Set within 100 acres of rare ancient bogland and lowland heath,
California Country Park offers both a valuable habitat for wildlife
and walking and wildlife watching opportunities for visitors.
The central area of the site, Longmoor Lake, was dug out in the
19th century for brick making. The area was then developed into one
of the first holiday camps in Britain, in the early 1950s.
There are two walks at the Park. The Longmoor Lake walk is 0.9
miles in length and The Woodland Walk is 2.2 miles in length. The
Woodland Walk takes into the 8,000 year old Longmoor Bog on a
specially constructed board walk,(now a Site of Special Scientific
Interest, or SSSI, due to it's abundance of rare sedges and
mosses); the Heathland (lowland heath is becoming increasingly rare
in Britain); and Longmoor Lake and woodland.
Children continue to play in the adjacent play area and are
encouraged to explore further afield into the bog and heathland.
Boardwalk and laid paths provide easy access as well as protecting
fragile surfaces. Interesting wildlife such as sphagnum mossess,
springtime orchids, adders, and silver studded blue butterflies can
be found here and on the heathland.
In Summer, a paddling pool is open during the school holidays
and activities such as mini beasting and woodland walks are on
offer for families. A cafe and restuarant facility (California
Dreaming) is open seven days a week selling ice cream and light
refreshments. There is also a ceramic painting studio located
within the cafe - no appointment necessary - just pop in and paint
your art out!
Buses 144 and 193. No Service on Sundays or Public Holidays.