Langold Country Park: the lake, a mining past and bats
Seven species of bat have been recorded at Langold Country Park, making it one of the county's more important sites for bats. The park lies in the Bassetlaw district of Nottinghamshire and is managed by Bassetlaw District Council. At first glance, it looks like an ordinary recreation ground beside a lake, but its history dates back to the 18th century and is closely tied to a local colliery. Both Langold Lake and the park's mining past are worth exploring. What can you see by the water, what legend do local people tell, and what should you know before visiting?
Where does the landscape around Langold Lake come from?
The grounds owe their layout to Ralph Knight of Langold Hall, who designed the landscape around the lake in the 1750s. He intended to build a mansion here, but died in 1768, when work had barely begun.
Today, the lake is the park's main attraction, with most walking routes centred on it. An unusual detail from its past is the old administrative boundary. Before 1992, the eastern half of the main lake lay in Nottinghamshire and the western half in Rotherham. The boundary ran straight through the water.
How did the miners shape the park?
The village of Langold was built between 1923 and 1927 for the miners of Firbeck Colliery. In July 1927, the Firbeck Colliery Company bought the park for its miners to enjoy, mainly as a place to fish. It provided a natural recreation ground for the new settlement and served its residents from the outset.
The park developed over time, with the addition of a children's paddling pool (lido) and a bandstand. In 1929, the first Langold Gala is said to have attracted about 10,000 visitors, an impressive turnout for a settlement built only a few years earlier. Some facilities later changed: the lido was removed in 2013, and new play areas followed in 2014. The park's mining past remains visible in its colliery spoil tip, which stands 81 metres high. It is a reminder of the industry that shaped this landscape.
Bats at Langold Country Park: who lives here?
The park is particularly important for its bats. Seven species have been recorded here: the noctule, brown long-eared bat, Daubenton's bat, Natterer's bat, whiskered bat, common pipistrelle and soprano pipistrelle.
These species hunt in different ways. Myotis bats, particularly Daubenton's bat, catch insects low over the water, making the lake a natural feeding ground. The noctule usually flies higher above the land, while pipistrelles tend to hunt along banks and the edges of trees.
It is worth staying by the lake until dusk, as bats become active after sunset. Stand quietly near the water, avoid pointing torches at the sky and keep your voice down. Ask the park's managers for more information about watching bats.
The Green Lady Trail: a legend by the water
The Green Lady Trail takes its name from a local legend about a Green Lady said to appear near the lake. It is only a story, but such tales help give a place its character. We think the name offers a good excuse to explore the park and see the water at different times of day. The trail adds a local story to the park's landscape and wildlife.
A lakeside walk also offers a view of the spoil tip, a reminder of the area's industrial past. The water on one side and the remains of the colliery that gave rise to the village on the other create a contrast that helps make the park distinctive.
What to know before you visit
Langold Country Park is popular for picnics and walks, but there are some practical points to bear in mind. There is no cafe, and there are no toilets by the lake, so bring food and drink. If you are planning a longer visit with children, allow for the lack of toilets by choosing a shorter walk or taking a break away from the park. Bassetlaw designates the fishing areas, so check these before setting out if you plan to fish.
The Bassetlaw District Council website is the best place to check these details. Access times, charges and park rules can change, so we recommend reading the park managers' latest notices before each visit.
Summary
Langold Country Park brings together an 18th-century designed landscape, the history of a mining village and seven species of bat. The lake, the Green Lady Trail and the 81-metre spoil tip offer plenty of reasons to spend a quiet day here. Come and explore, but before setting off, check the latest information on the Bassetlaw District Council website and pack a picnic.