Plans for the new Woodland Discovery Centre (above) have been underway since 2008
A lush ancient South Yorkshire wood which attracts more than 300,000 visitors a year will earn a new Woodland Discovery Centre after Sheffield City Council announced building work on the £350,000 timber building will begin this month.
Ecclesall Woods Sawmill will host new visitor, education and training spaces for schools, businesses and families at the Centre, improving the "very limited" facilities in a plan agreed in 2008.
"Following extensive consultation in 2008 and discussions with various organisations over a longer period of time, we received strong feedback that this centre is what people really wanted to enhance their enjoyment of the Woods," said Councillor Shaffaq Mohammed, Cabinet member for Climate Change and Local Environment.
"We are very proud of our parks, woodlands and countryside in the city and this facility will help everyone get the full benefit from visiting the area."
A public consultation showed strong support for the proposed building
A new Education and Interpretation Officer will lead the learning programme.
The JG Graves Trust – named after Alderman Graves, the former Lord Mayor who saved the Woods from housing development when he bought them for the people of Sheffield in 1928 – has provided £250,000 in funding for the scheme.
A range of community groups already use the Woods, which also houses an artists’ gallery, award-winning composting toilets and sustainable energy projects.
The building is expected to open in autumn 2010.
Photos: sheffield.gov.uk
