Sunday, 20 July 2008
Sandall Beat Wood was planted in the early years of the last century on open land, and a patchwork of heath, fen, and rough pasture. This afforestation was part of a national campaign during the Napolionic Wars, to provide timber for ship building. In 1809 Doncaster Town Council ordered 'Slater the Woodman' to buy many thousands of tree seedlings - a mixture of Larch, Oak, Ash, Beech, Sweet Chestnut, Scots Pine, Lime and Elm. To prepare the land for planting, drainage channels were dug in criss-cross fashion - 365 in all. Planting began in 1810 and continued during 1811 and 1812.
The young trees flourished, and by the end of the century both fen and heath were gradually disappearing. Now only a small area of fen still remains on the eastern edge of the wood, and the open heath has more or less vanished.
As older, neighbouring woodlands were cleared, Sandall Beat Wood became an important refuge for many forest creatures. By 1966 Doncaster Council recognized this and the Beat was designated a Local Nature Reserve because of its rich and varied wildlife. In 1984 further special protection was give when the Nature Conservancy Council, now Natural England, classified the area as a Site of Special Interest (SSSI) because of the woods rare insects.
The Beat lies close to the heart of Doncaster. This together with its network of rides and footpaths, makes it a favourite place for townspeople to walk their dogs, go riding, picnic in summer, or simply explore the changing woodland.
N.B Covill's Trail, provides a hard level surface which is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
