Valley park

Information on Valley Park

History of Valley Park

The land on which the Valley Park sits today was used for agriculture and was known as "New Moor Farm" or “Moorhouse Farm.” It first appeared on Lieutenant Andrew Armstrong & Son's Map of the County of Northumberland dated 1769.

The land was later owned by Cramlington Coal Company before combining with Seaton Delaval Coal Company in 1929 to form Hartley Main Collieries and became locally known as Galls's Farm.
As was usual with colliery owners they would appoint 'stewards' to oversee agricultural use of the land – thus making money from under and over the land they owned.
  
Land steward – Jack Gall (around WW1)

Moor Fam 1948 (now Valley Park)

The land has changed over the years with semi-natural woodlands and an array of wildflowers which support butterflies and other insects.  The site is now managed by Northumberland County Council, supported by volunteers from Friends of Valley Park who have helped enhance the park's biodiversity with additional tree planting and wildflower plug planting.

Valley Park 2022

Habitat management

Habitat management is an important feature within Valley Park, which now supports many wildlife parks such Roe Deer, along with variety of birds and mammals.

In 2023 a network of new accessible paths were installed and nature ponds re-established along with a viewing platform.

Pond and view platform

The improvements come after residents approached Northumberland County Council with ideas on how to celebrate the reign of Queen Elizabeth 11, following her death in September 2022.

If you would like to get actively involved in looking after Valley Park,  why not check out the Friends of Valley Park webpages.