A replica of Silverstone has been mown into parkland at Stowe, the National Trust property, as part of a new partnership between the circuit and the historic site.
Stowe Gardens in Buckinghamshire, and Silverstone the Northamptonshire motorsport venue, are undertaking a three-year project to “fast-track” nature conservation and boost biodiversity in the area. The project will create a nature superhighway in the form of an accessible multi-user trail. The campaign aims to fast-track nature conservation and boost biodiversity in the area. National Trust Stowe’s general manager Tanya Brittain said the eventual aim was to have a “nature superhighway connecting the two sites”.
Silverstone is only three miles from Stowe Gardens and was once part of the 18th century estate belonging to Stowe House. During the Second World War, the site belonged to RAF Silverstone. The airfield was first used for motorsport in September 1947 when a group of friends organised an impromptu race. The following year, the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) hosted the first British Grand Prix at Silverstone when an estimated 100,000 people flocked to the course marked by haybales, ropes and canvas barriers.
During the three-year collaboration, National Trust Stowe Gardens, along with the bee racer mascot, will have a presence at Silverstone during the F1 British season. Stowe will be working with Silverstone to generate funds to upgrade the four-mile parkland trail, which is around the same length as Silverstone’s Grand Prix circuit. The aim is to improve the existing circular route and offer a family-friendly pathway suitable for walkers, pushchairs, adapted wheelchairs, cyclists and runners – giving visitors the opportunity to explore the wider parkland. The trail will also encompass the Bourbon Tower, with the aim to restore the building, offering access to this extraordinary building for the first time.
