Two South Yorkshire Woodland Partnership projects nominated for prestigious John Boddy Award!

Two schemes supported by South Yorkshire Woodland Partnership are shortlisted in the search for the best new community woodland in Yorkshire – the John Boddy Award. They are Crossfield Lane, Skellow, Doncaster and Queen Elizabeth II Community Woodland, Dinnington, Rotherham. 

Together, they make up half of the shortlist of the John Boddy Award 2023 nominees. The award is for new community woodlands which are well designed, follow best practice and demonstrate significant community engagement.

Doncaster Rainbows, Brownies and Guides attended the Community Planting Day on 25th March 2023. They planted 51 trees (and conducted a litter pick after too) at Crossfield Lane, Skellow, Doncaster.
Doncaster Rainbows, Brownies and Guides attended the Community Planting Day on 25th March 2023. They planted 51 trees (and conducted a litter pick after too) at Crossfield Lane, Skellow, Doncaster.
Staff at Synetiq attended a corporate planting day at the Skellow site on 23rd March 2023, where 60 trees were planted by 10 members of staff.
Staff at Synetiq take part in a corporate planting day at the Skellow site on 23rd March 2023, planting 60 trees

The Forestry Commission visited the shortlisted schemes with local authority officers and South Yorkshire Woodland Partnership Programme Manager Matt North on 16 June to judge the winning woodland.

A child enjoying the community planting event on 25 February 2023 at Queen Elizabeth II Community Woodland in Dinnington, Rotherham
© Dinnington Community woodland 2

“It’s been really exciting helping these projects with the technical work needed to create woodlands that benefit people and wildlife. 

The commitment of Rotherham and Doncaster Council officers in working with such a wide range of local people in planting and caring for these woods has been equally as important. It’s been a real partnership effort.

Good luck to both of the sites – either would be