Hetton Park lies in an attractive wooded valley next to Hetton-le-Hole, town centre.  It was established in 1926 under the Miners Welfare Scheme, for the enjoyment of miners and their families.  Its upkeep was originally funded by a levy upon those working at Eppleton Colliery.  It is now owned by the City of Sunderland Council and managed for recreation and wildlife as part of the Local Nature Reserve.  It has a variety of mature trees such as sycamore, ash and oak, which provide habitat for birds and bats.  In spring the ground flora includes lesser celandine and wood anemone.

The Park also has a bowling green, tennis courts and a children's play area.

An invasive weed know as Himalayan balsam is colonising the banks of the park and the bogs, which in turn is out competing our native British plants.  The Countryside Team and Environmental Services are taking steps to control the weed as part of an overall Weed Strategy for the City

The Bogs are named after an area of willow carr.  The willow carr is a wetland dominated by willow trees.  Indeed it is a mix of Sunderland's finest habitats including wildflower meadows, semi-natural ancient woodland (Hetton Houses Wood) and the old mill pond.

The wildflower meadows are at their best during May and June.  Flowers present include common spotted orchid, water avens, cuckoo flower, meadowsweet and lady bedstraw.

The mill pond is located next to the site of an old mill that was milling locally produced grain until the early 1900's.  The pond is important for wildlife in particular dragonflies, butterflies and amphibians.

The LNR can be accessed from Hetton-le-Hole town centre, via the entrance opposite Hetton Centre NZ351477 and via Broomhill Terrace off Houghton Road NZ349485.  There is also an entrance north, off North Road NZ341486.  Car parking is limited.  Local buses go through Houghton Road.

Detailed leaflets are available on Hetton Bogs LNR and water voles.  For a copy please contact the Community Wildspace Officer

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