Ravenfield Country Park
Ravenfield Country 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 six 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 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!
Ravenfield Hall was burned down in 1961 and the remains were demolished in 1962. The stables block and outbuildings have been converted into homes.
Information
At the end of Arbour Lane, Ravenfield. The car park is closed to all but keyholding fisherman. There is room for, at most, three cars to park at the side of the lane. Be warned the lane is very narrow. We tend to park in Ravenfield Village Car Park below St James' Church in the old village and walk over the fields.Contact:–
Re fishing 44 (0)1709 363788. Visit the website for the Ravenfield Ponds fishery www.ravenfieldponds.co.uk