Council decision makers are set to invest over a quarter of a million pounds, to kick start the district’s newest country park at Welbeck. The Council’s Cabinet is expected to give the green light to a phased approach to developing the country park. This will see phase one get underway immediately and be delivered in just three years.

Councillor Jack Hemingway, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment, said: “Welbeck’s new future is as a country park."

“These plans reinforce our long-term commitment to making this happen. The first phase will see the creation of circular walking trails, natural woodlands and grasslands, cycling trails and links to existing trails in the local area. As well as bird hides and other places for wildlife watching.”

Outline work has already been done on the Council’s plans, which were created based on public views gathered from a survey carried out last year.

Welbeck Country Park will be built in phases over several years, as new sections are restored and released. With the initial work focused on areas of land that the Council own. Plans also include the creation of a ‘Friends of’ group to help guide and manage the creation of the park.

Councillor Hemingway added:

“Phases 2 and 3 will then take us through the next ten plus years, where there is huge potential for its future. Anything from a visitor centre and toilets, to a café and a cycling hub."

“In time Welbeck will become an important destination for recreation, a haven for nature, a valuable green space and source of biodiversity. It’s days as a landfill site must come to an end.”

The Council’s Cabinet will be discussing the plans at their meeting on Tuesday 19 March.

The meeting will be live streamed and can be watched live or later at Wakefield Council - Cabinet meetings - YouTube