Granville Country Park

(Redirected from Muxton Marsh)

Granville Country Park is a local nature reserve near Telford in Shropshire, England. It is owned by Telford and Wrekin Council, who work in partnership with the Shropshire Wildlife Trust and Friends of Granville.[1][2]

Granville Country Park
Lodge Furnace remains
Granville Country Park is located in Shropshire
Granville Country Park
Location in Shropshire
Locationnear Telford, Shropshire
OS gridSJ 715 128
Coordinates52°42′43″N 2°25′24″W / 52.71194°N 2.42333°W / 52.71194; -2.42333
Area24 hectares (59 acres)
Operated byTelford and Wrekin Council
Shropshire Wildlife Trust
Friends of Granville
DesignationLocal nature reserve
Websitewww.telford.gov.uk/info/20629/local_nature_reserves/3866/granville_country_park

Description

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The reserve, area 24 hectares (59 acres), contains former industrial sites, since reclaimed by nature. There is woodland, meadows, a marsh and open water; former pit mounds are now grasslands and heath. These varied habitats support many species of plant, bird and insect.[3]

Muxton Marsh

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Muxton Marsh, within the reserve, is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.[4] Its area is 7.3 hectares (18 acres). The western end is an uncultivated meadow, with plant species including yellow rattle, meadow vetchling and marsh thistle. The eastern end is wetter, a habitat for rushes, sedges and marsh arrow-grass. The eastern part includes the slopes of a former pit mound, where there is now woodland with alder and willow at its foot by the marsh.[5]

Remains of industry

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The remains of blast furnaces, a tub boat canal and a winding engine house can be seen.[2]

The blast furnaces were the Old Lodge Furnaces, built by the Lilleshall Company, near an old hunting lodge that was demolished in 1820. They were in use from 1824 until 1888; they were demolished in 1905. Part of the brickwork of three of the furnaces remain.[6]

References

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  1. ^ "Granville Country Park" Telford & Wrekin Council. Retrieved 1 October 2021.
  2. ^ a b "General Information" Friends of Granville Country Park. Retrieved 1 October 2021.
  3. ^ "Granville Country Park" Shropshire Wildlife Trust. Retrieved 1 October 2021.
  4. ^ "Muxton Marsh" Natural England. Retrieved 4 October 2021.
  5. ^ "Nature Reserve" Friends of Granville Country Park. Retrieved 4 October 2021.
  6. ^ "Industrial History" Friends of Granville Country Park. Retrieved 4 October 2021.
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