Rother Valley Country Park
From the turn of the 20th Century, the physical characteristics of the River Rother were also increasingly subjected to change. Industrial opportunism often resulted in sections of the river being straightened and rechannelled to create extra land for development. This destructive activity accelerated towards the end of the 1950’s era, as opencast mining operations became more popular and profitable. In many cases, coal deposits lay beneath the bed of the river itself and to successfully exploit these reserves, it was necessary to re-channel the river. Rarely was consideration given to the profile of the new channel to allow natural features to reestablish. The result was often the creation of a very straight and sterile river course. One extreme example of this type of activity commenced in the late 1960’s between the villages of Beighton and Killamarsh. Here the river was diverted to facilitate the exploitation of huge coal reserves and on completion, the void which had been created, was infilled and a new channel constructed to take the river’s flow. This area today is known as Rother Valley Country Park. Source Environment Agency
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Rother Valley Country Park is one of Rotherham's three country parks. Situated on Mansfield Road at Wales Bar. The park is open daily 8.30am to dusk. Phone:
Rother Valley Country Park was created from restored opencast coal workings. The park covers some 750 acres of countryside and a nature reserve. A whole range of recreational activities are available from windsurfing and sailing to fishing, walking and bird-watching. There are many paths and trails suitable for walking, cycling,horse riding and orienteering. The visitor centre is based in an historic complex of buildings at Bedgreave Mill; the restored mill has an exhibition depicting the history of the area, there is a craft centre with workshops adjacent.
Playdales - is an outdoor play area designed to give children hours of fun. One payment allows all day admission with the presentation of a valid wrist band. Admission Charges
Gallery Index
©