Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park

Explore the TREEmendous wildlife at Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park!

Telephone Number (01642) 371633
Fax (01642) 371786

Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park is a new area of woodland within the Tees Forest and is located on the edge of Billingham. The site was reclaimed from former brickworks, landfill and ex-agricultural land. Although still in the early stages of growth, rapid development has led to the site's large variety of habitats and wildlife. These include grassland, a lake, a series of ponds and a beck flows around the boundary. The abundant wildlife consists of 80 species of bird, waterfowl, toads, newts and dragonflies in and around the ponds and 18 species of butterfly, hares, foxes and small mammals in the grassland.

Activities

Tree planting is essential for the management of the park to secure its future. Since 1990 a staggering 300,000 trees have been planted, including the sturdy Oak, the ash, pine, sycamore, cherry, alder and the stooping willow. This tree planting is a great way to get involved in with your local community and many schools, churches and other local groups have been involved. Why not come along and make a difference to your local environment, through this rewarding experience.

The lake, which was formerly a clay pit, is a great location for birdwatching.
The lake is a breeding ground for the coot, pochard, the elegant swan, grebe and the tufted duck. Regularly you will be able to gaze at the striking kingfisher, cormorant, herons, goosander and the 'Golden eye'. As you stroll around the site you may also set eyes on the gold crest, the kestrel, hedge sparrow and the long-eared owl. The bird feeding area is a great place to watch birds close up in the winter period.

The hay meadows provide a peaceful location for a picnic, as they provide large areas of open space. While you relax your children can explore the wide range of wildlife that the meadows support. For example there are many small mammals and birds including the skylark.

Orienteering is an enjoyable navigation sport using specially drawn and detailed maps. Cowpen Bewley has a permanent course, which you can do for fun or take part in a competition.

Education
Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park believes environmental education to be very important and therefore offer a wide range of education programmes to suit all ages. We are keen to involve school groups in activities and are flexible to suit teachers' requirements. If there is an area of environmental work you need to cover, please ring to discuss and we will try and meet your requirements. We are also happy to work with youth and community groups of all ages.

You can get a Green Bus grant of up to £100 towards the cost of hiring a coach or minibus, so that you can bring your pupils or groups to Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park. This is available from the Tees Forest for school and community groups who would normally have difficulty in accessing the countryside. Details available from the Tees Forest 01642 300716.

Facilities

Activity Centre

Telephone Number (01642) 371633
The Activity Centre Hall is available to hire for meetings, training sessions and other appropriate uses on request. It costs £20/half day session.
Other facilities include the amphitheatre and a Nature Trail along which you can use the information boards to identify the wildlife.

Opening Times Of Activity Centre

Monday, Friday and Sundays 10.00am to 4.00pm during school summer holidays and

Sundays 10.00am - 4.00pm for the rest of the year.

The Activity Centre has toilets, wildlife information and a small gift shop.

The park itself is open every day.
The car park closes at dusk.

How do I get there?

By Bus: Take service 91 from Middlesbrough to Low Grange or the 52 from Middlesbrough, Stockton, Norton or Billingham to Low Grange Avenue. Get off at Bewley Infants School, cross Wolviston Back Lane, and enter the park. A ten-minute walk will bring you to the Activity Centre. Also the Countryside Bus runs during the summer from Stockton and Billingham via all the country parks.

By Bicycle: Sustrans Route 14 runs right through the park. Pick up the route in Stockton, Billingham or Hartlepool and ride to the park. Cycle parking facilities are available at the Activity Centre. Full details of cycle routes in the area are in the 'Cycling in Stockton' leaflet available from Stockton Borough Council.

By car: Turn off the A1185 Seal Sands Link Road, Billingham.

Email tommy.pybus@stockton.gov.uk