Coombe Abbey Park is five miles east of the city centre on the A427 Coventry to Lutterworth Road and is the largest recreational area owned by the Council. Coombe Abbey, its gardens, parkland, surrounding woodlands and lake cover an area of 372 acres. The park is open all year round from 7.30am to dusk. Car parking is provided at a charge.
The Country Park lies over soils of glacial origin varying from alluvial grey soils to light sandy acid soils and includes the Abbey Gardens, parkland, woodland and a magnificent 90 acre lake.
The woodlands
The woodlands at Coombe are mainly mixed deciduous broadleaves with an area of mixed coniferous woodland surrounding the Wrautums field. The woods contain both native and introduced species and the 1984/86 Woodland survey identified over 50 species at Coombe (excluding the gardens), including sycamore 39%, oak 12%, Scots pine 10%, silver birch 7%, ash 6%, lime 6%, hornbeam 2% and others 18%.
The 90 acre Lake and its surrounding woodland have been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) by English Nature because of its bird population, including the Heronry, which is on a small island close to the north bank of the lake and can be viewed from a bird hide.
Part of the woodland has been fenced to create a Conservation area, providing a safe place for animals and to help minimise disturbance to the Heronry. The Heronry is the largest and one of the oldest in Warwickshire, supporting more than 50 breeding pairs of herons.
Capability Brown created the lake and planted the surrounding woodland and parkland in 1770.
Woodland management
To ensure the long-term future of the woodlands it is essential to encourage regeneration, both naturally and/or through planting. Trees have different needs for soil, light and climate. All these are taken into consideration when restocking.
The Woodlands of Coombe are valued as a conservation and leisure area and, therefore, a sensitive management approach is required.
During recent years some chosen areas have been selectively felled and restocked with mixed native deciduous trees which improve wildlife conservation and may eventually produce some timber.
Young trees are protected from rabbits and deer by a protective tube which helps their growth.
There is also a policy to retain a percentage of dead trees for conservation purposes and allow some trees to reach senile decay gracefully.
Coppice management has been re-introduced along the northern boundary close to the Little Wrautums area.
With a large number of visitors every year, the Woodlands need to be strong and careful zoning of activities helps to avoid a conflict of interests between recreation, conservation and management operations. For example, if felling is taking place, paths may need to be closed and rerouted to avoid any areas of danger.
Historically, the woodlands would have been more open with more of a parkland character. Trees would have been in clumps or as single specimens, possibly within pastures grazed by deer, sheep or cattle. Shrub species such as laurel and rhododendron would have been planted as cover for game birds and clumps of these evergreens can still be seen.
With ownership changes the parkland has returned to woodland and scrub. Invading species such as sycamore have been allowed to dominate in some areas and squirrel damage has led to some very deformed specimens.
With the backing of the Forestry Commission and Natural England and National Lottery support, future management proposals may see the woodland being restored to its former open character. This may need the felling of selected trees and areas of scrub, especially where views can be re-opened, providing views across the lake.
In the past there would have been dedicated woodsmen working continuously on the estate. From time to time the Park Rangers organise demonstrations of woodland crafts which would have been used by the woodsmen of previous generations. These crafts included hedge laying, hurdle making, charcoal burning, coppicing (hazel and sweet chestnut) and rustic fencing, to name but a few.
All of these crafts helped to make the woodlands busy areas of local industry and, of course, the raw material was available on 'the doorstep'. Natural England, as part of the SSSI designation, has produced a 'Site Management Statement' which gives various objectives and action plans that affect woodlands. For example, under their Habitat Management section they state:
"Manage the woodlands as high forest on long rotation (c. 120 years) and retain significant proportion of deadwood habitat, as hulks, branchwood piles etc. Control invasive and non-invasive species such as Canada Goose, Cormorant, Grey Squirrel, Rabbit, Indian Balsam, Ragwort and Rhododendron".
