Draft plans for Shotwick Park

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Background

In November 2024, Cheshire West and Chester Council took the decision to retain the land at Shotwick Park. The Council is now exploring ways to help ensure that the site reflects the needs and aspirations of local people and protects the historic and ecological assets of the site, whilst attracting enough external funding, grants and other income to sustain the management of this land into the future.

Shotwick Park is an area of 150 hectares of land comprising of pasture, woodland, arable land and an area of historic parkland. The land is located in Saughall, to the north-west of Seahill Road and Church Road and south of the A494. There is land either side of Lodge Lane, with the majority lying south of the lane. It does not include a section of land in the middle of this area, where the Shotwick Castle ancient monument is located.


Your feedback so far

In early 2025 we asked for community feedback on a vision for Shotwick Park, that would see the establishment of woodland and habitat creation, transforming the site for the benefit of the local community and environment.

Alongside support for the vision, we received valuable feedback on the importance of protecting and enhancing current features of the site, the benefits it would bring to the community, and a range of ideas and considerations for the plans. You can read the engagement findings report here.

In response to your feedback, we have developed the following plans for Shotwick Park. You can read how we are responding to community feedback here.


Maps of the draft plans

Please click on the maps to enlarge them.

Both maps above show the draft plans for Shotwick Park, with each different part labelled with a different number:

  1. Main woodland compartments
  2. Woodland pasture
  3. Historic features
  4. Community arboretum
  5. Recreation of historic parkland
  6. Wetland meadows
  7. Community woodland area
  8. Existing footpaths
  9. Areas for natural colonisation
  10. Open space
  11. Heritage orchards


Further information on draft plans

1. Main woodland compartments - mixed-species biodiverse woodland would be introduced in numerous pockets of land, mainly to the north and centre of the site. The edges of the woodland would be tiered by planting coppice and pioneer species to soften the appearance and protect larger trees from the wind. An example of how woodland would be tiered can be seen in the diagram below.

2. Woodland pasture would be included in two pockets of land to the north of the site either side of Lodge Lane. There would be sparsely planted individual trees as well as groups of trees in open fields, in keeping with how the historic deer park may have looked. This will ensure views across the Dee Valley and Welsh hills are retained and provide grazing for livestock.

3. Historic features including the castle and medieval ridge and furrow will be preserved and protected from planting. They will also have buffer areas around them, to maintain viewpoints to the wider landscape. All historic hedgerows will also have buffers of protection and be managed sensitively.

4. A community arboretum could be included in a corner to the east of the site, near to the village, similar to those found on historic formal Victorian estates, to plant and help conserve important species of trees and shrubs. The arboretum could also serve as an educational resource and planting memorial trees could be considered.

5. Recreation of historic parkland towards the southeast corner of the site near to the village, by planting single trees widely dispersed within meadows, including future veteran oak trees and exceptional parkland trees.

6. Wetland meadows would be created along the south-west border of the site to help capture and slow down the release of rainfall, and store surface water and vital for conservation.

7. A community woodland area would be reserved in the north-east corner of the site for community planting with wide grass rides for circular walks. Mostly native broadleaf trees would be planted.

8. Existing footpaths (marked by white dotted lines) across the site would include 10 to 20 metre grassland buffers (rides) along to maintain views and nature.

9. Areas for natural colonisation in several areas towards the south of the site would allow existing woodland to expand by seed dispersal. This would help maintain the health and resilience of the existing woodland.

10. Open space would be reserved in between woodland to the west of the site to help with biodiversity and conservation. It would be positioned away from the village and formal footpaths to allow a quieter space for nature. This would also help maintain viewpoints across the Welsh hills and provide a nesting area for farm birds.

11. Heritage orchards would be created in the south-east corner of the site, near the village, and to the north, near lodge lane. This would help preserve many Cheshire and other rare fruit varieties into the future. They could be managed as community orchards, if there is sufficient volunteer interest to help plant, care for and pick the fruit.

12. Habitat management

  • In all areas of parkland, open space, wetland meadow and woodland rides, wildflowers and native grasses would be encouraged through seeding and regular hay cuts over time.
  • New species rich meadows, wood-pasture and wet meadows could attract rare ground nesting birds, this may mean that we ask people keep to paths and dogs close at certain times of the year.

