Bolam Lake Country Park
Bolam Lake Country Park is located in Northumberland
Bolam Lake Country Park
Location in Northumberland
Locationnear Bolam
OS gridNZ 081 818
Coordinates55°7′49″N 1°52′28″W / 55.13028°N 1.87444°W / 55.13028; -1.87444
Area26.48 hectares (65.4 acres)
Created1972
Operated byNorthumberland County Council
WebsiteBolam Lake Country Park

Bolam Lake Country Park is a country park in Northumberland, England, near the village of Bolam and about 9 miles (14 km) west of Morpeth. It is signposted off the A696 road from Belsay.

History

The lake and woodlands were laid out by John Dobson for Reverend John Beresford, Baron Decies, the owner of the Bolam estate, who wanted to provide work for local people during a period of economic decline. The project, started in 1816, took three years to complete. The site was landscaped, and designed to provide picturesque views of nearby features in the countryside. The lake was created from a swampy area known as Bolam Bog.[1] In 2016 the lake and landscaped surroundings celebrated their 200th anniversary.

By 1945 the grounds had grown wild; in 1972 the estate was purchased by Northumberland County Council in order to create a country park.[1]

Description

The park, area 26.48 hectares (65.4 acres);[2] has a lake, woodlands and open grassland. There are walks throughout the park, including a fully accessible path around the lake.[3]

Wildlife in the park includes roe deer and red squirrels; there are swans and other waterfowl on the lake.[3] Woodland birds to be seen include great spotted woodpecker, bullfinch, nuthatch and treecreeper.[4]

There is a visitor centre and café next to the Boathouse Wood Car Park, to the north of the lake.[3]

References

  1. 1 2 "John Dobson's Lake" Display panel by Northumberland County Council. Retrieved 27 December 2021.
  2. ↑ "Bolam Lake Country Park" Woodland Trust. Retrieved 27 December 2021.
  3. 1 2 3 "Bolam Lake Country Park" Northumberland County Council. Retrieved 26 December 2021.
  4. ↑ "Bolam Lake Country Park" Bird Watching Sites. Retrieved 27 December 2021.
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