Elsecar Park and Local Reservoir Nature Reserve joins list of best parks and green spaces

ELSECAR PARK and local nature reserve has received a Green Flag Award - the national standard for quality parks and green spaces.

The award means that the park was judged to be welcoming and well maintained with the support and involvement of the local community.

Elsecar Park and Local Reservoir Nature Reserve is located on the edge of Elsecar, an attractive conservation village and adjacent the Elsecar Heritage Centre.

Exploring the park, visitors will find grass swathes, a terraced garden, bandstand and more relaxed wooded areas. It offers a range of facilities including a café, toilets, play area, pitch and putt and crazy golf. Its history can be traced back to the 1920s and subject to a trust arrangement.

The Park covers 18.92 hectares and is divided into two main areas, known as the top park and bottom park. The top park is adjacent to the reservoir, where various activities can be found and where galas and funfairs have been held. The bottom park is principally devoted to flower beds and contains the bandstand, children’s sand pit and picnic area.

In the early 1930s Elsecar became a popular location for a day out and visitors from Sheffield would travel by rail to escape the grime of the city. The area became branded ’Elsecar-by-the sea’ because an artificial beach was created around the banks of the reservoir.

Elsecar Reservoir Local Nature Reserve is of considerable natural value containing a large area of mature willow carr, acid grassland, a large water area and associated water fringe habitats.  The reservoir is popular with anglers, bird watchers and walkers alike.

Councillor Roy Miller, Cabinet Spokesperson for Customer and Neighbourhood Services, said: “I am delighted about this award. Barnsley Council is proud to be working in partnership with the Friends of Elsecar Park in regenerating the park and following recent investment the terraced area has been restored and a new play area installed.”

Staff from the park will join other winners to celebrate their achievements and collect their flags at a major ceremony in Liverpool on Thursday (24 July).

ENDS

Issued by press office, 01226 773375, email: pressoffice@barnsley.gov.uk