13. Community involvement

  • We would explore the formation of a Friends Group for Shotwick Park, similar to those for other Parks in the borough, with whom we can work in partnership with to support volunteers who may wish to play a part in caring for the site, it’s wildlife and heritage by planting trees, recording wildlife, helping maintain paths and sowing wildflowers.
  • We could work with local volunteers and interested groups in Shotwick to further research and develop information available on the site to celebrate its special heritage and wildlife.
  • Informal picnicking would be encouraged.
  • We would work with the pre-school and primary school to ensure continued access to woodlands and other habitats for educational activities, to help future generations build a positive appreciation for the site.
  • There may be opportunities to develop a local firewood co-operative, where thinning of existing and new woodland is required to maintain health and structure of these woodlands.

14. Other considerations

  • We would work with the Parish Council and a potential Friends Group to identify and attract funding for suitable short routes and a small number of seats to encourage everyone to access the site. This would be carefully considered so that historic and natural features are not impacted.
  • There would be no plans to include parking facilities or to encourage visitors from further afield that may increase parking and traffic issues in the village. We aim for the site to remain an asset for the village for local people to continue to enjoy and benefit from.
  • We would work with the Parish Council and a potential Friends Group to consider the need for additional dog litter bins and ways to encourage responsible dog walking.


Examples of how Shotwick Park could look

Looking north

An existing view of Shotwick Park looking north, with Saughall village to the right-hand side of the image. How Shotwick Park could look when looking north, with Saughall village to the right-hand side of the image.
Looking west

An existing view of Shotwick Park looking west towards the Welsh hills from the central footpath on the western side of the site.How Shotwick Park could look when looking west towards the Welsh hills from the central footpath on the western side of the site.

Trees for Climate programme

Enhancing the land at Shotwick Park is dependent on the creation of a new community woodland on the site, which would bring in funding from The Mersey Forest’s Trees for Climate programme. The funding would also provide further opportunities to safeguard the future management of the park. The Mersey Forest is the area's Community Forest who are working alongside communities and partners to create woodlands and help people explore nature on their doorstep across Cheshire and Merseyside. For more information, please click here.


Please click here to return to the engagement homepage.

Background

In November 2024, Cheshire West and Chester Council took the decision to retain the land at Shotwick Park. The Council is now exploring ways to help ensure that the site reflects the needs and aspirations of local people and protects the historic and ecological assets of the site, whilst attracting enough external funding, grants and other income to sustain the management of this land into the future.

Shotwick Park is an area of 150 hectares of land comprising of pasture, woodland, arable land and an area of historic parkland. The land is located in Saughall, to the north-west of Seahill Road and Church Road and south of the A494. There is land either side of Lodge Lane, with the majority lying south of the lane. It does not include a section of land in the middle of this area, where the Shotwick Castle ancient monument is located.


Your feedback so far

In early 2025 we asked for community feedback on a vision for Shotwick Park, that would see the establishment of woodland and habitat creation, transforming the site for the benefit of the local community and environment.

Alongside support for the vision, we received valuable feedback on the importance of protecting and enhancing current features of the site, the benefits it would bring to the community, and a range of ideas and considerations for the plans. You can read the engagement findings report here.

In response to your feedback, we have developed the following plans for Shotwick Park. You can read how we are responding to community feedback here.


Maps of the draft plans

Please click on the maps to enlarge them.

Both maps above show the draft plans for Shotwick Park, with each different part labelled with a different number:

  1. Main woodland compartments
  2. Woodland pasture
  3. Historic features
  4. Community arboretum
  5. Recreation of historic parkland
  6. Wetland meadows
  7. Community woodland area
  8. Existing footpaths
  9. Areas for natural colonisation
  10. Open space
  11. Heritage orchards


Further information on draft plans

1. Main woodland compartments - mixed-species biodiverse woodland would be introduced in numerous pockets of land, mainly to the north and centre of the site. The edges of the woodland would be tiered by planting coppice and pioneer species to soften the appearance and protect larger trees from the wind. An example of how woodland would be tiered can be seen in the diagram below.

2. Woodland pasture would be included in two pockets of land to the north of the site either side of Lodge Lane. There would be sparsely planted individual trees as well as groups of trees in open fields, in keeping with how the historic deer park may have looked. This will ensure views across the Dee Valley and Welsh hills are retained and provide grazing for livestock.

