Queenswood is Herefordshire's only Country Park and a popular destination (over 500,000 visitors per year) for both locals and tourists. Lying between Hereford and Leominster, it comprises 123 acres of ancient native woodland (designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, SSSI) surrounding a 47-acre Arboretum with a collection of over 1200 rare and exotic trees. Although owned by Herefordshire Council, a 'community asset transfer' to Herefordshire Wildlife Trust and New Leaf Sustainable Development, on a 99-year lease, was made in 2016. There is an excellent cafe, well-equipped shop, toilets and a large childrens' playground to go with the many miles of tracks. Most people visit the viewpoint (below) which has a good vantage looking south and eastwards as far as Wales and Gloucestershire.
A toposcope points out the key landmarks. For example, the Skirrid can be 'clearly' seen in the far distance (25 miles?), instantaneously recognisable by its shape, just right of centre.
It was a bright, mostly sunny, day with a cool north breeze during our visit on April 1st 2022. There were only about 20 cars in the car park although quite a few of the visitors seemed to be enjoying the warmth of the cafe. There are a number of signposted walks such as the Gruffalo Trail...
...but we tend to just follow our noses and see where it leads. The cherry trees and magnolias were in blossom...
...and primroses...
...and, near the viewpoint, a good display of common dog violets...
A local resident clearly enjoys daffodils, whilst also benefitting from a fine display of wood anemones...
A final visit to our favourite piece of wood art...
...before returning to the car park and paying for our stay. There was just enough time to meet someone complaining about the car parking charges - a much-discussed topic in the local newspaper. I guess in the olden days when Queenswood was operated by Herefordshire Council, car parking was free so I can understand why some people complain now that they have to pay when they didn't in the past. However, if they paused for a moment and thought about it, they would realise they have always paid for the car parking; just through local taxes rather than cash in hand.
Time to plan another visit when the bluebells are out and when the Acers are at their best.
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