A 5.3 hectare area consisting of woodland, a football pitch and play area, Birchmeadow Park is recognised as an important area for recreation by the residents of Broseley.
With a surprising historical background, this area of land is also recognised as a very important part of the industrial heritage of Broseley. However, rather than being used for educational purposes, the area is used mainly by people wanting to relax, play football or walk the dog.
Birchmeadow Park is land held in charitable trust for the free recreation of the people of Broseley. As sole custodians of the park, Shropshire Council maintains the area whilst leaving the woodland unmanaged in order to create a more natural area for people to enjoy.
History
Broseley has a strong claim to being the site of the first ever wooden railway. Propelled by horse, manpower or gravity, the railway would have served the coal-mine that once existed here and the surrounding iron-works that is now the site of the Birchmeadow playing fields. Other wooden railways in Lancashire and Wales were apparently inspired by the example of the West Midlands, more specifically the success of the railway in Shropshire on the South bank of the River Severn around Broseley.
The history surrounding Birchmeadow Park is important in relation to the shape of the existing area. It could be beneficial for future projects to celebrate Broseley’s role in the invention of the railway and early industrial revolution and lift the area from the shadow of neighbouring Ironbridge.
Community Spaces Project
In November 2009 the Birchmeadow Park Management Committee was awarded a total £115,000 from various grant bodies to improve the park. The funding was used to create a woodland path, welcome archway, resurface the car park and provide a new play facility on the site. The two year project has now come to an end and has been a fantastic success with more people using the site. The park is now host to an interesting woodland walk and a challenging and exciting new play area. So why not visit and enjoy this wonderful park with a picnic?
Future Development
The park is always being developed and the Committee are always on the look out for funding. Future projects involve increasing the woodland management, improving the condition of the football pitches and changing rooms and landscaping and planting the park.
We would be grateful to hear from you regarding Birchmeadow Park and the ideas we have put forward to make the area a nicer place to be. If you feel that you have anything to add or would simply like to voice your opinion over the matter please do not hesitate to contact us.