Enjoy Shaw Wood

eMail: countryside.interpretation@doncaster.gov.uk | Telephone: 01302 300798
Address: Sandall Beat Community Environment Centre, Sandall Beat Wood, Off Leger Way, Doncaster, DN2 5QB.

Emerging from the past

Shaw Wood...Bluebell Wood...Basil Wood...All are familiar names for a 28 hectare broad-leaved woodland northwest of Armthorpe village. Officially known as Shaw Wood, it is made up of three adjoining areas. The oldest part of the woodland is Armthorpe Shaw which was recorded as a wooded site over seven centuries ago. Streetthorpe Shaw was added in the late eighteenth century when the manor of Armthorpe belonged to the neighbouring Streetthorpe estate, now Edenthorpe. The youngest of the woodland trio is Corporation Shaw planted around a hundred years ago.

Time to act

Today Shaw Wood is suffering from decades of neglect. Such a small woodland cannot stay rich and healthy without help, as larger areas can. If too many trees mature together saplings have little chance to thrive. Where bracken invades and dominates, woodland flowers and shrubs are crowded out. Competition for light and nutrients between young, closely spaced trees results in poor growth. Fewer species of plants means less chance for many creatures to find food and shelter. Left alone, Shaw Wood will decline and degenerate more and more rapidly.

Seeds of success

Doncaster Council bought Shaw Wood in November 1985 to ensure its survival as a valuable site for wildlife and for people to enjoy. The Council is now managing the woodland with the enthusiastic support of the local community. The shared aim is to achieve a sustainable balance of young and mature trees, a broad mix of plants and wildlife, dense shady areas and open rides and glades.

Footpaths, water courses and boundary hedges will be improved and maintained. Natural regeneration will be supported with careful planting, and some coppicing will be introduced.

In these and other ways a small but very special place will be preserved for future generations of people and wildlife.

Status of the Wood

Shaw Wood is protected by a Tree Preservation Order and is designated a Site of Scientific Interest. It is also listed on English Natures Register of Semi-Natural Ancient Woodland Sites and their Invertebrate Register.