The woodlands are always changing and react to man's influences as well as natural ones. In a hundred years' time the character may be very different to what we see today.
Recreation
The woodlands offer a range of walking routes and the main pathways allow easy access for people with disabilities. There are no major slopes, but walking on soft paths can be muddy in the winter and suitable footwear should be worn.
The spring and autumn are good seasons to visit the woodlands when dappled light can create a magical effect. In the spring newly emerged leaves offer a range of shades of green, joined in May by carpets of Bluebells.
Coombe Abbey Park [/coombe] organises many woodland recreational activities throughout the year, ranging from 'Fungus Forays' to 'Tree Trails'. For further details contact the Information Desk on 024 7645 3720.
Other features of interest for visitors include:
- The Gardens - Remnants of a 40-acre Victorian Garden first developed in 1863.
- The Wrautums - A belt of conifer trees in a horseshoe shape enveloping a large green open space.
- Parkland - Picnic areas and Visitor Centre.
- An Arboretum - Unusual trees including stately redwoods.
The trees
There are many species of trees in the grounds of Coombe Abbey Park. Below, are some of the more notable specimens that can be found in the park.
Horse Chestnut – (Aesculus hippocastanum)
These non-native trees line the drive at Coombe Abbey Park. They were first introduced to the UK from Turkey in the 16th Century. They can live up to 300 years and up to 40m tall. They are commonly found in parks and gardens but are rarely found in woodlands. The timber is not very strong but can be used for carving. When the leaves fall off, the stalk leaves a horse-shoe shaped scar which is thought to be how it got its name. The horse chestnut is famous for its seeds; conkers, with the first recorded game of conkers being in the Isle of Wight in 1848.
Common Lime – (Tilia x europaea)
Accompanying the Horse Chestnuts down the drive are Common Limes. These trees are native to this country and tolerant to a range of conditions. They can be identified by their heart-shaped, dark green leaves and can grow up to 40m tall. The timber is soft and light and therefore ideal for carving and furniture. The bark is traditionally used to make rope. Aphids are particularly attracted to the sticky ‘dew’ that the tree creates.
Amongst the Common Limes you will also find some Silver Limes which are identified by the silver underside to their leaves.
Sweet Chestnut – (Castanea sativa)
This non-native tree can live up to 700 years and grow up to 35m tall. They will only start to bear fruit once they are around 25 years old. During the spring they produce long yellow catkins. The seeds can be easily identified by a very spiky green case which contains 4 small seeds inside which are edible to humans. It is thought to have been introduced by the Romans and is native to Southern Europe and North Africa. Its timber is similar to that of the oak tree but is lighter and easier to work with, being used for carpentry. Sweet Chestnuts can be found on the path down to the Coombe Pool from the Visitor Centre. and around the children’s play area.
Cedar of Lebanon – (Cedrus libani)
These grand looking trees are native to Lebanon and can grow up to 35m tall. As an evergreen conifer, it was commonly planted in parks and gardens of large estates like Coombe and seen as a status symbol by those who owned one; nearly every stately home had one planted from the 1740s onwards. Its timber is durable so therefore is used for furniture and buildings. The tree provides a brilliant habitat for a wide range of invertebrates as well as mammals and birds who will nest in the deep cracks and crevices that appear as the tree ages. It can take up to 12 months after pollination for the female flowers to develop into mature cones and they are only produced every other year. There are a number of Cedar of Lebanon trees in the park but this one can be found in the Deer Park.
Black Walnut – (Juglans nigra)
These non-native large, broadleaved trees can reach up to 40m high and get their name from their dark bark. Native to North America, the Black Walnut was introduced to Europe in 1629. The roots contain a chemical that can inhibit the growth of surrounding plants. The flowers appear in late spring and early summer and after pollination, develop into brownish plum like fruits. These fleshy husks contain the brown walnut inside. Black Walnuts can be found lining the hedgerow running alongside the moat.
