Barnsley, Rotherham and Sheffield

A piece of ancient woodland in South Yorkshire could be regarded as being precious as a cathedral, beautiful, full of wildlife treasures and certainly irreplaceable. The 34 ancient woodlands that have been restored under this ambitious and innovative HLF-funded project (plus a woodland acquisition grant) lie at the heart of the South Yorkshire Coalfield area. These woods produced that charcoal that fuelled one of the very earliest iron industries in Britain before the 17th century.

These woodlands have existed for hundreds of years and have a wealth of wildlife and cultural heritage that will excite any visitor. Many of them lie within towns and cities and are extremely valuable wildlife refuges. They form an accessible part of the local open space network in South Yorkshire.

However, just like some of our historic buildings, these cornerstones of our natural heritage have suffered from years of decay, neglect and abuse. This project has generated new life and vigour in them.

Some trees have been coppiced, dark areas where no woodland regrowth was taking place have been opened up, and both saplings and wildflowers beneath are now flourishing with the extra sunlight. Paths and entrances have been improved, making it much easier for people to enjoy the countryside experience on offer – particularly people with disabilities and school children.

A significant amount of the grant has been spent on providing educational staff, videos, education packs, events, a website and environmental art, to bring these woodlands alive to visitors.

The local councils have carried out the work over a five-year period with support and co-ordination from the South Yorkshire Forest Team.