Wolseley Centre

Wolseley Centre
Location	near Rugeley, Staffordshire
OS grid	SK 025 203
Coordinates	52°46′49″N 1°57′52″W
Area	26 acres (11 ha)
Operated by	Staffordshire Wildlife Trust
Website	https://www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/explore/our-visitor-centres/wolseley-centre

The Wolseley Centre is a visitor centre and nature reserve of the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, in Staffordshire, England, about 2 miles (3 km) north-west of Rugeley, and about 7 miles (11 km) south-east of the county town of Stafford.

History

Wolseley Hall

The site was formerly the gardens of Wolseley Hall, which was built in the late 17th century. The hall was demolished in 1966; in the 1990s there was some restoration of the gardens, by Sir Charles Wolseley. The site was later converted into a nature reserve, and it has been the headquarters of the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust since 2003.[1][2][3]

Redevelopment

From November 2018 the site was redeveloped, to have a new café with views across the adjacent lake, an improved car park and other features across the site.[4] The redeveloped centre was officially opened on 12 June 2019 by the Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire.[5]

Grounds

There are 26 acres (11 ha) of grounds, including woodlands, lakes, pools and marshland, in which there are wildlife habitats. A boardwalk enables views of pools and marshland. There are wildflower meadows and display gardens, and a sensory garden. The paths and boardwalk are suitable for wheelchair users.[3]

References

1. "Wolseley Hall" Lost Heritage: England's lost country houses. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
2. "Wolseley Hall" Parks & Gardens. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
3. "The Wolseley Centre" Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
4. "The Wolseley Centre Development" Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. Version dated 9 May 2020 retrieved via Wayback Machine.
5. "The Wolseley Centre" Staffordshire Wildlife Trust.Version dated 8 May 2020 retrieved via Wayback Machine.