Herrington Country Park

Herrington Country Park was created on the site of the Herrington New Pit coal mine. The coal mine closed in 1985, after 10 years of negotiation, reclamation works started in January 1996. The scheme, estimated at £30 million was funded from the value of the 1 million tonnes of coal extracted,along with £5.5 million from English Partnerships and £2 million from the City Council. Since January 1996 the site has transformed from a derelict blot on the landscape to become a Park of great beauty changing the lives of the 40,000 people in the immediate vicinity and affecting the lives of the City and indeed the Region. It has become a significant regional venue with the potential to become significant on a national scale.

Habitats within the park include meadows, woodland, lakes and streams, all of which are managed for wildlife. The park offers educational activities for local schools and groups and runs a programme of public events throughout the year. Facilities within the park include car parking, café, toilets, play area, model boating lake and visitor centre.