sir-harold-finch-park | Your Green Spaces

This unusual green space sandwiched between Pontllanfraith and Blackwood is named in honour of Sir Harold Finch who served the Bedwellty constituency as its MP from 1950 to 1970. Once part of Penllwyn Farm the park still retains some of the important wildlife habitats from its former agricultural past. Indeed, it's hard not to feel that you are walking through farmland as the long grasses sway in the meadows in the summer time. There's also an ever-popular children's play area.

What to see and do

Wildlife

With a mix of grasslands, hedges, a pond and a wetland area close to the River Sirhowy Sir Harold Finch Memorial Park is a wildlife jewel. 75% of this 4.5 hectare park has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) (SSSI) including the Memorial Meadows Local Nature Reserve in recognition of its wildlife value. As a remnant of a traditionally managed hay meadow it still retains locally rare and notable plant species, such as greater burnet, lady's mantle and bistort. It is currently managed to replicate the former summer grazing by cattle and hay cutting that made the site's flowers and plant life so rich.

Playground

A traditional style playground with a slide, swings and climbing frame within an enclosed area.

Planning your visit

Where it is Sir Harold Finch Park is off Blackwood Road, Pontllanfraith, NP12 2XB.

How to get there By car - B4251 (Blackwood Road). By bus - Several services run between Pontllanfraith and Blackwood.

Park hours The park is open all year round. It is also free to access the park.

Car parks The car park is located off the B4251 (Blackwood Road). Pay & Display operates at this car park.

Other access points There is open fronted access along Blackwood Road and access can be gained from the path running along the bank of the River Sirhowy.

Toilets There are no toilets available on site.

Accessibility There are designated disabled parking bays available in the car park. The park slopes down gently from the Blackwood Road to the River Sirhowy so the main paths, which are tarmac, also follow this incline. Other informal paths follow the woodland edges around the meadows. There are no restrictive access control points at the entrances. However, there are few benches or other resting places within the park.