Silverdale has long industrial past. Once mined for iron ore, coal, and gas from the late 18th century until the colliery’s closure in 1998, the land was later remediated through the National Coalfields Programme.
The park features two distinct areas: the Waste Farm Plateau, an open grassland with wildflowers, natural grasses, and young trees, and the Void, a dramatic steep-sided bowl with a striking pool at its base. The Void’s shallow wetlands attract a wide variety of wildlife, including lapwings, plovers, wildfowl, dragonflies, and amphibians, and was designated a Site of Biological Importance (SBI) in 2015 for its valuable habitats.
Today, Silverdale offers a peaceful landscape for walking, wildlife watching, and reconnecting with nature in a former industrial setting.
90.57
Open access
There are no designated parking spaces
15 minutes walk from Kents Lane Bus Stop
There are disabled access kissing gates with RADAR keys installed on all entrances, except 2, which have metal pinch points to allow user access for mobility scooters and push chairs. Benches can be found across the site
There are no toilets available on site
There is no cafe on site
Picnics are welcome on site but please do take all rubbish home with you. No BBQs please
There is no children's play area on site
The site features a range of footpaths for public use, the site features an 8‑mile network of formal and informal footpath which are a mix of loose gravel and grass. A 2.38-mile permissive horse-riding route runs from High Lane around the eastern and southern edges of the site, connecting to Waste Farm beside the Enterprise Park. Wooden horse-box stiles are located at the High Lane and Scot Hay Pull In entrances. The Newcastle Way public right of way enters from Scot Hay Road, follows the Furnace Pool boundary and continues north along Waste Farm before exiting at High Lan
Responsible cycling is permitted on site, please be considerate of pedestrians. There are no facilities to store or lock bikes
Well-controlled dogs welcome, please ensure your dog has good recall before allowing off-lead. Dogs must be on lead near water bodies to protect wildlife. There are bins available on site for dog waste
Silverdale Country Park is a unique and peaceful landscape where nature has transformed a former mining site into a place full of beauty and wildlife. Visitors can explore The Void, a dramatic, steep-sided bowl with a lake and wetlands that attract birds, dragonflies and amphibians, or wander across the Waste Farm plateau, an open area of grassland filled with wildflowers and young trees. Scenic lakes, woodland edges and elevated viewpoints offer sweeping views across the surrounding countryside, making it a great spot for walking, cycling and relaxing outdoors. With well-maintained paths, plenty of wildlife to discover and a fascinating industrial history brought to life through onsite information, the park is an ideal place to enjoy nature, fresh air and a sense of calm.
Silverdale,
Newcastle under Lyme,
Staffordshire,
ST5 6SR
Silverdale Country Park has a long and fascinating industrial history, with mining activity in the area dating back to the late 18th century. Coal and ironstone extraction expanded throughout the 19th century, providing jobs for hundreds of local people and supporting nearby industries. The colliery remained an important part of the community until its closure in 1998. After several years of dereliction, the site was carefully restored and transformed through a phased programme of redevelopment. Key areas, including Waste Farm and High Lane Void, were reshaped and returned to nature, while other parts of the former pithead were redeveloped for housing, community facilities and business use. Between 2010 and 2012, ownership of much of the restored parkland was transferred to The Land Trust, and in 2011 Groundwork West Midlands was appointed to manage the site. Since opening as a country park, Silverdale has continued to evolve, with new habitats, community spaces and facilities helping to create the vibrant, welcoming green space enjoyed by visitors today.
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
Britain in Bloom – Gold Award (Parks Category)
Green Flag Award
Land Trust Awards – Ranger of the Year
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
