This “hidden” gem bordered by a railway line and housing may be unknown by many Wakefield residents. This is a very popular area for local walkers, dog walking, picnics and other services. Whilst some paths are paved, most are on grassland, can be slippery and may get muddy. Beware of “Muggles” !!
This series of 5 caches take you across the whole of the park and meadows, but none are near the playground. These locations are not wheelchair friendly.
You might consider following the clues of Wakefield Wandering GCYGPJ which will take you to the park, and then On (Desert)Fox(UK) lane GC4G5N6 which is nearby.
Many thanks to Countryside Environment &Street Scene, Wakefield Council for permission to place these caches.
Alverthorpe Meadows and Wrenthorpe Park
Wrenthorpe Lane
Wakefield
WF2 OHS
Services
Facility Services
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Free car parking located off Wrenthorpe Lane
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Kids' playground
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Football pitch
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Bowling green
Outdoor activities
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Surfaced paths through the park for walking and cycling
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Footpaths pass through the informal fields of the meadows
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Boardwalks and bridges over the ponds allow you to spot wildlife
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Located in the residential suburbs of north-west Wakefield, Alverthorpe Meadows and Wrenthorpe Park consists of grassland, woodland and ponds - a 'green oasis' to escape city life.
Historical interest
In medieval times this area became part of the open farmland between Wakefield (to the east) and the "Outwood" (to the north-west). The ridge and furrow patterns in the south-west of the park show evidence of these fields.
By 1845 the fields had been enclosed by hedgerows so that animals could be kept inside. The oldest hedgerow trees on the site have horizontal trunks.
During the 19th century a railway line was built across the valley to link Wakefield and Dewsbury. This is no longer in use but the course is marked by a footpath and a cycle track.
Nature Conservation
The site has been designated as a local nature reserve since 2009.
The meadows contain a mix of wildflowers which are best seen in late spring to early summer. Keep an eye out for butterflies such as the Orange Tip.
Look above the grass and you may see a Sparrowhawk with its looping flight or a hovering Kestrel hunting. Listen out for a Tawny Owl or woodpecker.
The ponds attract the odd Kingfisher as well as Grey Heron, Coot and Mallard Duck.
Access
By Road:
Leave Wakefield on Bradford Road. Turn left onto Wrenthorpe Road. The Car park at Wrenthorpe Park is on the left after going under the railway bridge. Parking is free.
By public transport:
Arriva bus numbers 100, 101,103,108 and 481 all travel along Wrenthorpe Road – also number 105 reaches the south of the park at Silcoates Street.
Nearest Train station:
Wakefield Westgate 1.5 miles