Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park

It's hard to believe, but part of today's park was once a waste disposal site and before that, clay was quarried here and used locally for brick making. It was transformed into a woodland park in the 1990s with the planting of around a quarter of a million trees. 

As well as woodland walks you can enjoy wandering through some delightful meadows, with an array of flowers and grasses during summer. There are plenty of birds to be seen: warblers, finches and some impressive birds of prey such as various species of owl, sparrow hawk, kestrel, and buzzard.  

The parks lake is home to a variety of birdlife including coot, pochard, swan, grebe, tufted duck and kingfisher. In summer beautiful dragonflies and damselflies can often be seen flying over the lake, and even the occasional otter is known to visit.

The impressive mound near to the lake is a relic of the site's industrial past. It's the highest point in the area and offers some fantastic views over Billingham, the surrounding countryside and out towards the Tees estuary.

Although cycling is not permitted in the park itself, National Cycle Network Route 14 runs close to its boundary, continuing south through Billingham and north towards Hartlepool.

There is a small children's play area.

Accessibility 

Accessible toilets are available at limited times. No designated disabled parking. The park has some roughly surfaced paths.

Please note that the A1185 divides the two parts of the country park. Please take care when crossing from one area to another.

Facilities

Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park includes the following facilities:

• cycleway to the park
• rough surfaced paths in some areas of the park
• toilets (limited opening times)
• refreshments (limited opening times)
• play area
• car park
• electric vehicle charging points

Opening times

The park is open at all times.

Location

Main car park can be accessed off A1185 (Seal Sands Link Road)
Billingham
TS23 3NF