The
Unofficial WebsiteRavenfield Country Park
The park is in a steep-sided valley near Ravenfield Village. Ravenfield Park is a remnant of the old deer park which belonged to the Westby family (big snobs around here at one time). There is no mention of it in the estate deeds which date back to 1435, but it is believed that the park was enclosed during the 17th century when the hall and gardens were built.
Between 1749 and 1820 the ownership of the park changed hands several times before being bought by Walter Osborne. Between 1766 and 1778 a new system of watercourses and ponds was built and the Hall was enlarged and its surroundings remodelled.
The estate was sold in 1920. In the Second World War the Hall and park were used as a training area and then as a prisoner of war camp. There was much damage caused by explosives at this time.
The park was bought by the Phoenix Sports and Social Club and Parkgate Recreational Services of Rotherham Engineering Steels to provide angling facilities for their members.
The three ponds in the park all had poor access, were badly silted up, choked with weeds and in a bad state of repair. Restoration of the ponds began in 1980 at considerable cost.
There are now seven ponds that allow a variety of fishing to suit all anglers. Membership of the club is open to the general public but you need to be a member to fish here. The car park is closed to all but anglers and there is room for three cars at most on the lane outside. You can park in Ravenfield Village Car Park just below St James Church and walk over the fields.
The park is a haven for wildlife, so if you are interested in natural history or a bit of bird-watching it is a lovely place for a wander. There is a short walk around the three largest ponds and a longer one which takes in all the park. The last time we walked here it had been wet, wet, wet. Parts of the path were very muddy and the wooden steps very, very slippery. Be warned!
NB It is still on the map but other than that I have not the slightest idea what has happened to Ravenfield Hall. The Hall was burned in 1961 and the remains were demolished in 1962. The stables block and outbuildings have been converted into homes.
Contact:-
Re fishing 01709 363788. Message from Stuart December 2007 "I've created a website
for the Ravenfield Ponds fishery.... My website address is
www.ravenfieldponds.co.uk. Email stuart.sotheranattiscali.co.uk or
stuart.sotheranatcorusgroup.com (remember to change at to @)."