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Localities and Habitats in the Sheffield Area - Wentworth Lakes

Wentworth Estate looking across Greasbrough Dam towards the mausoleum.

Photograph Copyright © Dean Stables

The area known colloquially as Wentworth Lakes is in fact the Wentworth Estate, which is situated between the villages of Wentworth, Scholes / Thorpe Hesley and Greasbrough, just north of Sheffield and Rotherham. The large private stately home that was once the residence of the Earl Fitzwilliam is known as Wentworth Woodhouse. There is pedestrian access only, by a number of footpaths which cut across the estate from all sides. It is a large area of mixed habitat, which includes parkland, agricultural land and quite a number of mature woods and copses, many of which are private and keepered.

The main emphasis of the estate from a birders point of view are the three decent sized lakes; Morley Pond at the western end, Dog Kennel Pond and Greasbrough Dam at the east. Compared to many of the other local waters, these lakes do not seem to hold as much wildfowl and this may be down to the fairly continual disturbance of game and duck shoots. Nevertheless the estate has produced several scarce birds over the years, and no doubt would continue to do so for anyone willing to put a little time and effort into watching the site. 

Greasbrough Dam, Wentworth Estate

Photograph Copyright © Dean Stables

Some of the more common and regular species include: Great Crested Grebe, Grey Heron, Little Owl, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Kingfisher, Nuthatch and large numbers of Woodpigeon and Jackdaws, all of which also breed here. Lesser spotted Woodpeckers are present throughout the year but can be quite elusive. In the spring and summer months the estate attracts large numbers of hirundines and warblers notably Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Willow Warblers and there is also a Heronry here. Common Terns are also a regular visitor to the lakes at this time of year. During the winter, large numbers of both Redwing and Fieldfare can be found feeding in the many fields on the estate. Cormorants are now regular here in winter and it is possible that this species roosts here, as large numbers have been reported at first light - by fishermen.

Dog Kennel Pond, Wentworth Estate

Photograph Copyright © Dean Stable

Although no national rarities have been found here [yet], the site has produced several locally scarce birds in the past: Red-necked Grebe, Eider, Long-tailed Duck, Smew, Golden Oriole and Great Grey Shrike; and Common Buzzard has become a regular sight in recent times. Of interest, a total of 94 species were counted during 2003, including one escapee [D.Stables].

Wentworth Estate, autumn 2002

Photograph Copyright © Dean Stables

The accompanying photographs were taken by Dean Stables. Text last updated 30th December 2003.

Take a look at some regular site data from Wentworth.

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