Treeton Dyke
I think that Treeton Dyke is just about large enough to be classified as a lake instead of a pond. I don't know much about its origins but it is next to the Rother in the floodplain of the river. It is too big to be an oxbow. I don't think that it is natural though this is a very wet area. I would guess that it may be the filled up remains of gravel workings. I'll put it on my list to pursue and we'll find out whether I'm right or wrong. I'm wrong! During the 19th Century about 1840, the River Rother flowed through the course of the Dyke, prior to being canalised when the Midland Railway was constructed to the west. The new Rother then flowed in an entirely different course hence Treeton Dyke. The remaining lake was used to provide water for Orgreave Colliery until that closed.
On the western side of the lake is a site known as Forgemaster's tip which is partly developed as a nature reserve. At the north east end of the lake there is a cut off piece of water which is muddy and algae-ridden but which is a good place to watch for dragonflies. The site includes many plants typical of derelict land which makes these places so attractive in late summer - teasels, buddleias, tansy, marjoram, and birds foot trefoil. The dyke is home to Rotherham Ski Boat Club and Treeton Dyke Angling Club who share it with a very wide selection of wildfowl including swans, herons, mallards, grebes and the ubiquitous gulls.
There is a pleasant, mostly flat walk around the dyke, and walks can be extended through the woods or over the fields to Treeton. You will not be able to take a wheelchair or motorised buggy all around the dyke. Along the western side of the dyke various paths have been blocked by large boulders to stop bikie boys. Fishing is available but I have not found an address for the angling club.
Information
Treeton Dyke is jointly owned by Rotherham Borough Council and the South Yorkshire Ski Boat Club.
Address:- Treeton Dyke, south of Treeton Rotherham.