Camphill and Woolton Woods
The History of Camphill and Woolton Woods
The 30 hectare park lies within a Conservation area and has been in the ownership of Liverpool City Council since Woolton Woods was purchased in 1920 and Camphill was bequeathed in 1921.
The land, which now makes up the park, has seen a variety of uses over the last 1,000 years, with one original use being an Iron Age fort situated on the crest of Camp Hill.
The name of Woolton (cited in the Doomsday Book as Uluentune) is derived from 'Wulfa's Tun', from the Anglo Saxon personal name Wulfa and the Old English 'Tun' meaning village, farm or homestead.
The present 22 hectare Woolton Woods originally formed part of the estate of Woolton Hall, which from 1772 was owned by the Ashton family, well known prominent Liverpool citizens. In the 1850s ownership of the estate passed to William Shand, who married one of the daughters of Henry Ashton. By 1871 the Gaskell family, whose family tree can be traced back to the 16th century, was resident at Woolton Wood.
The 22 hectare site was purchased from the Gaskell family in 1917 for £12,000 by Col James P Reynolds of Dove Park (Reynolds Park), who was the last owner of the property. Col Reynolds sold most of the estate to Liverpool Corporation, but dedicated the 10 acre strip of land fronting Woolton Woods on the north easterly side at High Street to be used as a recreation ground for local people, in recognition of the privilege he felt in living in a beautiful residential district for over 50 years of his life.
The main entry to the park from High Street is known as Coronation Drive, and was dedicated in honour of King George V to celebrate his coronation.
The Floral Cuckoo Clock in the Old English Rose garden was presented to the public in 1927 by the family of James Bellhouse Gaskell in memory of his long connection with Woolton Wood. The walled garden, home of the famous cuckoo clock, is all that remains of the former mansion.
The 8 hectare section of the park known as Camp Hill owes its origin to the belief that from 150 BC an iron age camp occupied this high land. The estate was owned in 1862 by Charles Myers and by 1891 was the home of Frederick Herbert Gossage. The last owner, from 1911, was Charles James Williamson JP and he bequeathed his estate as a gift to the City of Liverpool upon his death in 1921.
One of the interesting features of Camp Hill was the 'Dutch Garden of Meditation', created in 1928, and although the pool and garden ornaments have long disappeared, it is still a sheltered and tranquil spot, known as the 'Sunken Garden.'
The Park
The mature woodland on the site mainly originates from the early period of private ownership. The park provides an opportunity for walking, running, dog walking, football, cycling, picnicking, and bird watching. There are several public events held on the site each year and the park is popular with schools and other groups such as Brownies, Guides and Beavers
The large open fields visible from the surrounding roadways are edged in summer by drifts of wild flowers planted by the local community.
Throughout the year many indigenous woodland tree species are to be seen in Woolton Woods and Camp Hill and winter, spring and summer bring a glorious succession of snowdrops, bluebells and wild flowers. There are also many wild animal habitats and wild bird food sources to attract a wide variety of wildlife, enriching the visitor's experience of a 'Country Park in the Town'
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In recognition of the high standards attained, the park has achieved and sustained Green Flag status since 2003.
View the Camphill and Woolton Woods leaflet![(PDF [357.2Kb] opens in new window)](/images/PDF.gif)
The Walled Ornamental Garden
At the heart of the park lies the Walled Garden, originally the old kitchen garden, now providing a quiet area for admiring stunning displays of annual bedding, herbaceous borders and year round interest provided by its trees and shrubs.
Location of the famous Cuckoo Clock, which is planted each year with traditional carpet bedding, the garden holds sentimental value for many of its regular visitors.
Following on the village's success in the Britain in Bloom competition, in 2002, the Walled Garden gained a prestigious BALI Award in recognition of the high standards of maintenance afforded the garden. Additionally in 2004, the garden won the Anne Farmer Trophy for Walled Gardens.
Friends of Camphill and Woolton Woods
There is an active Friends group taking a deep interest in the welfare and development of the park. Members have carried out planting, conservation work and have created many wildlife habitats. Not only this, but they have had lots of fun at the events organised for Friends.
Access
The main parkland is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and the Walled Garden is open 10am to 4.30pm during October to March and 10am to 6.30pm April to October.
Travel Information
Travel information and timetables from MerseytravelWhat's On in Woolton Woods
July
Thu 2
1:00 PM
Woolton Woods Wealth of Wildlife
Join us for this healthy woodland ramble and discover how modern day environmentally friendly woodland management is good news for wildlife
Woolton Woods
Green Flag, Flag Pole, Woods Main Gate, High Street, Woolton
August
Mon 24
1:00 PM
Our Woodland Environment
Join us in this 'Year of the Environment' as we enjoy a walk through our beautiful woodlands and discuss woodland history and the implications of climate change in the future on the woods and its inhabitants
Woolton Woods
Green Flag, Flag Pole, Woods Main Gate, High Street, Woolton
September
Mon 14
1:00 PM
Woolton Woodland Wander
Join us for a healthy wander as we take a fairly brisk wander through Woolton Woods and Camphill enjoying the beautiful surroundings and experiencing its wealth of wildlife
Woolton Woods
Green Flag, Flag Pole, Woods Main Gate, High Street, Woolton