Witton Country Park

Witton Country Park is a 480-acre (1.9 km²) public park in the west of Blackburn, Lancashire, England. Around half of the country park is mixed woodland and parkland, while the rest is either farmland or rough grassland with open access. A visitors' centre features stables with exhibitions of old horse-drawn farm machinery, farm hand-tools and a natural history room. A mammal centre houses shrews, voles, ferrets, rabbits and other animals, which are on display.

Witton Country Park
Witton Park Country Park Visitors Centre
Witton Country Park
Location within Blackburn
Witton Country Park
Location within Blackburn with Darwen
Witton Country Park
Location within Lancashire
TypeUrban park
LocationBlackburn, Lancashire, England
Coordinates53.743123°N 2.519150°W / 53.743123; -2.519150 (Witton Country Park)
Area480 acres (190 ha)
Operated byBlackburn with Darwen Council
OpenOpen all year

History

Witton House and its gardens were created for Joseph Feilden in 1800.[1] Lieutenant General Randle Joseph Feilden, his second son, was a member of parliament.[2] The estate was used by the British Army in both world wars and then, in 1946, thanks in part due to a large donation by Robert Edward Hart, it was acquired by Blackburn Council.[1] After dry rot was found the house was demolished in 1952.[1]

On 11 April 2011, Prince William and Catherine Middleton visited Witton Country Park and greeted the Blackburn Harriers and Athletic Club.[3]

Events in the park

Each year, two events, "Arts in the Park" and "Blackburn with Darwen Mela", take place. These events formerly took place in Corporation Park, but moved to Witton Park in 2005. "Arts in the Park" sees local bands playing, as well as more famous acts such as Liberty X. Also many other events take place throughout the day, which usually ends with a set performed by an orchestra. The park is also the venue for the annual Blackburn Race for Life charity fundraising event.[4]

References
  1. "Witton Park history". Blackburn Council. Retrieved 6 July 2020.
  2. Hansard 1803–2005: contributions in Parliament by Joseph Feilden
  3. "Royal couple on pre-wedding visit". April 11, 2011 – via www.bbc.co.uk.
  4. raceforlife.org Accessed 2011
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