The Walkway gets a new look and a new name
The Castle Eden Walkway was opened to the public as a Country Park in 1981. Based on a section of the old Stockton to Wellfield railway line, it started life as one of several nature trails throughout the country established on old railway track beds. In 1983 the old Stationmaster's house was opened as a Visitor Centre and in 1989 an extension, built as a faithful reproduction of the previously demolished waiting room, was added.
Over time it has expanded in line with its popularity. Its most recent acquisition, the purchase of more than 81 Hectares of woodland and farmland, has virtually doubled the size of the site and changed the nature of it to such an extent that it can no longer be regarded as a mere 'walkway'. This exciting new development prompted the decision to re-name the site to something more in keeping with its new status. It will now be known as the Wynyard Woodland Park.
Wynyard Woodland Park
This is an exciting time for the Park, with the old Thorpe Thewles railway station buildings (King George V would de-train here when visiting Lord Londonderry's Wynyard estate) being completely refurbished thanks to funding from the Countryside Agency's Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund. Improvements to existing visitor attractions have included a cafeteria, a farm shop selling produce from local farms, and the development of a number of teaching resources for use by local schools.
Perhaps the most spectacular of these teaching resources is the acquisition of an authentic railway carriage, which has been converted into a classroom and resource centre for use by visiting school parties.
The railway carriage was purchased from a private owner in the Midlands and was delivered on the back of an enormous trailer, no small undertaking in itself! The Countryside Agency has funded the purchase of materials but the work itself has been undertaken by two very skilled and dedicated volunteers ' Dr Ed Restall and Bob Mullen. Ed and Bob became interested in the Woodland Park through their involvement in the Wynyard Planetarium, situated close by, and have worked around the clock to prepare the carriage to the highest standard for Rangers and visitors alike.
Other developments taking place at this exciting time include important habitat management work. Pond creation works, pond restoration and the creation of wildflower meadows has been funded through English Nature's Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund and will help to enhance the biodiversity of the site for nature conservation, education and the enjoyment of future generations.
How to Find Us
The Woodland Park is signposted from the A177 (Wynyard Road) in Thorpe Thewles, Stockton. Follow the brown tourist signs.
(Please note that the signs on the A19 refer to the Woodland Park as the Castle Eden Walkway)
For further information about the Wynyard Woodland Park visit their website or contact the Countryside Rangers on (01740) 630011, the Countryside Recreation Officer on (01642) 526877 or e-mail parksandcountryside@stockton.gov.uk
For details of public shows taking place at Wynyard Planetarium, contact the Planetarium Director on (01740) 630544, or e-mail director@wynyard-planetarium.net. Visit the Planetarium website at www.wynyard-planetarium.net
To those interested in stellar matters the planetarium is an ever popular attraction. At this time of year the night sky is particularly clear.......