Western Red Cedar – (Thuja plicata)
This non-native conical-shaped tree can grow up to 65m tall and some specimens can live for over 1000 years. They are native to North America and were generally planted in Britain in gardens or to be used for timber. The timber is highly sought after as it is thought to be one of the most durable timbers in the world. Here at Coombe, we affectionately call the tree the ‘Opal Fruit ‘tree (or Starburst, depending on how old you are!), as when you crush the foliage between your fingers you get the lovely sweet smell of these classic sweets! This specimen (see photo) can be found in the Formal Gardens.
Giant Redwood - (Sequoiadendron gigantium)
These magnificent non-native trees, situated mainly in the Formal Gardens and Arboretum, were introduced to the park by the Countess of Craven who, it is believed, was missing her native home of America. The trees have a hairy or furry bark. The first seeds of these Californian natives were brought into the country by William Lobb in 1852 and due to their expense quickly became a status symbol of the wealthy.
The timber is highly resistant to decay but is also unsuitable for use for construction as its timber is fibrous and brittle.
Flora and fauna
One of the most important features of Coombe Country Park [/coombe] is the variety of habitats supporting both plant and animal life. In addition to the lake there is woodland, grassland, marsh, scrub and heathland.
A survey in 1983 revealed over 250 species of plant and over 650 different animals including grey squirrel, rabbit, woodmouse, Muntjac deer and a variety of birds.
The woodlands also contain a variety of wildflowers including lesser celandine, foxglove, bluebell, red campion, herb robert and many more, making the woods very attractive during spring and summer.
Woodland rides
The survival of many wild plants and insects depends on open areas in a woodland. To achieve this, many of the rides have been widened and in some places bays and glades have been created to improve the environment for wild flowering plants and butterflies.
History
Originally, the site formed part of the monastic estate of the old "Abbey of Cumbe", a Cistercian House founded in 1150.
The Abbey was built in a secluded wooded valley south of the village of Lower Smite and dedicated to the Blessed Virgin.
Between its foundation and when it ended as a victim of the dissolution of the monasteries in 1539, the Abbey was mainly involved in producing wool. In 1581 Sir John Harrington purchased the abbey and in 1603 he was given charge of Princess Elizabeth, daughter of King James I, to educate and bring up at Coombe Abbey. She was to live at Coombe for next five years, during which time she figured greatly in the plans of the Gunpowder Plotters who tried to kidnap her from the house.
The Abbey passed to the Craven family in 1622 when it was bought by the mother of Sir William Craven from Lucy Harrington and remained in the family for over 300 years.
The Abbey passed through a succession of Barons and Earls until 1921 when, following the death of the 4th Baron of Craven, who was accidentally drowned whilst yachting, the house and estate were put up for sale by his widow. It was bought by a group of businessmen who resold it in various lots. Coombe Abbey and its grounds were bought by Mr John Gray in 1963; the house passed in to the hands of the Walpole-Brown family who eventually decided to sell the Abbey.
In November 1964, the Council bought the Abbey and 150 acres of surrounding land for £36,000. Restoration work was carried out and Coombe Abbey Park was finally opened to the public in 1966.
The main building has now been restored and reopened in 1995 as a 64 bedroomed "No Ordinary Hotel". Restoration of the stables now known as the Abbey Gate, created a superior banqueting suite which houses Mediaeval banquets.
Main bus routes
85 and 85B from Coventry to Rugby St Cross
View the timetable [https://nxbus.co.uk/coventry/services-timetables/85-coventry-rugby].
Don't forget the Country Code
- Enjoy the countryside and respect its life and work.
- Guard against all risk of fire.
- Fasten all gates.
- Keep dogs under control.
- Keep to public paths across farmland.
- Use gates and stiles to cross fences, hedges and walls.
- Leave livestock, crops and machinery alone.
- Take your litter home.
- Help to keep all water clean.
- Protect wildlife, plants and trees.
- Make no unnecessary noise.
Horse riding is not permitted in any of these woodlands.