Park/ Botanical GardensRother Valley Country Park

[micksheff, 15.07.2007] The Rother Valley Country Park lies on the South Yorkshire and Derbyshire border between Sheffield and Rotherham. It covers an area of 740 acres which consists of lakes, woodlands and open spaces.

The idea behind RVCP dates back to the 1960's and in 1972 a full feasibility study was undertaken during which the National Coal Board's plans for open cast mining in this area was discussed.

Opencasting of the site began in 1976 and continued until 1981. During this time 1.7 million tonnes of high quality coal was removed. Throughout this period public consultation regarding the Park which was to occupy this area continued and when the Opencasting ended it was the National Coal Board who financed the largest part of this vast project.

There were three main objectives that were paramount in the creation of RVCP.

1) To create four separate large lakes and vast open spaces which would provide a wide range of different recreational facilities. These recreational facilities would be both water and land based.

2) To provide a wide range of different habitats for the vast range of different plants and animals which could be found in this area, and to provide a haven for the huge numbers of birds that migrate through this area every year.

3) To create an effective flood control system to protect the new housing developments in this area.

The reasons behind these objectives were as follows:

1) The creation of the four large lakes was considered to be feasible because within the Sheffield area there were no other facilities offering water sports like sailing, windsurfing and jet skiing. The Sports Council contributed £50,000 (75,000 Euros) towards the development of these water sports.

2) The creation of different wildlife habitats was an important one. This area was historically an area of marsh lands and reed beds which had been drained during the 1960's to make way for housing developments. The local Councils of Sheffield and Rotherham had been heavily criticised for this land draining which had resulted in the disappearance of many rare birds and plants.

By the mid 1970's all that remained of these historical marshlands were two small areas known as "Beighton Marsh" and "Killamarsh Flashes" and both of these would be heavily disturbed by the Opencasting.

3. The Rother Valley is an area of flat land which historically had been prone to flooding but it was also the largest area of open space within the Sheffield/Rotherham conurbation suitable for housing development. Housing Estates stretching from Beighton to Mosborough and incorporating Crystal Peaks had already been approved by 1974 and both local authorities knew that flood defences were necessary. The creation of the lakes formed by diverting the River Rother was the perfect opportunity to ensure that these new estates would be kept away from the danger of floodwater. Today 200,000 people live on these Housing Estates within the Rother Valley.

Today, The main lake within the Park covers an area of approximately 100 acres and is classified as still inland water. A wide range of different watersports take place on this lake including sailing, jet skiing and windsurfing and it is possible to book courses in all of these with qualified staff. For the less adventurous it is also possible to hire pedal boats, dinghies and rowing boats.

Within the Park there is also a large children's play area which is located quite close to the main lake, this looks like excellent fun but as with all climbing and sliding structures children should be supervised at all times, but don't worry if the kids get bored with the play area you can always take them to feed the Ducks.

The main lake area of RVCP is the main focal area and this is where the largest of the car parks is located. It is also the location of the visitor centre, a cafe, and the only toilets within the Park.

The vast area of open space and woodland is a perfect place for walking or cycling and there is also a public bridleway which goes right around the lakes. There are several well signposted walks and nature trails within the park but if like me you are fascinated by nature then a visit to the nature reserve is a must.

The nature reserve is situated close to the Killamarsh end of the park which is the only vehicular access point into RVCP. Meadowgate lake forms the bulk of the reserve and has been carefully managed to provide a breeding habitat for many rare birds, many of which are not found anywhere else within this area. Breeding birds include cormorant, common terns, kingfisher and water rail whilst regular visitors also include little egret, avocet and bittern.

Viewing the nature reserve is possible from the car park or there is a footpath which takes you right round the reserve in a circular route and there are hides all along this path where you can view the wildlife without causing disturbance.

At the far end of the nature reserve there is a large fishing lake which is popular with anglers 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.

Finally within the Park there is a very steep and impressive ski slope. This is basically an area of short grass which has been specifically set aside for skiing on in the winter when there is snow on the ground. Obviously it remains empty for much of the year but believe me when the first snow falls people quite literally flock to this from miles around.

Access to RVCP is free on foot but there is a charge of £3 (4.5 Euros) to enter the park with a car. Access to the park on foot is possible 24 hours a day but there are barriers across the road to prevent vehicle access at night. The barriers on the park usually closes about one hour after dark.

I love RVCP and have visited this place many times. I would definitely recommend it as a place to visit as a good day out for all the family. I am very fortunate to have such a place so close to where I live.