Rothwell Country Park

Steve Jones · Post by **Steve Jones** » Sun 21 Jul, 2013 7:23 pm

yesterday morning I had a walk around Rothwell Country Park.I had been told that part of the sculpture trail had a stone circle.I found it as well as other stuff in what is a decaying neglected park.Although there is a friends group for it the entire site has been neglected ever since Leeds Council pulled the plug on it.It was set up in 2000 on the former colliery site.I did actually enjoy going around on my own in a virtually deserted park as I hate crowds.it was the first time I had been to it although I will be going againI noticed a couple of signs pointing to the summit and maze.I found the summit easily but saw no signs of a maze.Does anyone know if it is still there, or any trace of it?

Phill_dvsn · Post by **Phill_dvsn** » Sun 21 Jul, 2013 8:30 pm

I've never heard of one, no sign of one ever being there on aerial images, no mention of it on google search, or flickr photos.The detail map what's there is herehttp://www.friendsofrcp.co.uk/mapsNo mention of it Steve!

Jogon · Post by **Jogon** » Sun 21 Jul, 2013 8:58 pm

Never heard of that, as the crow flies wrong side of town for me. I know Rothwell, Cas, Swillington and Woodlesford fairly well.

buffaloskinner · Post by **buffaloskinner** » Sun 21 Jul, 2013 9:03 pm

Hi Steve it was there 13 years ago and set up by Groundwork LeedsGroundwork Leeds’ main role was to engage local people of all ages in the project. We ran numerous wildlife events and creative workshops, including designing and carving sculptures, willow weaving and the creation of a giant dragon ‘maze’. Several members of staff were employed on the project.On 24th June 2000 Rothwell Country Park was officially opened by the late great Richard Whiteley! The new park provided this corner of Leeds with much needed oasis for recreation and leisure, and a haven for wildlife. Today it provides access to the Lower Aire Valley and the Aire and Calder Navigation, with the Transpennine Trail running alongside.

Steve Jones · Post by **Steve Jones** » Mon 22 Jul, 2013 1:10 pm

Thanks Jogon and Phil.On looking at the map on Phils link above,it looksl ike the maze is just about visible.I obviously missed it on my wander as i don't think I went to the area it is in.i iwll have to have another wander about the place when i get a spare moment.it is actualy in Woodlesford although named Rothwell .A footpath going by the wonderfull name of Pickpocket Lane (although not signed as that on the ground) gave me access on foot.Bullough Lane allows acess by car to a locked gate which means the former car park is inaccessible.ponds are all overgrown with rushes.There is an activity trail for thos of a sporting bent although too active for me.The various bars etc are becoming overgrown although still usable.

raveydavey · Post by **raveydavey** » Mon 22 Jul, 2013 9:23 pm

Steve Jones wrote: Thanks Jogon and Phil.On looking at the map on Phils link above,it looksl ike the maze is just about visible.I obviously missed it on my wander as i don't think I went to the area it is in.i iwll have to have another wander about the place when i get a spare moment.it is actualy in Woodlesford although named Rothwell .A footpath going by the wonderfull name of Pickpocket Lane (although not signed as that on the ground) gave me access on foot.Bullough Lane allows acess by car to a locked gate which means the former car park is inaccessible.ponds are all overgrown with rushes.There is an activity trail for thos of a sporting bent although too active for me.The various bars etc are becoming overgrown although still usable. Thanks Steve - sounds like you've saved me a wasted journey. Have the council simply abandoned the park?

Steve Jones · Post by **Steve Jones** » Tue 23 Jul, 2013 1:11 pm

raveydavey wrote: Thanks Steve - sounds like you've saved me a wasted journey. Have the council simply abandoned the park? pretty much. The Friends of Rothwell Country Park appear to be fighting a losing battle to try and improve matters.The council installed the exercise circuit last year but it is already overgrown.i did notice some areas had been mown but don't know who did it.it wasn't a large area so I am guessing it wasn't the council.for anyoe who likes photo's there are some very atmospheric opportunities around the place I think ,although I wouldn't think it is a safe place after dark!

Post by **Croggy1** » Tue 23 Jul, 2013 1:14 pm

There is a 'Friends' organisation http://www.friendsofrcp.co.uk/ and a few months ago, the council announced plans for a cycle path linking Templenewsam to Rothwell Country Park, so they must still be aware of it! http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/n ... -1-5471215

raveydavey · Post by **raveydavey** » Wed 24 Jul, 2013 9:29 pm

Croggy1 wrote: There is a 'Friends' organisation http://www.friendsofrcp.co.uk/ and a few months ago, the council announced plans for a cycle path linking Templenewsam to Rothwell Country Park, so they must still be aware of it! http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/n ... -1-5471215 That's interesting. When combined with the recently opened cycle path between Roundhay Park and Temple Newsam, that's quite a bike ride you'll be able to do across Leeds - most of it away from traffic.

Steve Jones · Post by **Steve Jones** » Sun 11 Aug, 2013 4:34 pm

Went again with a group of friends yesterday and finaly located what is left of the maze.it is barely visible being very overgrown,just the carved rocks put in various places still there and rapidly being overgrown.