Yellow Gorse in winter frost
Parkhall Countryside Park in Stoke-On-Trent, Staffordshire, is situated in Stoke South parliamentary constituency; Parkhall comprises of 333 acres based on a sandstone ridge. The geological features give the park its status as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and it also has National Nature Reserve (NNR) status. Mentioned in 1449 as a deer park, drift coal mining started in the 19th Century. Between 1939 and 1970 quarrying of sand and gravel took place; afterwards it was used as a rubbish tip. In 1971 Stoke-On-Trent City Council and Staffordshire County Council drew up plans to reclaim the land with the park opening in 1981. The stone formation make it a place of geological interest. Over 100 species of birds have been recorded. Rarieties include: firecrest, crossbill and hoopoe. All five species of British owl have been seen. There are 20 small pools with newts, frogs, toads and Europe's largest dragonfly - The Emperor. Mammals include: rabbits, hares, stoats, foxes and badgers. Wild flowers include: lady's smock, tormentil, trefoils, vetches, buttercup, cow parsley, hogweed, woody nightshade (bittersweet) and orchids. 19 species of butterfly have been recorded including: orange tip, brimstone, speckled wood, small pearlboarded fritillary, small copper and meadow brown.
Size: 5360px × 3560px
Location: Parkhall Countryside Park, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England
Photo credit: © dean nixon / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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