57) Haw Park Wood, (Anglers Country Park, Wakefield, WF4 2EB
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The start point for the wander is at Anglers Country Park, as featured in route No 57
https://www.accessiblenatureuk.com/55-anglers-country-park-wakefield
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https://www.wakefield.gov.uk/sport-health-and-leisure/parks-and-countryside/parks/haw-park-wood
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http://www.fohpww.co.uk/about-the-woods/
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Route: My route is almost 3 miles in length tho there are many other tracks spurring off, and also the Trans-Pennine Cycle route that can be accessed from Haw Wood and Anglers Country Park.
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Terrain: Most is on wide dirt track - so it will be quite muddy if its been wet or is raining. Today wasn't too bad. There are a few little sneaky hills to climb but nothing most mobility equipment will be able to tackle.
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There are a few open access gaps next to car barriers but the gap is wide enough for all mobility equipment. There are also a few Radar key locked gates to get through- should be doable if you are on your own.
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Facilities on site:
At Anglers Country Park there are disabled toilets, a lovely and reasonable cafe, ample Blue Badge parking. A small fee is charged for none Blue Badge car parking.
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Dogs are permitted in both the Anglers Country Park and in Haw Park Wood.
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About the site and what might you see.
Haw Park Wood is part of a historic country house estate - owned by Charles Waterton, it was finished in 1826. It was the first actual nature reserve ever created - due to Waterton's love of the natural world. He installed wildlife viewing points, towers and hides. He also had habitat areas created - and so bird boxes were born. He also was famed for buying live Hedgehogs and setting them free on his huge estate - little did he know that in 2021 Hedgehogs would be considered as being "at risk" in the UK.
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A very lovely forrest that is well managed and has much to explore.
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Deer, mice, fox, Badgers (likely) many types of small birds and a good selection of predators. We saw a Merlin which was a lovely sight.
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So if its been dry of late do visit and enjoy perhaps one of the most historic nature reserves / spaces in the UK.
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