Victoria Park, Leicester
Selected Wild Place / Other Wild Places / Public Rights of Way / VC55 boundary
Victoria Park is within walking distance of Leicester city centre and is reached via the lovely pedestrian route, New Walk. It can be reached by bus or car from London Road or from Victoria Park Road.
Public park (Leicester City Council)
Site species count:
Victoria Park was the city's race course until 1883, the park now covers 69 acres of mainly mown grass criss-crossed by avenues of mature trees. It is a popular venue for outdoor events, but has some discreet areas where wildlife can thrive relatively undisturbed. An 'eco-area' has been created in the south-western corner and there are plans to extend this. Ponds, meadows and a more diverse habitat structure are attracting a wider range of wildlife species into the Park.
The broad expanse of mown grass attracts birds such as the Mistle Thrush and Pied Wagtail, whilst the avenues of trees provide foraging and commuting routes for bats and nesting sites for birds, supplemented by boxes which offer additional habitats until trees reach sufficient maturity. Tawny owls can be heard and are occasionally seen in the trees.
The nature area currently offers the most interest in terms of wildlife. The pond and adjacent marsh area attracts dragonflies such as the Broad-bodied Chaser and the Large Red Damselfly, whilst providing a valuable habitat for amphibians, aquatic invertebrates and waterfowl. The surrounding rough grasses, meadow and developing woodland supports a range of invertebrates and terrestrial habitat for small mammals, insects and amphibians. Relaxation of mowing and allowing areas to be more natural to the north of the nature area has increased the biodiversity value and help species to disperse. The meadow area adjacent to the University is a welcome addition with grasses typically found on neutral grassland meadows. Swallows and Swifts have been spotted feeding over these areas and provide important food sources for bats roosting locally.
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