The
Unofficial Website
Worsbrough
Worsbrough used to be a regular haunt of mine but I haven't been there for five or six years so spring 2002 I decided to renew my acquaintance. The walk over the dam and around the reservoir or vice versa make for a nice place for a stroll on a fine morning. Fair warning - in the middle of winter the winds blowing over the water can chill you to the marrow.
The mill has been restored and is used to grind flour for the tourists. At one time there used to be Craft Fairs held here.
Worsbrough Reservoir & Country Park
Worsbrough Country Park covers approximately 200 acres in the valley of the River Dove. It is a haven for plants and wildlife and humans in search of a pleasant walk. The walking in the Country Park on paths that are fairly flat and easy but often very muddy, and you can include the park as part of longer walks in the surrounding countryside.
Worsbrough Reservoir was one of the header lakes built at one of the heads of navigation in order to supply the Dearne and Dove Canal. The canal was opened in part in 1799 and was in full use by 1804. The Worsbrough section of the canal was closed to traffic in 1906, the reservoir and stream being retained as a feeder. There is precious little left of the canal but the reservoir is a mighty pleasant place. I do not have any information but the present dam but it looks quite modern.
The reservoir is very popular with fishermen. The fishing rights belong to Barnsley AAA - Sunday is members only, weekdays and Saturdays you can purchase day tickets on the bank. I understand that many fish have been lost to cormorants who have taken up lodgings and gobbled a lot of the fish stocks.
At the western end of the reservoir is an area of bog and reedbeds which is very popular with birdwatchers - there is a great variety of avian life to keep your binoculars busy. Feeding the birds is very popular too - there are quantities of very friendly ducks and geese who are quite prepared to mug you for your sandwiches.
Group activities arranged by the Worsbrough ranger include science workshops and walks, obtain further information by ringing Tel. 07970 648187, There is also a cycle hire shop on site open seven days a week Tel. 07811 804991. There is now a charge for parking – warning the car park is often busy.
Worsbrough Mill Museum
A mill was recorded at Worsbrough in the Domesday Book of 1086 though whether it was in this exact place is not certain. It would have been on the River Dove hereabouts.
The present mill is made up of two buildings. The oldest part dates from approximately 1625 and was a water-powered corn mill. It was powered by a mill race which diverted some of the water from the river into the mill pond. In 1843 a steam driven corn mill with two sets of millstones was added at the northern end of the watermill.
Worsbrough Mill made only stone ground or coarse flour for brown bread. By 1900 this was becoming less popular as people preferred the white bread made from finer flour. In 1922 the steam engine was scrapped but the watermill continued to be used for crushing animal feed.
By the 1960's the machinery was unsafe and much of the building was derelict. It has been restored as a working industrial museum. The steam engine has been replaced with a rare oil engine from 1911 built by Hornsby of Grantham which was rescued from a scrapyard.
The mill today produces wheatmeal flour and bran flakes, which can be bought at the small mill shop. There is an Interpretative Centre which contains a display on the history and development of the mill. Group visits can be arranged Tel. 01226 774527.
Wigfield Farm
No Country Park would be complete without its farm and Worsbrough is no exception. Wigfield Farm is run by Barnsley College to provide the hands-on part of its courses on Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Care. It is a mixed farm with arable land for crops, and meadows for grazing. Traditional livestock are kept along with Shetland ponies, donkeys and some rare breeds. There is an exotics and rodents section, together with a pet section with rabbits and guinea pigs for kids large and small to fuss.
There are all the usual refinements, picnic area, play area, dung heap and a farm shop and a cafe. Group visits can be arranged Tel. 01226 733702.
Some other things to see and do around Worsbrough
North of the Country Park are the remains of the old railway line. I'm not sure that there is much to see of the railway but the route forms part of the Dove Valley Trail.
To the south-west of the reservoir is Rockley Old Hall. This is an old manor house and cottages which are all private homes and cannot be visited, though it is nice to see the outside.
Opposite the car park entrance is the Button Mill Inn where you can get a bit of snap any time of the day (That's scran to anybody from Doncaster and food to the rest of you who speak English).
For more information visit the website www.barnsley.gov.uk and search for Worsbrough.