Washingwell Woods & Watergate Forest Park


Watergate Forest Park

Watergate Forest Park is located on the site of the former Watergate Colliery. Following reclamation work in the 1990s the site has been transformed and now provides a haven for wildlife and a great recreational site for visitors. A series of trails and paths take you through woodland, around the lake and through wildflower meadows.

Washingwell Woods

Washingwell Woods adjoins the park and is ancient semi-natural woodland. It is mainly a coniferous woodland that once provided pit prop trees for the colliery. It is often referred to as the Bluebell Wood due to the large number of bluebells blooming in the Spring. There are numerous footpaths winding through the woods, connecting with the Park and other countryside sites nearby including Bucks Hill which is a small area of plantation woodland, which lies close to Washingwell Wood.



If you are interested in volunteering and helping look after the park, or would like further information contact Watergate Forest Park on 0191 433 5787 or Thornley Woodlands Centre on 01207 545212 or email countryside@gateshead.gov.uk. Visit Thornley Woodlands Centre for more detailed site information including up to date news on the Red Kites in this area.

Great North Forest

North East Community Forests aim to improve quality of life and health for local people by ensuring that there is attractive access to woodlands and green spaces close to urban areas. Watergate Forest Park has been designated as a 'Gateway Site'. A Gateway Site is a site that introduces people to the countryside in an accessible, safe and comprehensive environment from which they can explore further afield through circular routes, trails and the wider rights of way system.