Kiveton Community Woodland
& Kiveton Waters
The former site of Kiveton Park Colliery has been reclaimed by the Land Restoration Trust. The area which covers about 59 hectares is managed by the Forestry Commission Rangers for the benefit of the public. All that remains of the colliery are the Pit Head Baths, listed but near derelict and the old pit offices: a very nice buildingused by a number of cocmapnies and organisations.
Kiveton Community Woodland
Work began in 2004 to eradicate the ravages of the old pit workings. These have been swept away and Kiveton Community Woodland now features area of woodlands, grasslands, wetlands and ponds which support a wide range of wildlife. Some of the woodland area have been very recently planted and are behind supposedly rabbit-proof fences, but nobody told the rabbits.
There are substantial boggy bits to judge by the dykes and reed beds. The dog came out of one of them so stinky we had to take him home and put him under the shower.
There are cycle tracks, bridleways and footpaths around and across the site, most of which are composed of crushed brick. These can be sometimes muddy in places but generally make for easy walking. The old rail line is clinker which is more difficult. You can get wheelchairs or motorised buggies round some of the site but there are bike gates and swing gates in some places that could be difficult.
There is a deep bowl called the Amphitheatre suitable for community performances and events. An annual Urbfest, celebrating all thing urban, takes place here each August, though I've never seen it advertised in the local papers.
In September 2011 I have accessed a map on the RMBC website and some details of a Sustrans route which now calls the re-claimed colliery area Kiveton Country Park but there seems little other information. I will wait and see.
The walks through the woodland form part of a tracery of public footpaths including part of the Cuckoo Way which can take you round large parts of the parish of Harthill with Woodall. Most of these paths link up via bike gates.
Kiveton Waters
In the north of the site are a series of fishing ponds. Signs up say that the miners dug these themselves, but they are now in the ownership and management of British Waterways. Tucked away behind what is probably a dog-proof fence they seem very popular and although I didn't go to investigate might have loos in the little building by the anglers' car park.
These offer match and pleasure fishing seven days a week, dawn 'til dusk. Tel. re fishing 07773 102488.
Information
There is a car park off Hard Lane, with a special section for anglers and an area for everyone else. There are no facilities in the woodland: no café, no toilets etc.
Address:- Off Hard Lane, Kiveton Park, Yorkshire, S26 6RP. The woodland can be accessed by foot or pushbike in many other places.