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• Managing Organisation:

  Wakefield Metropolitan District Council

• Contact:

  Allan Smith

• Telephone:

  01924 307456 
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Information about this open space

Haw Park Wood is 73 hectares of ancient woodland situated in the heart of West Yorkshire. Only 6km from the centre of the City of Wakefield, Haw Park Wood gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy nature at its best.  The Countryside and Conservation Service manages the wood for its conservation and wildlife value, and as a valuable recreational and educational facility, working in partnership with community groups, volunteers and environmental organisations and agencies.  The Friends of Haw Park Wood are a dedicated group of volunteers who actively help care for and promote this site. Haw Park Wood, awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award, is ideal for walking, cycling and horse riding and the Trans Pennine Trail passes through the southern part of the wood. There is open access to the entire site though most people keep to the woodland rides and the all weather footpath network. Families and children can safely enjoy the woodland and find out about its wildlife. The Rangers patrol the site and organise an events programme including such events as Bat Evenings, Fungi Foray, and Historical Walks.  The woodland is designated a Local Nature Reserve and a Site of Scientific Interest to reflect its wildlife and educational value. Once part of the much larger Don Forest of the 1600’s the woodland has changed greatly in the last 100 years. It is gradually being restored back to predominantly native broadleaf species to reflect its ancient status and attract more wildlife.