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The Forest of Leeds |
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ROTHWELL COLLIERY COUNTRY PARK
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Description :
This is a large scale colliery reclamation
programme involving just under
25 hectares of new woodland, comprising mostly mixed
broadleaves with a
small conifer component.
In the Middle Ages it was part of a vast wooded area and was used as a royal hunting ground. Apparently, the last wild boar of the district was killed in 1399 by John of Gaunt, who was the Duke of Lancaster and the son of Edward III. It was later used as a grazing area for cattle in 1530 under the order of Henry VIII. As the area became more populated and grazed, the gradual erosion of tree cover continued and coal mining increased. Until the beginning of the eighteenth century, bell or bee hive pits were used to mine coal until the onset of deep coal mining in 1867. This continued with a number of pits being created until their closure and the subsequent loss of jobs in 1983. In 1995 Leeds City Council and Groundwork formed a partnership which, together with local residents and community groups, transformed the former colliery into a 50 hectare country park. The metamorphosis from eyesore to attractive open countryside has been made possible from funding by the National Lottery, English Partnerships, Leeds City Council, the European Community and the Forestry Commission and is part of the national Groundwork Changing Places Programme. A patchwork of woodland, scrub and meadowland has been created along with marshlands, ponds and streams, while special areas have been designated for their nature conservation and historical interest. Access and facilities : Vehicular access is through Bullough Lane, where car parking is available. Pedestrian access is from Pickpocket Lane and from the Trans Pennine Trail over the Aire Calder Navigation. There are sculptures, a sun dial, woodland craft areas, a stone circle, a bird feeding station, a maze and a bird screen. Two trails and multiple footpaths run through the site with information panels explaining the various old coal mining features which can still be seen today. |
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