Monkton Park

Monkton Park is a beautiful large open space in the centre of Chippenham with a children’s play area and Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA).

Since 1 June 2019, Monkton Park is one of the devolved assets transferred to Chippenham Town Council from Wiltshire Council.

With the River Avon sweeping along its southern flank, Monkton Park is not only a great respite from the bustling town centre, but also an important corridor for wildlife through Chippenham.

The trees in the park play an important part in both of these aspects; typical riverside species such as willow and alder providing roosting sites for commuting bats and reducing degradation of the banks, whilst the mix of mature trees dotted around this green oasis effectively screen out the surrounding built environment, with an occasional scenic viewpoint to a spire.

Current management aims for Monkton Park include improving the quality of the bankside habitat for various beautiful wildlife and biodiversity and refreshing the age diversity of the park with new planting.

There are also various activities that you can get involved with whilst in Monkton Park:

Pitch and Putt Golf and The Tenth Hole Tea Room | Perfect opportunity to play Crazy golf, 9-Hole Pitch and Putt Golf and Foot Golf
Chippenham Sailing and Canoeing Club | Sailing, Canoeing and Paddle Boarding
Chippenham Angling Club | Spots all along the River Avon to participate in fishing

Did you know you can hire Monkton Park for your outside event? If you would like to find out more please contact us on 01249 446699 or send an email to venuehire@chippenham.gov.uk.

Parks and Open Spaces Policy
Special Event Application Form

Monkton Park Management Plan

Councillors on the Amenities, Culture and Leisure Committee have agreed to adopt a 5-year Management Plan for Monkton Park. The Management Plan was developed in partnership with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust with an extensive consultation process with residents, Councillors, partner organisations and stakeholders. There were 5 public events held online offering opportunities for questions and ideas which helped towards shaping the plan.

If you would like to see the full Management Plan then click on the link below,

Monkton Park Management Plan

Tiny Forest

In conjunction with Earthwatch and Siemens, Monkton Park is home to a Tiny Forest! Over 20 native tree species, including oak, wild service, birch, alder, hazel, blackthorn, rowan, and lime have been planted on-site; Chippenham which provides an oasis for wildlife and connect people with nature in their local area.

Over the coming years, Earthwatch will collect data and assess the benefit of the Chippenham Tiny Forest. Alongside the help of the local community, they will use this site to monitor carbon absorption, flood mitigation, thermal comfort, and biodiversity, as well as measure environmental and social benefits gained.

Chippenham’s Tiny Forest will also be used as an education resource, connecting children and teachers from local schools with their surrounding green spaces. Earthwatch’s education team will deliver immersive workshops that allow children to learn first-hand about nature and the environment and provide training and resources so that teachers can feel confident educating in these inspiring outdoor settings, breaking down the boundaries of typical classroom-based learning.

To maximise each Tiny Forest’s chance of success, a group of local volunteers have become Tree Wardens and taken some ownership of their Tiny Forest and its development; to help maintain it for the first few growing seasons. The group of Tree Wardens for Monkton Park includes representatives from project stakeholders Siemens Mobility, Chippenham Town Council, Friends of Monkton Park, and Monkton Park Primary School.

Members of the public from the local area are also invited to apply to be a volunteer Tree Warden. If you would like to know more or to apply for the role, please contact tinyforest@earthwatch.org.uk for more information.