Herschel Park

The parkland has two lakes and ponds.[4] The larger lake features an island planted with mature trees.[5] The park also features a set of mature specimen and ornamental trees.[6]

The park has been in existence from at least 1843, when James Bedborough bought the land in the area and used it to built twenty-nine terraced houses and large villas that looked out over the park.[7] It is believed that Sir Joseph Paxton laid out the original park grounds.[7] The park when opened was called Upton Park.[8]

In 1949 the park was sold to Slough Borough Council.[9] In 1952 the council changed its name from Upton Park Pleasure Grounds to Herschel Park, after the astronomer Sir William Herschel.[10] In 1962–63, Slough Corporation purchased a further 10 acres from Eton College, which by 1982 had become part of Herschel Park.[10]

In 2000 the water in the lakes suddenly disappeared, and a group was set up called Friends of Herschel Park, who together with Slough Borough Council started to apply for funds to return the park to its original Victorian design.[11] In January 2009 the park was granted £2.7 million of council and lottery funding by the Heritage Lottery Fund.[9] In 2011 work was finished; the lakes were refilled with water, and the original paths were restored.[9]

In 2013 the site was declared as a local nature reserve by Slough Borough Council.[1]

The site has the following fauna:[6][12][13]

The site has the following flora:[6][12][13][14][15][16]