Stanley Marsh
Stanley Marsh is a nature reserve located 1.25 miles north of Wakefield city centre. It has woodland, marsh, open water, and grassland and is perfect for a peaceful walk to observe wildlife.
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Location:
Marsh Court
86 Lime Pit Lane
Stanley
Wakefield
WF3 4DFOpen every day.
Facilities and services
- Free parking
- A circular path runs around the Marsh
- Benches with views of the open water
- Information panels provide historical and wildlife interest
Historical Interest
This area used to be fields, but flooding happened after World War II because of blocked drains and mining subsidence.
The Marsh was once part of the multi-pit Victoria Colliery which had working shafts between Outwood and Stanley Ferry. The pit here was sunk about 1835 and was known locally as Deep Drop Pit. It had its own pumping engine whose foundations can still be seen. A colliery railway passed through the site between 1837 and approximately 1840 and can be seen today as the embankment. The colliery closed in 1896.
On 4 March 1879 while 250 men and 36 horses were at work, there was a large explosion which killed 21 men and boys.
The Marsh was once part of the multi-pit Victoria Colliery which had working shafts between Outwood and Stanley Ferry. The pit here was sunk about 1835 and was known locally as Deep Drop Pit. It had its own pumping engine whose foundations can still be seen. A colliery railway passed through the site between 1837 and approximately 1840 and can be seen today as the embankment. The colliery closed in 1896.
On 4 March 1879 while 250 men and 36 horses were at work, there was a large explosion which killed 21 men and boys.
Nature Conservation
The site is designated as a Local Nature Reserve.
The woodland is a good place to spot Nuthatches and Great Spotted Woodpecker. If you are quiet you may spot Bank Voles feeding in the undergrowth. As dusk approaches listen out for Tawny Owls and watch Pipistrelle bats twist and dive between the trees as they try to catch insects.
The meadow has lots of wildflowers especially in early summer which is great for butterflies and bumblebees. Dragonflies and damselflies are attracted to the wetland areas.
A visit to Stanley Marsh would not be complete without seeing the swans and ducks on the open water.
Volunteers
The Friends of Stanley Marsh help the Countryside Officers to improve and maintain the Marsh. Recent activities include path improvements and control of invasive plants.
If you are interested in local volunteering opportunities on this and other sites, please get in touch.
Contact Us
Waterton Countryside Discovery Centre Anglers Country Park Haw Park Lane Wintersett Wakefield WF4 2EB