DISCOVER CARDIFF'S CENTRAL PARKLANDS
Oxford may have it's spires and Edinburgh its magnificent castle, but Cardiff's central parklands are unique - with some 130 acres of gardens, open green spaces and woodland forming a green corridor along the River Taff all the way from the city centre and out into the surrounding countryside. Donated to the people of Cardiff by the Marquis of Bute and the Thompson family, the parklands played a major part in the city recently being awarded the prestigious "Britain in Bloom" title for 2005 - an achievement that is sure to boost tourism and business in the city. The parklands include Pontcanna Fields, Llandaff Fields, Sophia Gardens and Bute Park - recently described by Dr. Owen Johnston of the Tree Register as probably "the richest urban public park for trees in the world" and noted for its many species of rare, exotic and champion trees. The area is also home to a wide variety of bird and wildlife, including kingfishers, herons, owls, foxes, water voles, nuthatches, all three of our native woodpecker species, and threatened bird species such as the bull finch and the song thrush.

The parklands are Cardiff's green lungs – a space where thousands of residents and visitors alike come to enjoy activities such as cycling (along the Taff Trail), running, playing rugby and soccer, angling, birdwatching, dog walking, horse-riding or just strolling through the beautiful surroundings. A number of events are hosted in the parklands, including the annual "Out of the Woods Festival", regular charity runs and community fairs.

All in all, the central parklands are the jewel in Cardiff's crown – a part of our heritage to nurture and protect so that future generations can continue to enjoy them.

Text & pictures
(c) Sara Gwenllian Jones