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Padnall Open Space
Open space with lake, orchard and wildlife area.
Location
Padnall Road, Marks Gate RM6 5EL
There are no car parking facilities.
Features
- small lake and wildlife area
- community orchard
- green space for dog walking and jogging
Several of the mature fruit trees next to Padnall Lake are the remnants of an orchard that was formerly part of Padnall Hall Estate. Records from Valence House Archives show that in the 1860’s this was a country residence which included arable and pasture-land, a vinery and orchard. It is believed that the mature trees here are over 80 years old.
Between 2016-17, as part of its Orchard Restoration project, The Orchard Project carried out a DNA test on one of the pear trees which revealed it is a rare, old variety from Kent called Uvedale’s St Germain.
A new housing development and community event space is planned for a section of the existing amenity grassland. Works will also include restoration of the lake area, installation of play areas, tree-planting and wildflower corridors to enhance biodiversity and wildlife. More information on the development is available on the BeFirst - Marks Gate website.