Local Wildlife Site

Wildlife

The trees are principally non-native, mainly London plane, with occasional horse chestnut, tree-of-heaven, Indian bean-tree and laburnum, as well as a few holly.The shrubbery shows a wide range of colours and form, with foliage plants including elaeagnus, castor oil plant, karo, ornamental hazel and elders, as well as more traditional varieties such as spotted laurel, privet and box. Flowering varieties include camellias, lilac, weigela, guelder rose, hydrangea and Mexican orange. Good berry sources include Oregon-grape, holly and firethorn. There are small areas of ornamental herbaceous planting under the shrubs along the edge of the lawns; another small area contains a fern collection. Elsewhere ivy provides some ground cover, although in many parts the ground is rather bare and dry.The park also contains flowerbeds, lawns, a cafe and bandstand. There is a shallow pool by the York Water Gate, with bamboo nearby providing possible nesting cover for mallard. A second pond has been planted with some native wetland plants; carp and sticklebacks are found here. Breeding birds include blackbird, dunnock, carrion crow, robin, woodpigeon, blue tit and starling.

Facilities

Refreshments; Sculptures; Historical Features.