Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park

This highly attractive park comprises large areas of woodland, colourful meadows, streams, wetlands and areas of open water.

The main lake marks the site of a former clay pit, which served a nearby brickworks.  However, today there is little sign of the site’s industrial past and instead it has become a real haven for wildlife.  Over the course of a year over 80 species of bird can be seen, with the lake being home to species such as coot, pochard, sawn, grebe and tufted duck.  Toads, newts and dragonflies can also be found in and around the ponds, and butterflies, hares, foxes and small mammals in the grassland.

There is an extensive network of footpaths throughout the site including routes up onto two mounds, one of which offers a spectacular panorama with views to the coast and Cleveland Hills.   There is a small play area with a fantastic woven willow tunnel.  National Cycle Network Route 14 connects the park to Billingham and Hartlepool.