Edlington Pit Wood – Latest updates from Doncaster Future Parks

Edlington Pit Wood is one of several parks and green spaces across Doncaster which was selected to receive investment to make improvements to the site. These sites are known as 'Doncaster Future Parks'. The aim is to encourage more people to enjoy visiting these places, and more often.

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 here:

Edlington Pit Wood | Get Doncaster Moving

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 attachments below to view some of the sketched designs.

This investment has been made possible due to funding received by Doncaster Council from Sport England, as part of the Get Doncaster Moving/Doncaster Future Parks programme. If you would like to know more about Doncaster Future Parks, please visit:

Future Parks | Get Doncaster Moving

*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.