Middleton Marsh is a fenced-off grassy/marshy open space located in the northwest corner of Wollaton Park. Adjacent to it, and unfenced, is Pilkington’s Paddock (see map). Some maps and text confuse the two, incorrectly labelling Middleton Marsh as Pilkington’s Paddock.
The marsh contains one of three natural springs in the park, supplying water to the lake.
The marsh is a conservation area and is closed to the public, but can be viewed from behind the fence.
Snipe and other wading birds have been seen feeding in the early mornings. It is probably the only place in the city where the Brown Sedge (a type of marsh grass) grows.
Why is it called Pilkington’s Paddock?
The area was created as a grazing area in 1912 by the Park Steward, Mr. Pilkington.
A group from Wollaton Historical and Conservation Society found the obituary of a Mr Pilkington (Nottingham Evening Post, 6 January 1932), referring to him as an “agent to the late Lord Middleton’s Wollaton Park estate. In addition, the publication “Wollaton Remembered” recollects memories from “Mr Pilkington the estate steward”.
Middleton Marsh is named after Lord Middleton, the former owner of the Hall and Park.