Pugneys Country Park

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A view of the main lake at Pugneys Country Park from Sandal Castle.

Pugneys Country Park is a 250-acre (1.0 km2) park located on the A636 between Wakefield, West Yorkshire, England and Junction 39 of the M1 motorway. It is a Local Nature Reserve.[1][2]

The area was developed from a former opencast mine and a sand and gravel quarry and was opened to the public in 1985. It is overlooked by Sandal Castle.

The park comprises two lakes, Both lakes are now dedicated as a nature reserve. Watersports and swimming have been banned from the larger lake although Pedalos can still be hired.[3]

A 7+14 in (184 mm) gauge miniature railway, running round part of the larger lake, operates on weekends and bank holidays, and cafeteria facilities are available.

The nature reserve is home to a large flock of non-breeding swans, with up to 100 in residence at any time.

The lakes serve as a flood defence by providing an overflow from the River Calder.

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Pugneys Country Park". Local Nature Reserves. Natural England. Retrieved 24 July 2013.
  2. ^ "Map of Pugneys Country Park". Local Nature Reserves. Natural England. Retrieved 24 July 2013.
  3. ^ Gardner, Tony (22 June 2023). "Pugneys: Watersports to be 'scaled down' at Yorkshire country park and visitor reception closed to prioritise wildlife". The Yorkshire Post. Retrieved 7 August 2023.

53°39′23″N 1°30′14″W / 53.6565°N 1.5038°W / 53.6565; -1.5038