Heath Common

Located 1.5 miles east of Wakefield the village of Heath lies within the registered Common, a large grassland with areas of scrub, and is a conservation area of historic and architectural importance. The Trans Pennine Trail runs along the western edge of the Common.

The Common has been open land for hundreds of years, with enclosure fought against by people including the local naturalist Charles Waterton. It gained registered common status in the late 19th century. Five major houses now stand within the village including the Grade 1 listed Heath Hall. Some of the houses date from the 17th century.

The Pinfold which was restored in 2005 and is located close to the car park, was a place where stray livestock such as sheep would be impounded until they were claimed by their owners, or sold to cover the cost of impounding. The Whittling Well is a Georgian stone arch which was built as a watering point for animals as well as serving as a pumping point for fresh water - in extremely wet weather, the reservoir still fills.

Horses are grazed on the Common and are tethered due to the non-fencing of the Common. The scrub areas of gorse provide shelter and nesting sites for birds.

The two ponds offer homes to frogs, toads and smooth newts. Look out for predators such as kestrels and sparrow hawks above your heads.