Welcome to Hatfield Chase

Hatfield Chase is a large area of low-lying land in South Yorkshire, England. It is situated between the River Don and the River Trent and covers an area of approximately 50 square miles. The land is mostly flat and is used for agriculture, with fields of crops and grazing land for livestock. The area is also home to a number of small villages and hamlets, including Hatfield, Thorne, and Fishlake.

The history of Hatfield Chase is closely linked to the drainage of the area. In the 12th century, the monks of St. Oswald's Priory in Nostell began to drain the land, creating a network of ditches and canals to control the water levels. Over the centuries, the drainage system was improved and expanded, and by the 18th century, the area was one of the most productive agricultural regions in the country. Today, the drainage system is still in use, and the area is an important source of food for the region.

Despite its importance as an agricultural area, Hatfield Chase is also home to a number of important wildlife habitats. The area is home to a variety of bird species, including wading birds such as lapwings and curlews, as well as raptors such as kestrels and buzzards. The wetland areas of the Chase are also home to a variety of amphibians and reptiles, including frogs, toads, and grass snakes. The area is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and efforts are being made to preserve and enhance the wildlife habitats in the area.