3. Historic features including the castle and medieval ridge and furrow will be preserved and protected from planting. They will also have buffer areas around them, to maintain viewpoints to the wider landscape. All historic hedgerows will also have buffers of protection and be managed sensitively.

4. A community arboretum could be included in a corner to the east of the site, near to the village, similar to those found on historic formal Victorian estates, to plant and help conserve important species of trees and shrubs. The arboretum could also serve as an educational resource and planting memorial trees could be considered.

5. Recreation of historic parkland towards the southeast corner of the site near to the village, by planting single trees widely dispersed within meadows, including future veteran oak trees and exceptional parkland trees.

6. Wetland meadows would be created along the south-west border of the site to help capture and slow down the release of rainfall, and store surface water and vital for conservation.

7. A community woodland area would be reserved in the north-east corner of the site for community planting with wide grass rides for circular walks. Mostly native broadleaf trees would be planted.

8. Existing footpaths (marked by white dotted lines) across the site would include 10 to 20 metre grassland buffers (rides) along to maintain views and nature.

9. Areas for natural colonisation in several areas towards the south of the site would allow existing woodland to expand by seed dispersal. This would help maintain the health and resilience of the existing woodland.

10. Open space would be reserved in between woodland to the west of the site to help with biodiversity and conservation. It would be positioned away from the village and formal footpaths to allow a quieter space for nature. This would also help maintain viewpoints across the Welsh hills and provide a nesting area for farm birds.

11. Heritage orchards would be created in the south-east corner of the site, near the village, and to the north, near lodge lane. This would help preserve many Cheshire and other rare fruit varieties into the future. They could be managed as community orchards, if there is sufficient volunteer interest to help plant, care for and pick the fruit.

12. Habitat management

  • In all areas of parkland, open space, wetland meadow and woodland rides, wildflowers and native grasses would be encouraged through seeding and regular hay cuts over time.
  • New species rich meadows, wood-pasture and wet meadows could attract rare ground nesting birds, this may mean that we ask people keep to paths and dogs close at certain times of the year.

13. Community involvement

  • We would explore the formation of a Friends Group for Shotwick Park, similar to those for other Parks in the borough, with whom we can work in partnership with to support volunteers who may wish to play a part in caring for the site, it’s wildlife and heritage by planting trees, recording wildlife, helping maintain paths and sowing wildflowers.
  • We could work with local volunteers and interested groups in Shotwick to further research and develop information available on the site to celebrate its special heritage and wildlife.
  • Informal picnicking would be encouraged.
  • We would work with the pre-school and primary school to ensure continued access to woodlands and other habitats for educational activities, to help future generations build a positive appreciation for the site.
  • There may be opportunities to develop a local firewood co-operative, where thinning of existing and new woodland is required to maintain health and structure of these woodlands.

14. Other considerations

  • We would work with the Parish Council and a potential Friends Group to identify and attract funding for suitable short routes and a small number of seats to encourage everyone to access the site. This would be carefully considered so that historic and natural features are not impacted.
  • There would be no plans to include parking facilities or to encourage visitors from further afield that may increase parking and traffic issues in the village. We aim for the site to remain an asset for the village for local people to continue to enjoy and benefit from.
  • We would work with the Parish Council and a potential Friends Group to consider the need for additional dog litter bins and ways to encourage responsible dog walking.


Examples of how Shotwick Park could look

Looking north

An existing view of Shotwick Park looking north, with Saughall village to the right-hand side of the image. How Shotwick Park could look when looking north, with Saughall village to the right-hand side of the image.
Looking west

An existing view of Shotwick Park looking west towards the Welsh hills from the central footpath on the western side of the site.How Shotwick Park could look when looking west towards the Welsh hills from the central footpath on the western side of the site.

Trees for Climate programme

Enhancing the land at Shotwick Park is dependent on the creation of a new community woodland on the site, which would bring in funding from The Mersey Forest’s Trees for Climate programme. The funding would also provide further opportunities to safeguard the future management of the park. The Mersey Forest is the area's Community Forest who are working alongside communities and partners to create woodlands and help people explore nature on their doorstep across Cheshire and Merseyside. For more information, please click here.


Please click here to return to the engagement homepage.