This cache is placed in Upton Country Park. Please bring your own pen / pencil to sign the log.
Features at the park include:
1. Bat Barn
This barn was relocated by EP (now HCA) in 2004? from its original site to the south of the Nene Way and Upton Grange. The Barn is used by Bats and Owls have been seen roosting on the roof.
2. Heronry
This is one of only two Heronries in Northamptonshire (the other being at Althorp). The Heronry is located within the Bottom Spinney aka Northampton Wood. This woodland is not open to the public.
3. Wind Turbine
This turbine was erected by EP (now HCA) in 2008 and will provide electricity for The Elgar Centre and feeds excess energy back into the National Grid.
4. Upton Hall Farm
This was the original Home Farm to Upton Hall (now occupied by Quinton House School). It is believed that in the early part of the 19th century, Hall Farm was a centre of excellence for the breeding of Shire Horses in association with Upton Lodge Farm (on the north side of the A4500). Hall Farm is an outstanding example of a medieval farm layout. The Stables at Hall Farm are used for DIY Livery grazing for horses in the parkland to the south of Upton Hall.
5. Upton Mill
The first record of a flour mill on the River Nene at Upton was in 1086. The mill was restored during Victorian times and a new water wheel installed. The Mill is now a private house and has been occupied by the same family since 1812
6. Bly Lane
This green lane formed part of an ancient sheep drover’s route from Upton to Rothersthorpe. It is an important wildlife corridor.
7. Stanwick Lakes Fisheries
These two former gravel pits are now leased from HCA by Stanwick Lakes Fisheries.
8. Upton Hall parkland
This area of the Country Park is enclosed by an ironstone wall and is not open to the public. It is used for agricultural purposes. There is evidence of ridge and furrow earthworks and the remains of medieval fish-ponds. The water system in Upton Hall grounds and the parkland is fed from a spring on the north side of the A4500 adjacent to Upton Lodge Farm.
9. Deserted Medieval Village
This site is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and it is not open to the public. The land is grazed by horses. The village was listed in the Domesday Book in 1086.
10. Bronze Age Barrow
This is another Ancient Monument
11. Site of Special Scientific Interest
This field has been identified as a SSI because of the diversity of its grassland.
12. River Nene
The river runs through the centre of the Country Park.
The paths in the Country Park are designated ‘leisure routes’ for use by walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Dogs should be kept on lead whilst on the paths.
The barns on Upton Lane are used for farming purposes. They are not open to the public. They are used for lambing in the Spring and grain storage at other times
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