Hartshill Hayes Country Park

As the intense August heat gives way to the first signs of autumn, we’re looking back at an eventful summer at Warwickshire's country parks with our latest wildlife and conservation update! 🌻

Check it out below for fascinating wildlife observations, the meaning behind ‘false autumn’, and some of the things to look out for when visiting our parks in the coming weeks. We've also got a line-up of cosy autumnal events to help people of all ages embrace the new season. Don't forget to sign to receive our update directly to your inbox each month. 📬

Have you enjoyed visiting us this summer? For some, the best is still to come: and you can see it all for less with one of our annual parking permits. 🍂

It’s been fantastic to see Warwickshire’s country parks and greenways brimming with activity over the summer, but we know that many of you love other parts of the year the most.

Soon, everything will turn red and gold; our paths and trails will get quieter, and you can look out for birds and mammals squirrelling away supplies for the winter. 🍁

Then there’s the magic of the cold: fractals and frozen lakes, frosted leaves and the gentle stillness that settles across our parks. ❄️

Before you know it, the early signs of spring will morph into full-blown blossoms, and our parks will once again be full of life. 🌸

Which is your favourite season? Let us know in the comments!

Whichever you like best, if you visit more than once a month, you’ll save money by buying an annual permit. If you buy one now, you’ll be covered for next summer too.

And the best part? All the income from parking goes directly towards looking after our country parks. Find out more below. 👇

📸 Pictures taken across our country parks and greenways.

Looking for an affordable day out for the last couple of weeks of the summer holidays? 🌳☀️

Come and explore Hartshill Hayes Country Park! Wander through our ancient woodlands, enjoy the peaceful, tree-lined play area and treat yourself to something tasty from The Kiosk at Hartshill. 🍦

A lovely spot for a summer day out without breaking the bank! 💚

Please don't start fires or BBQs at our park ⚠️

Our colleagues at Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service have been dealing with an influx of incidents during this hot, dry weather. You can help them out and protect our park by not lighting BBQs and avoiding fire hazards like leaving rubbish, glass or cigarette butts around.

On busy days/evenings, our bins may get full before we get chance to empty them - if this happens, PLEASE take your rubbish home with you.

We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported our team by helping us keep things tidy or letting us know when something isn't right. 💚

Have you ever tried ‘woodland bathing’?🌳💚

Our final post for comes from Ranger Tom, our specialist woodland ranger, who shared why our woodlands are such special places for wellbeing.

Woodlands have a wonderful way of helping us slow down. From Warwickshire’s ancient woodlands like Hartshill Hayes Country Park, to the woods and wooded areas found within Ryton Pools, Kingsbury Water Park, Pooley Country Park, Burton Dassett Hills Country Park and Ufton Fields Nature Reserve, these cool and shady places provide the perfect escape from the busyness of daily life.

Why not try woodland bathing? It's a Japanese practice that encourages you to slow down and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of the woodland. Find a quiet spot, pause for a few minutes, and take in everything around you:

🐦 Birds singing overhead
🍃 Leaves rustling in the breeze
🌸 The scent of wildflowers and fresh woodland air
🦌 Wildlife moving through the trees

You don't need any special equipment or experience – just a little time. Woodland bathing can be enjoyed in every season, offering a simple way to reconnect with nature and enjoy the calm our woodlands have to offer. 💚

Small acts can make a big difference. 💚🤝

Throughout , we've been exploring how our country parks and green spaces can support our wellbeing. Today, we're focusing on 'Give' – one of the Five Ways to Wellbeing, with research showing that helping others can have a positive impact on our own mental health too.

Our volunteers play a vital role in caring for Warwickshire Country Parks. From conservation work and practical maintenance to habitat management and helping wildlife thrive, they give their time to help keep these special places looking their best for everyone to enjoy. 🌿

Small everyday actions can make a real difference too, whether that's picking up a piece of litter, letting our rangers know if something doesn't seem right, or simply sharing a smile with someone you pass on a walk.

Another way you help, perhaps without even realising it, is by paying for parking. Every penny goes straight back into caring for our country parks, helping us protect and improve these spaces now and for future generations. If you visit regularly, one of our annual parking permits could save you money while continuing to support the parks. 🚗💚

If you'd like to find out more about volunteering with us, or would like to find out more about our parking permits, see the comments below.

Have you experienced an act of kindness at one of our parks, or done something small to help while you've been visiting? We'd love to hear about it in the comments.

When was the last time you learnt something new? 🌿

Our rangers run a huge variety of events across our country parks, giving people of all ages the chance to discover new skills and learn more about the natural world.

You could get to know the wildlife that calls our parks home at a free Moth Morning or family minibeast hunting session, or help welcome nature into your own garden by making bee hotels, bird boxes or butterfly feeders. 🦋🐝

But our events go beyond our love for creepy crawlies! You can also have a go at willow weaving, learn to identify different trees, or even discover the edible side of the countryside at our hedgerow foraging workshops.

'Keep learning' is one of the Five Ways to Wellbeing, and throughout we've been exploring how our country parks and green spaces can help you achieve all five. 💚

Check the comments to see what's coming up. What would you like to learn next?

Worth a pause to Take Notice? 💚

This , we're exploring how our country parks and green spaces can support our wellbeing. Today, we're focusing on 'Take Notice' – one of the Five Ways to Wellbeing, simple actions that research shows can help support our mental health. 🌿

Taking notice is a small thing we can all do to help ground ourselves and appreciate the magic of the moment we’re in.

In our green spaces, that could mean pausing to notice the sights and sounds of the season, spotting special wildlife, looking for patterns in the clouds or leaves, or watching the sunlight filter through the trees or shimmer on the water.

What do you love to take notice of when you visit our parks? We'd love to see your photos in the comments! 📸

Pictures taken at Burton Dassett Hills Country Park, Ryton Pools Country Park, Kingsbury Water Park, and Hartshill Hayes Country Park.

💚 How do you connect with others at our country parks?

This week is Love Parks Week, and we're exploring how our country parks and green spaces can support our wellbeing. Today, we're focusing on 'Connect', one of the Five Ways to Wellbeing – simple steps that research shows can help look after our mental health. 🌿

Our parks offer so many ways to connect – with other people, with nature, and even with ourselves. Whether it's joining an organised event, catching up with a friend on a coffee walk, or simply saying 'hello' to someone you pass on one of our trails, every connection counts.

These photos show a wellbeing walk at Hartshill Hayes Country Park, one of our lovely coffee shops, Pit Stop - Pooley Park at Pooley Country Park, explorations on The Stratford Greenway, and free Park Yoga, which takes place at Kingsbury Water Park and Ryton Pools Country Park. Check the comments if you’d like more details on these activities and places.☕🥾

Have you noticed any ways that you connect with others while at our parks? We'd love to hear about them in the comments! 💬

Love Parks Week is here, and of course we’re taking the opportunity to celebrate our AMAZING parks and green spaces and the incredible opportunities they offer for looking after our health and happiness💚

Time in nature has proven benefits for our wellbeing, from reducing stress and improving our mood to helping us feel more restored after a break. Experiencing these benefits can be as simple as taking a walk in your nearest green space – but we’ve also got plenty of other ways for you to boost your wellbeing during Love Parks Week, which runs from 24 July to 2 August.

Check the comments for more details on the events we’re holding throughout the week and how to get tickets, and stay tuned for lots more ways to boost your wellbeing at the parks. 🍃