north to south through the centre of the park, was formerly the Shropshire Canal and the Wellington and Coalport railway. In 1788/9 the Coalport branch of the Shropshire Canal was built along the western edge of Stirchley, through the centre of the Park. It was designed to link the key industrial centres of the area with the River Severn.
Stirchley Station and Goods Shed
By 17 June 1861 the Coalport Branch Railway (later renamed the L.M.S.R, and again the L.N.W.R.) had replaced the Shropshire Canal and two stations were established within what we know as Telford Town Park. One was the Stirchley Station, located to the south of the Park at the point where the Stirchley to Great Dawley road crossed the line. Remnants of the station platform and goods shed can be seen today.
From broadleaved woodland and veteran trees, grasslands to orchids, heath land to aquatic vegetation, the Town Park has everything to enthral both the budding and professional botanists of any age.
From great crested newts to native amphibians, bats and reptiles, butterflies, dragon flies, green woodpecker, badgers and fox, the Town Park has everything to offer both budding and professional naturalists of any age.
Follow the Nature Trail through the 170 hectare park and take you to the key areas of interests such as...
Withy Pool
With white water lilies and flag Iris floating on the surface. The pool is well stocked with catfish, pike and roach. Various frog and toad species are also common here. Some of the trees which that surround the pool are specimens of crack willow and dog rose.
Within our pockets of heathland is one of the only places in the country that you will find bilberry and cowberry side by side. This creates a unique habitat attracting skylarks, greenfinches and with the possibility of gold finches making an appearance.
Hinkshay Pool
Where there is a wide variety of fish stocked including eels. The surrounding woodland provides the perfect habitat for grass snakes, with the tall trees offering enough shelter to entice bats into the area, these are also great places for a possible heronry.
Fletchers Pool
Is well stocked with carp and other pond wildlife. This woodland around it makes it ideal conditions to spot a Green Woodpecker.
Grange Pool
In the summer months the carp found in this pool will tend to come to feed on the surface providing a great viewing. It also makes it a great spot to look out for a kingfisher and great crested Grebe's. This area is also a tranquil place to see dragonflies and damselflies.
Overview and accessibility
Telford Town Park offers both heritage and nature trails, depending on your interest. We have created two routes that intertwine throughout the park for visitors to explore and learn about our heritage.
Along the trails are information boards with a variety of rubbings to be taken and local details from the location of orchids to the creation of Stirchley Chimney.
Email: telfordtownpark@telford.gov.uk
You can take a walk via both of these trails at any time of day, sunrise or sunset – these trails are open for you.
telfordtownpark@telford.gov.uk
Contact us directly from this web site using our feedback form.
Alternatively, you can contact us using the details below:
Telford Town Park Visitor Centre
Hinkshay Road
TF3 4EP
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