Valley
Road Recreation and Water Meadows
area
could well qualify for inclusion as a Local Park, or a Local Nature
Reserve (it is a bit of both following recent developments). But it has
always been referred to as the "Valley Road Rec" by the local
residents - so has been added to the Parks pages of this site
It is just a few
minutes away by car, or can be easily reached by taking the No. 89 bus
from the terminus and alighting at the Five Ways Public House / Island.
The Five Ways (The 'Fivvies') is a good place to park, before walking to
the entrance gate on Valley Road, part of the Nottingham Ring Road, as
there is no car park on the recreation ground. Also a convenient place
for refreshments before or after a visit!
The area is
divided into three sections, the first being a childrens' playground and
football pitch. The centre section is occupied as a public bowling
green, with pavilion, operated by the City Council.
The third section
has recently been converted into a Water Meadow through which the Day
Brook now meanders, and it is this part that makes the trip
worthwhile. This work has been done as part of a flood prevention scheme
to protect surrounding properties, and where water is allowed to collect
and be controlled during periods of heavy rainfall.
The area is now beginning to attract various species of water birds.
