Doncaster Council

Roots...

Lying within the Parish of Cantley with Branton, about 8 kilometres south-east of Doncaster town centre, Black Carr Plantation has only a brief history. This 20 hectare woodland was largely created by Childers Walbanke Childers two hundred years ago as part of a 7000 acre estate, including Cantley Hall and village. A chain of mixed woodlands was planted to beautify the landscape, to provide timber for the estate, and so that gentleman could enjoy the fashionable pastime of shooting wildlife.

...and Shoots

Gamekeepers ensured a plentiful supply of birds and animals for the guns of the gentry. Work was also offered to local men and boys as 'beaters' for shooting parties and as 'watchers'. At night watchers guarded the woodlands to protect valuable game birds against poachers - possibly neighbours taking birds or rabbits for the family table. Tragedy struck in 1840 when a local man lost his life to a poacher while 'watching' in nearby Crow Pool Plantation.

Branching out

In recent decades the Plantation has changed hands several times. It was sold by the Fitzwilliam family to Oates Brothers Timber Merchants in July 1950, and then to the Forestry Commission in January 1953. Its early purpose of providing a gentleman's private woodland was eroded then, overtaken by modern management for commercial timber production. Public access was still forbidden, however.

Further change was introduced in February 1994 when Doncaster Council bought the site allowing people into the Plantation for the first time. Under Council ownership the woodland will be managed for broader purposes. Timber production will remain a consideration, but care will be taken to make improvements which will also conserve wildlife and ensure the woodlands survival as a place for people to enjoy.

A seed in time

Through the Council's forestry strategy, Black Carr Plantation and all other Council-owned woodlands will be managed positively and responsibly, reflecting the importance of these special places in the hearts and lives of local people.

The Ghost of Wailing Wood

Earlier this century the Plantation was known in the area as Wailing Wood. The name is linked with a tale still told by local people of a carriage which overturned in fog on Warning Tongue Lane many years ago. Several travellers were killed. One of the dead - a woman - is said to haunt the woodland on foggy nights, even to this day.

How to get there

For directions to this woodland please ring the number at the top of this page.

By Bus:
Telephone Travel South Yorkshire on 01709 515151 for full details of all bus services.

If you require further information about countryside activities, then please email us at countryside.interpretation@doncaster.gov.uk