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.

Wolseley Centre
Wolseley Centre is located in Staffordshire
Wolseley Centre
Locationnear Rugeley, Staffordshire
OS gridSK 025 203
Coordinates52°46′49″N 1°57′52″W / 52.78028°N 1.96444°W / 52.78028; -1.96444
Area26 acres (11 ha)
Operated byStaffordshire Wildlife Trust
Websitehttps://www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/explore/our-visitor-centres/wolseley-centre

History

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Wolseley Hall

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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

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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

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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

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  1. ^ "Wolseley Hall" Lost Heritage: England's lost country houses. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
  2. ^ "Wolseley Hall" Parks & Gardens. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
  3. ^ a b "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.