Parks, play areas, nature reserves

Play area improvements at Abbey Green Park, Polesworth are complete and the play area is open again

Queen Elizabeth II Playing Fields, Abbey Green Park and Local Nature Reserve

• Location: Grendon Road, Polesworth, B78 1HD
• Sports facilities: Tennis Courts, Bowling Green, Football pitches
• Play facilities: Toddler/junior and teen including skate ramp
• Other facilities: Public car park next to the petrol station, fishing platforms, benches and pathways
• On Google Maps - Queen Elizabeth II Playing Fields

The history of Abbey Green Park

• The area of the park had been fields and grazing land with a farm building accessed via the bridge over the canal along the Grendon Road.
• The extension of the Coventry Canal through Polesworth in 1790 and the development of steam power encouraged a steady growth in coal production in the area. By the 1840s, coal mining and other industries were firmly established in the village.
• During the Second World War, opencast coal-mining scarred the surrounding countryside of Polesworth, and caused the river Anker to be diverted. Abbey Green Park was created after the land was open cast coal mined in the 1950 and early 1960; the river now flows on its original course

The nature reserve

Abbey Green Local Nature Reserve is situated within the larger Abbey Green Park along its northern boundary. A series of backwater channels connecting to the River Anker intersect the site.

Map of Abbey Green Local Nature Reserve and Species information

Who lives in Abbey Green Park - birds, bats, insects, fish

• Abbey Green Park is one of four green spaces in North Warwickshire dedicated as Local Nature Reserves.
• The Wild:LIFE project involves local people in looking after nature on their doorstep.
• A habitat management plan has been produced by Warwickshire Wildlife Trust to help safeguard the habitats and species present.
• The Wild:LIFE project is funded by Access to Nature a scheme run by Natural England and Funded by the Big Lottery (2010 - 2013).
• Abbey Green Park was declared a Local Nature Reserve in North Warwickshire in 2013.

The Anker Valley

The site is situated in the Anker Valley and is one of several important wildlife sites interconnected by the River Anker

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Polesworth Recreation Ground

• Location: Station Road, Polesworth, B78 
• Sports facilities: football pitches
• Play facilities: 0-5 and 6 and over play areas
• Other facilities: None
• On Google Maps - Polesworth Recreation Ground

Enquiries and problems: Polesworth Parish Council

Pooley Country Park

Pooley Lane, Polesworth, Warwickshire, B78 1JA - 6 miles from Atherstone, about 13 minutes - Pooley Country Park website

On Google Maps - Pooley Country Park

The 62.5 hectare site, one third of which is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, contains several pools caused by mining subsidence, woodland habitats and is situated on the Coventry Canal. You can walk the path to the top of the 'pit mound' for a spectacular view for miles around and see up close the 'Golden Leaf' statue. There is a Tea Room and play area.

Last updated Wednesday, 8th February 2023

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