Free parking for Whitfield Valley reserve walks and wildlife
This free council-run gravel lot is situated off Ford Green Road, providing access to Whitfield Valley Local Nature Reserve. The unmarked area accommodates around 50 vehicles and is open from dawn until dusk; no overnight parking. A wooden information board at the entrance displays habitat descriptions (meadows, wetlands), wildlife-spotting tips (e.g., water voles, dragonflies), and walking trail maps (2 km loop). Benches line the reserve boundary for rest and birdwatching. There is no lighting or CCTV, so daytime visits only. Pedestrian gates lead onto surfaced paths that connect to the Ford Green Brook walkway and the heritage canal basin (0.2 km). Seasonal volunteer conservation days occur monthly, involving pond clearance and tree planting.