Edlington Pit Wood
The local community around Edlington Pit Wood contributed to the development of the improvement plans, through surveys and conversations. Views were gathered to understand what improvements people would like to see made (such as footpaths, signage and notice boards), and what activities people might like to see taking place there (such as community events).
Edlington's Community Connector, Georgia* supported this work, regularly getting out into the community and gathering the views of local people, to ensure that they had an opportunity to shape the plans for the Pit Wood. Over 360 responded to the survey, and you can find a summary of the survey results below.
Some of the changes people said they wanted to see were more seating and picnic areas, and walking trails. Taking this feedback on board, local artist Lewis Morgan, supported by Georgia, worked with local primary school children to get their ideas on what these could look like. The school children took inspiration from the local area, both the historical buildings and landscape of Edlington as well as information on the plants and animals present at the Pit Wood, from this they drew pictures and ideas of what this seating areas could look like, and in August-September last year, an exhibition of the children's artwork took place at Edlington Community Centre.
During this time, the local community visited the exhibition and voted for which designs they liked the most. This was a difficult task as the school children had produced so much incredible artwork, taking inspiration from Edlington's historical buildings, and wildlife that can be found at the Pit Wood.
The most voted for artworks were then taken forward by Lewis, to be developed into designs for benches, way markers and sculptures (to highlight walking trails on the site). These designs will be carved in oak and installed at Edlington Pit Wood in 2024. Please see the links below to view some of the sketched designs.
*The Community Connector for Edlington has since changed, with Helen taking up the role. In her new role as Well Doncaster Officer, Georgia has continued to support the project and engagement with local residents.
Engagement is continuing with local residents and with the Friends of Edlington Pit Wood Group. If you would like to get involved with volunteering opportunities with the Friends of Group, you can find out more on their Facebook page: The Edlington Pit Wood Group
Edlington Pit Wood engagement summary (PDF, 1.1 Mb)
View the headline results of Edlington Pit Wood engagement survey (February 2023) in this summary document.
Way Marker Sketch (PNG, 795 Kb, 2000x1414)
Seating Area Sketch #1 (PNG, 638 Kb, 2000x1414)
Seating Area Sketch #2 (PNG, 928 Kb, 2000x1414)