£100,000 historic woodland sale sparks fresh community fears

Menagerie Wood, which overlooks the road linking Bawtry to Tickhill, is up for sale for £100,000.

In 2022, the mature broadleaf woodland, featuring beech, oak, lime and silver birch species, was fenced off to locals.

But hardy dog-walkers and countryside lovers still managed to access the site, en route to agricultural fields separating Bawtry from Harworth.

Around that time, a resident applied to Doncaster Council, asking them to add a public footpath through the wood and on to the 'definitive rights-of-way map.'

He succeeded and the order was confirmed in 2024 by Doncaster Council.

Proposals to introduce specialist facilities for children were also discussed for the site, but that fizzled out amid concern about traffic and parking around the Park Road and Westwood Road.

Now the current owners, who run Bawtry Hall and the Crown Hotel, have put it on the market again.

Property consultants Barnsdales describe the five acres as "potential strategic land" - a term which can refer to an area that does not currently have planning permission for development...but holds significant potential to be developed in the future, typically five to 15 years or more.

Barnsdales states the 2.15 hectares "could be suitable for a variety of uses (subject to planning)."

Their website says the wood: "Offers a rare opportunity to acquire approximately 5.31 acres of established woodland situated off Westwood Road, on the edge of the sought-after market town of Bawtry, South Yorkshire.

"The woodland is positioned adjacent to residential areas and farmland, with direct road frontage to both Tickhill Road (A631) and Westwood Road.

"The land is outlined by mature trees, providing an attractive natural setting that offers both amenity and potential."

Residents point out some trees on the site are covered by Tree Preservation Orders.

One Park Road neighbour said: "This area has a rich history - in the 18th century it formed part of the historic estate and parkland of Bawtry Hall.

"It was commandeered by the RAF during World War Two. The RAF built huts and storage units there, using the tree cover to help conceal them from any enemy aircraft.

"The concrete bases from these structures survive to this day. As do some of the razor wires, a reminder of those times.

"It was protected in the 1940s and we want it protected in 2026 and going forward."

Another resident added: "Many people stroll through Menagerie Wood every day, and it is a lovely way to access the winder countryside.

"It is an obvious benefit to the community. I can see how the wood's position between housing and farmland makes it attractive for investors.

"But from a community point of view, we have had uncertainty about this wood before and everyone around here hopes that won't be the same situation again."