T he former Victorian pleasure gardens at this West university are home to a unique collection of species, and now they can be enjoyed by the public.

The University of Gloucestershire has been working with Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust to encourage people to use The Park campus, which is home to more than 900 trees elegantly landscaped around Regency buildings, and an ornamental pond with its own boathouse.

Surrounding a pond designed in the shape of Africa, the gardens have a unique mix of native and non- native species.

Vice-chancellor of the university Professor Patricia Broadfoot and the trust's chief executive, Dr Gordon McGlone, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding which recognises that while not a nature reserve, The Park is a unique habitat.

Interpretation boards and leaflets have now been installed to explain more about a tree trail where the public can explore what the teardrop-shaped estate has to offer.

In 1831, local solicitor Thomas Billings created The Park as the Gloucestershire Zoological, Botanical and Horticultural Gardens. Billings' design was impressive, with Golden Eagles, monkeys and conservatories, but despite an official opening on the day of Queen Victoria's Coronation, the business failed.

Some trees today date from this period and the Cornerways building, at the point of the teardrop-shaped estate, was the original entrance to the zoo, and the lake visitors see today is in the shape of Africa.

The Park grounds were sold to local architect Samuel Whitfield Daukes in 1839. His practice designed a number of buildings in Cheltenham, including Lansdown Railway Station and St Peter's Church.

Daukes turned The Park estate in to pleasure grounds and built the villas which can be seen today around the edge. The entrance gates near Fullwood Lodge also date from this period. Fullwood House, a focal point of the estate which now houses the University's Directorate, was built in 1847.

In 1931, The Park was bought by St Mary's College which built halls of residence on the site. These survived bombing during World War II, and were eventually demolished at the end of the 20th century. Now, The Park is home to the University's Business School and halls of residence.

Professor Broadfoot said: "We are delighted that our partnership with the trust has come to fruition in a way which also benefits the local community. With its ornamental pond, boat house and elephant walk, it's an interesting and serene place to spend time, and we welcome people to come in and take a closer look."

Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust carried out a Biodiversity Assessment of The Park, which is also home to the nationally scarce ivy broomrape, kingfisher and woodpecker.

Future plans include making The Park more wildlife friendly to native species and bat boxes, bird boxes and wildflower plantings are just some of the initiatives under discussion.

Sarah Mason from GWT added: "The trust is pleased to be involved in this fantastic project to bring local people closer to wildlife – one of its main priorities.

"The Park provides a wonderful habitat for many species within an urban area and is a great place to learn about wildlife."

The interpretation boards are installed at the main entrance by Fullwood House, near the junction with Tivoli Road, and in the car park at the far end of the site towards Moorend Park Road. Leaflets are also being distributed locally and will be available at The Park reception.

People are welcome to enjoy The Park, but dogs are not allowed on the site.

See the trees

The Park's early life has left a diverse legacy of trees. With 985 native and non-native species to choose from, it has everything from the familiar cherry tree and oaks, to the huge giant sequoia. As well as being very mature, some of them are also endangered in the wild.

Non-Native

Giant Sequoia

The biggest tree in the world, the Giant Sequoia is native to the Sierra Nevada in California. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) has designated the tree vulnerable.

Dawn Redwood

This Chinese native tree was discovered in 1941 is critically endangered in the wild, according to the IUCN. It is sometimes described as a "living fossil".

Native

Beech

The beech tree is native to temperate areas in Europe and also North America. The trees produce nuts, known as beechmast, and their leaves and branches create a dense canopy.

Common Oak

Used for everything from barrels to furniture, the oak tree is also regarded as a symbol of strength. Oak trees are native to the northern side of the globe and their boughs can support a range of species.