The Wild About Water feature is a wildlife wetland, designed to encourage local flora and fauna. Its main features are:

  • a 50-metre-long raised walkway,
  • four new ponds (one with a large “L” shaped pond dipping area),
  • 100 metres of a new pathway linking the ponds to existing paths,
  • hundreds of trees and hedging plants, including a tree planted by the Mayor and presented by the Friends.

Work on the project commenced in April 2009. The main construction work was completed by 21st March 2010, a remarkable achievement for all involved.

The wooden walkway gives a panoramic view across the Park and the new ponds. 300 pieces of Yorkshire Oak and 600 pieces of recycled “Plastic Wood” went into its construction. It also used over 8,000 screws and 200 coach bolts!

Kirklees Mayor Clr Julie Stewart-Turner opened The Wild About Water wildlife wetland feature. It provides a habitat for local wildlife and birds and promotes the growth of British wildflowers.

It was a cooperative project, involving the Biffaward scheme (£50,000.00 funding through landfill tax credits), Kirklees Council (who provided extra funding, site and project management) and BTCV (who were the lead organisation for an army of volunteers). The “Wild About Water” scheme represents a significant addition to Oakwell Hall Country Park’s facilities.

The Friends would like to thank all the people and groups who have worked so hard to complete this wonderful new feature for our beautiful park and we hope to see you here soon.