Open every day
Seckar Wood is an ancient woodland and lowland heathland located 5.5 miles south of Wakefield on the A61, Barnsley Road.
Facilities and activities
Beautiful woodland and heathland
Ideal for walks and wildlife watching
Special site of scientific interest due to the diversity of the plants
Free car park on Seckar Lane open 6am to 9pm April - October and 6am to 7pm November to March
Historical Interest
Seckar Wood was part of the Wentworth estate for over 300 years. In 1923 it was bought by local photographer Warner Gothard.
The walled pond near the centre was built as a swimming pool in the 1930's and the small summer house nearby was never completed.
Warner died in 1940 and left the wood to the people of Wakefield and Barnsley. After being held in trust for twenty years the wood was handed to Wakefield and Barnsley councils and has been managed by us since then
Nature Conservation
A carpet of bluebells covers the woodland floor in spring. Dead wood encourages invertebrates which provide food for many of the birds including Great Spotted Woodpecker and Treecreepers. In summer the heathland is a sea of purple when the Heather flowers.
Watch out for Stoats, Weasels and Roe Deer in the woodland.
Volunteers
The Friends of Seckar Wood help the Countryside officers (rangers) to improve and maintain the site by undertaking regular activities including clearing scrub and controlling Himalayan Balsam. Visit Friends of Seckar Wood Facebook page for further details about the Friends group.
If you are interested in becoming a member please contact
seckar.wood@gmail.com
If you are interested in local volunteering opportunities on this and other sites please get in touch with Countryside.