Newmillerdam Country Park
Open every day
Located 3.5 miles south of Wakefield, on the A61 (Barnsley Road), Newmillerdam Country Park features a central lake surrounded by a surfaced path with surrounding broadleaved and coniferous woodland located on the slopes. The Chevet branch line is an old railway line accessed from the south west corner which allows you to explore the wider countryside. The postcode WF2 6QP for Newmillerdam is approximate but can be used with satnavs and route finders.”
Car park (post code WF2 6QQ)
Charges apply 8am - 6pm, Monday to Sunday
Directions to the car park
Facilities and activities |
| ✅ 1.5 miles surfaced lakeside path for walkers and joggers
✅ Way-marked trails for walkers, joggers, cyclists and horse riders
✅ Orienteering course ✅ Geocaching
|
Historical interest
Once called Thurstonhaugh, an old Norse name, the area became known as New Mylle on Dam when a new corn-mill was built around 1285.
The country park was once part of an estate which was owned by the Pilkington family. In the 1870's the family built nine lodges to house the gamekeepers who protected the site from poachers. Two lodges can still be seen today guarding the Dam.
The Boathouse was built in the 1820's as a venue for entertaining friends and family, with the men often shooting wildfowl on the lake from punts launched from the Boathouse and ladies joining them for lunch.
Nature conservation
The park is designated as a local nature reserve. Originally the park was managed for game and commercial forestry but it is now managed for the benefit of wildlife and people.
The lake is an important breeding site for the Great Crested Grebe and in Spring they can be seen performing their ritualistic courtship dance. Other water birds such as Mute Swan, Mallard and Coot can be seen throughout the year.
Bats can be seen feeding above the Dam after sunset in the warmer months, with Daubenton's bats skimming insects off the water's surface. Pipistrelle bats (the UK's smallest bat) and Noctule Bats (the UK's largest bat) can also be seen here.
In the woodland, watch out for Grey Squirrel playing in the trees, and in spring you can enjoy the Bluebells before the trees come into full leaf.
Volunteers
The Friends of Newmillerdam Country Park and Wakefield Tree Wardens help the Countryside Officers (rangers) to improve and maintain the park. Recent activities include the construction of a new boardwalk and the installation of way-marked trails by the Friends group and the improvement of the arboretum by the Tree Wardens.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Friends of Newmillerdam Country Park please contact countryside_admin@wakefield.gov.uk
for further information.