Dewsbury Road Recreation Ground, Wakefield

Geological Sites | Leeds | Bradford | Calderdale | Kirklees | Wakefield

STATUS: Local Geological Site
OTHER DESIGNATIONS:
COUNTY: West Yorkshire
DISTRICT: Wakefield
OS GRID REF. SE 314 204 OS 1:50,000 Landranger 104 Leeds and Bradford OS 1:25,000 Explorer 289 Leeds BGS 1:50,000 Sheet 78 Wakefield
FIRST DESIGNATED by West Yorkshire RIGS Group in 1997
DATE OF MOST RECENT SURVEY February 2009 by West Yorkshire Geology Trust
DESIGNATION SHEET UPDATED August 2009

SITE DESCRIPTION: On the far side of the recreation ground is a 50m exposure, where a 5m high face contains shales, silt, sandstones and a thin coal seam. This is best seen at the eastern end of the site, where it is possible to climb a steep slippery slope to reach the horizontally bedded shale layers. The top of the face has a layer of yellow and grey clay, some of which has slid down the slope, making access difficult. The recreation field has plenty of space for large groups to look at the rocks from a distance.

HISTORICAL ASSOCIATIONS: This was known as Westgate Brickpit.

EDUCATIONAL VALUE: The site could be developed to demonstrate coal seam sedimentation. The level area adjacent to the exposure would enable the site to be used by students of all abilities.

AESTHETIC CHARACTERISTICS:

ACCESS AND SAFETY: There is parking at the lay-by on Flanshaw Road off Dewsbury Road or in the supermarket car park. Access is from the recreation ground adjacent to the site. It is possible to reach the rocks, but only by climbing a steep clay slope, so the site would need better access if it were to be used for teaching. Another part of the face has been used by children on a tree swing, so the exposures are not clear, though there is easy access to the face. The site is wheelchair accessible, across the playing fields. The face is safe.