Built in a partnership between the Biffaward scheme (£50,000.00 funding through landfill tax credits), Kirklees Council (who provided extra funding, site and project management) and BTCV (who were the lead organisation for an army of volunteers) the "Wild about Water" scheme represents a major addition to Oakwell Hall Country Park's facilities.

Its main features are

• a 50 metre long raised walkway
• four new ponds (one with a large "L" shaped pond dipping area for future use)
• 100 metres of new pathway linking the ponds to existing paths
• hundreds of trees and hedging plants, including a tree planted by the Mayor and presented by the Friends.

Work on the project commenced in April 2009 and all the main construction work was completed by 21^st March 2010, a remarkable achievement for all involved.

The new walkway, which gives a panoramic view across the Park as well as the new ponds, is made from 300 pieces of Yorkshire Oak and 600 pieces of recycled "Plastic Wood". It also used over 8,000 screws and 200 coach bolts!

Work still in progress includes the installation of overflows and waterfalls, extra seating and new Information boards, as well as the planting of Pond and Aquatic plants. All of this should be completed by early Summer 2010.

The Friends would like to thank all the other people and groups who have worked so hard to complete this wonderful new feature for our beautiful park.

scroll to see more photos of the Wild About Water feature.