It’s Love Parks Week! Running from the 28th July to the 6th August, Love Parks Week is an annual campaign that encourages people to explore and appreciate local parks and green spaces across the UK.
Here are some of our favourite green areas close to a Stonebridge Homes development.
Wheata Woods
Just a 10 minute drive from one of our latest developments, Woodhead Park, is Wheata Woods, an ancient woodland filled with bridlepaths, nature trails and wildlife. The woodland is over 600 years old, and on a visit you’ll see various archaeological spots that have played a part in history, such as medieval pits, a millstone quarry, bomb craters, and ancient farm settlements.
If you’re a birdwatcher then you’re in luck, as here you may spot an array of birds such as redwings, tits, willow warblers and chiffchaffs, plus sparrowhawks, goldcrests and the great spotted woodpecker.
Elmfield Park
Protected by Fields in Trust, Elmfield Park in Doncaster is a beautiful green space, with plenty to see and do on a visit. Located just over a 10 minute drive from The Meadows, the park has evolved over the years since its opening in 1923. There’s a children’s play park, picnic areas, sports facilities including tennis courts and football pitches, and a bowling green.
Just outside of the main gates to the park you’ll see Doncaster’s central Cenotaph, and the park plays an important role in the annual Armistice Day remembrance. The Cenotaph was unveiled on the same day the park was opened in 1923.
Pugneys Country Park
Pugneys Country Park makes for a great day out, particularly if you’re visiting with children. Situated just a 10 minute drive from The Grange, this 250 acre site holds a lot of history, as it used to be an open cast mine as well as a sand and gravel quarry.
The park boasts two beautiful lakes; one that is dedicated to fun-filled water sports such as kayaking, windsurfing and paddle boarding, and the other which is a stunning nature reserve. There are plenty of spots to pitch up for a picnic next to the lakes, or you can choose to take a walk around the easy 1.6 mile track that goes around the park and find a quieter spot.
Hamsterley Forest
Hamsterley Forest is a beautiful 5,000-acre woodland area, and is home to walking trails, cycling routes, play parks and so much more. The forest is around a 30 minute drive from Ashtree Park, Barnard Castle, but it is well worth the adventure.
From stargazing to wildlife watching, you won’t be stuck for something to do in County Durham’s largest forest. It’s the perfect place to visit with children too, as there is a Zog Activity Trail and an array of Gruffalo sculptures dotted around the forest to find.
Staveley Nature Reserve
If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, then you’ll absolutely love Staveley Nature Reserve. Just 12 minutes from Forest Chase in Great Ouseburn, this 79 hectare nature reserve is bursting at the seams with wildlife. Whether you are looking to see birds, mammals, insects or plants, you will find them here.
Many birds, including sand martins, common terns and blackcaps, use the nature reserve to breed. In the summer months, the skies around here are filled with butterflies and dragonflies. And to top it off, otters may also been seen all year round! There’s a new hexagonal hide built from straw bales, where you can sit back and hope to get a close view of your favourite wildlife.