FRIENDS of the Crags hit a milestone this week – when the first of the ‘Totem Pole’ way markers was inaugurated, in a civic ceremony involving Friends founders and members and Doncaster Council dignitaries.
Civic Mayor, Coun Ian Pearson, led the ceremony to insititute the first pole, close to the ancient Bell Pits.
Over the coming weeks, more poles – which bear direction arrows on their sides – will be erected across the Conisbrough and Denaby Crags site.
The poles will also form a unique audio trail, as each one will be accompanied by a QR code poster. Scanning these codes on your mobile will access free audio recordings made by local people – each telling a story or personal reflection relevant to the area.
The recordings were scripted by the Friends of the Crags with the support of the City of Doncaster Council.
Crags founder and historian Neal Fitzgerald recorded the audio narrations – and indeed the poles themselves were carved by more Crags volunteers, Tony Guest and Leon Clemitshaw.
At the inauguration of the first post, Coun Pearson said: “We know that parks and green spaces are really important to people in Doncaster and that being outside and around nature does wonders for people’s health and wellbeing. We want to make sure that Doncaster’s parks and green spaces are welcoming, attractive and provide the best opportunities for residents and communities to enjoy them.
“The Crags is a special place and I welcome the work to improve accessibility of the site and the opportunity to promote its rich heritage. The audio trail is an excellent addition to the Crags and I look forward to its completion in the near future.”
Tony Sellars, Chair of Friends of the Crags, added: “We’re delighted to see the investments being made at the Crags to help secure its future as a unique and historic place within Doncaster. The Friends of the Crags were pleased to share their memories and knowledge of the Crags through the audio recordings and we hope that visitors will enjoy them when they visit”.
The Friends group was set up nearly four years ago – and it has been instrumental, not only in keeping the area clean and crime-free, but also in directing Doncaster Council’s focus on teh area as a green leisure space.
As a result of the Friends’ efforts, the council’s Doncaster Future Parks initiative – to improve parks and open spaces across the new city – has focussed on the Crags, as well as other parks across the borough.
Alongside the audio trail, the council has pledged to improve footpaths, signage, way marking and seating – to celebrate and preserve the area for generations to come.